Visitors to the VALUE. woman. artist. mother. exhibit expecting Hallmark notions of motherhood and art will be deeply disappointed, and that's a good thing. The exhibit is a collection of works by artists who happen to be mothers--and it's a smart and moving show that resists simple ideas and superficial emotions. I'm not lying when I say that some of the pieces moved visitors to tears.
The exhibit is a forum of sorts, where the artists speak through their chosen media to the reality of motherhood and art in their lives. Seventeen artists are featured, and each artist uses her space in the gallery to display works responding to a specific artistic term--a term that also has value to mothers. For example, one artist responded to the term "composition," another responded to "juxtaposition." Peggy Lonjin Olley, responded to the word "Concept" with three sweeping forms made of wood and natural fibers. Her pieces were sad and beautiful. They suggested struggle and growth, and this was a piece that caused some teary eyes.
Each artist also included a short statement about her artistic term and what that term meant to her work and her life. The written component to the exhibit was a welcome touch. The perspectives, stories, and reflections--even poems--shared in the statements make the pieces on display all the more moving.
Angela Colasanti and Tara Dolan co-designed the exhibit. I hope the two of them get to take this exhibit elsewhere. There are galleries in Philadelphia that would benefit from hosting it.
Final note: I know that you want photos, but the moment I walked into the gallery space I turned off my phone. There's a sacredness to this exhibit that I didn't want to cheapen with photos. If you want to see the featured pieces, please visit the gallery. Hours and directions are at the Studio B website.
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