Speaking For My Self: Solo Exhibit In Real Life
Exciting news for the New Year: Tim Musso, artist and gallery director, is curating my first post-grad solo exhibit, and you are invited!
Speaking for My Self features work made for my graduate thesis exhibit in 2020. This work inhabited a physical gallery for a single day when it was photographed and video recorded. The photos became my first virtual exhibit and they still live on-line.
However, since that one day in a deserted gallery the work has been in hiding—under the spare bed, in the guest closet and boxed up in our garage. Not any artist's dream. And honestly art in hiding is just plain sad.
Shared Sadness
On the Fourth of July 2022 I shared my sadness out loud. My friend Kevin asked about my art when we were chatting over paper plates of food in a house abuzz with energetic children and friendly adults. When I told him of my sadness over never having an in-real-life exhibit of my work, Kevin empathized. This is a beautiful gift. It is enough.
And then Kevin voiced a spontaneous (brilliant!) idea. What about showing the work in a non-traditional space? What about his new workplace? Kevin was quick to say he had no influence over such things, but why not give it a try? Clearly, he understood that art is made to be seen and shared. I felt perceived. The next day he sent me the name and contact information for the person who could open the way. Several months, emails, and planning sessions later and here we are!
Dream Come True
I am tickled all shades of pink, clucking with joy, and dancing with delight to have six out of eight pieces installed in the Rotunda of the Zapara School of Business at La Sierra University.
Viewer freedom to move close, or step back and then around a piece is the most satisfying and engaging way to experience the art. The exhibit is free. All are welcome.
Is the work for sale? Yes, I dream of someone purchasing a piece and donating it to the Riverside Art Museum for the permanent collection. Just as satisfying as this daydream is my heartfelt desire that art lovers and the culturally curious alike viewing the work, and responding to it by asking questions and having conversations.
This is the dream come true. Art is made to be seen and shared in real life. Include seeing real art in real life as part of your new year.
Tuesday 17 January 2023: mark your calendar! I hope you will be there.