Ann Arbor Women Artists Summer Show

After entering three pieces in the AAWA Summer Show, I just learned that all three were accepted! The show will be held at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan beginning June 30 and ending July 30, 2011. An Artists Reception will be held 0n Sunday, July 9th from 5-7pm. A talk will be given by the jurist and awards will be presented.

The first two entries above are altered books. "Waken But To Weep" is about regrets. The second piece, "Periodic Imbalance" addresses the necessity that we need balance between the "natural" and "man made."

The third piece, entitled "Mute Zephyr," is inspired by the poem "The Angels" by Rainer Maria Rilke.

Ann Arbor Women Artist Spring Show Entry

"After the Fire" is one of the pieces I have entered. It is a mixed media piece created within base a discarded cigar box. It is the story of a young boy who experienced the loss of all but one of his toys in a fire that destroyed his family home. He is longing for the single toy, a stuffed rabbit, which is out of his reach.

WCA Balance: An Artist's Collaborative Game

The three photos above are of the final piece created. I have played off the idea that as our personal life history evolves, so does that of the earth. And so, while humans travel through their lives, each one must consider the impact they have on the natural world. This altered book is titled "Create Artificial Balance."
This is the second piece I created in the "game." Playing off the color orange and the concept of "being carried" from my partner. Titled " The Love Song of the Mosquito."

WCA Balance: An Artist's Collaborative Game

This is my first (of 3 pieces) created for the WCA-Michigan Chapter Artists' Collaboration based on the theme of "Balance". Each pair of artists creates a series of works with the process of collaboration recorded through "call and response exchanges". This will result in a final work by each participating artist.
A "traveling" exhibit is to be presented at 3 different galleries throughout the state of Michigan. The first incarnation of the exhibit will be hosted by The Gallery in the Duderstadt Center at the University of Michigan, opening May 7 and closing May 31, 2010.
My theme for "Balance" in this altered book piece is Natural-Man Made. Highlighting the idea that it is necessary for humans to balance these elements to live in harmony with the earth.

valentine love

Altered tins with "loving" themes for this Valentine month.

Michigan Chapter - Women's Caucus for Art

Reliquary: Maria's Key to Home -- representation of the journey of my Italian grandmother (nonna) who travelled across the Atlantic, alone, to connect with her future husband in the United States. Eventually, finding the "key" to her home.


Home Land -- the traditional image of a "home," with references to comfort, roots, continuity, the sense of security, feeding our souls and a chance to rest. Bubble wrap and "houses to rent" ads suggest the ever present change that will come.

These are two of the three pieces that were accepted by the jury for the "Home: Loving it, Losing It, Leaving" Exhibition sponsored by the Michigan Chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art. The WCA is a national arts organization whose mission is to support women in the visual arts professions. WCA has focused attention on the contributions of women and people of color throughout the history of art. WCA has affiliates in over 40 states. Being juried into this show is a great honor for me--and all three pieces! The third piece that was accepted is "Dumpster Reclamation" which appears in a previous blog.

This show asked the questions,"What does it mean to families, children women and men to lose their physical surroundings? Home is often considered the "woman's domain." What does it feel like to lose that center of control? Is there freedom in leaving everything behind?"

This exhibit is hosted by The Gallery in the Duderstadt Center on the North Campus at the University of Michigan. For more information about the gallery, etc. go to: www.dc.umich.edu.

The opening reception will be May 8, 2009 (6 - 8 pm).

bamboo domino designs

Collage necklaces made out of bamboo domino blanks that were salvaged from place mats found in a junk shop. Additional beads were added and waxed cotton was used as the "string".