XVI: Fall 2019 Exhibitions

I’m really excited to be included in two shows this fall…

Bellweather
Bellevue Art Museum,

Bellwether is a free, 10-day, multi-disciplinary arts experience produced by the City of Bellevue in collaboration with Bellevue’s arts community and with guidance from the city’s Arts Commission. This series of exhibitions features talented artists from the PNW region and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. Big thank you to curator, Ellen Ito, for supporting my work and the work of so many other artists through this opportunity.

The Glass Canvas
5805 14th Ave NW, Seattle

I’m thrilled to be showing brand new work through this special opportunity, curated by Michelle Bufano and Tim Detwiller. The Glass Canvas, supported through the Refract, features four female artists using glass as a means for image making through an exploratory, contemporary lens. The show will be open until October 31, 2019.

XV: Hubble

I’m equally overwhelmed and inspired by images from NASA’s Hubble Telescope. Below are a few of my favorites that I’ve come across recently…

IX: Arts Connect

Last year, I had the amazing privilege of teaching through Hilltop Artists in Tacoma, Washington.  Hilltop provides tuition-free art classes to youth in Pierce county while helping student develop skills far beyond art making. The program I was a part of, Arts Connect, serves young girls on probation and diversion, as well as girls in foster care. 

Through Arts Connect, girls make art while "addressing other issues critical to success of each girl: teamwork and collaboration, positive social interactions, the ability to reflect and express themselves, the ability to trust in adults and other girls, leadership development, and communication. AC participants also engage in a service/philanthropy project each session, which extends their awareness beyond themselves into their community".

I was lucky enough to teach two groups of girls the art of painting on glass. My students, along with the guidance of the program manager, Sasha Tepper-Stewart, learned so much about glass, enamels, patterns and teamwork! Together, we developed a collaborative large-scale glass mural that featured each girl's interpretation of her hopes for the future. It is currently part of an exhibition titled Our Dreams at the Wright Park Arboretum, featuring artwork made through AC over the past year.

The opening was amazing and it was wonderful to see my past students, other teaching artists, and the public together to support the program. All of the artwork in the show looked incredible and was packed with meaning, attention to detail and love! Teaching through Arts Connect was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life and I could not be more proud to have been a part of this fantastic, progressive program.

Our Dreams is on display until June 17!

XIII: Spring... Finally!

Spring is finally in the air here in Seattle! Before I moved to the PNW, I always said that fall was my favorite of the seasons. Then, I experienced my first long, dark, Seattle winter and without hesitation, changed my mind!!

Spring represents so many different things to me- there's the obvious- growth, a fresh start, new life. And the less obvious- challenge, change, the passing of time, and quiet beauty. Spring brings with it so much opportunity for personal growth and reflection, and this year, I am taking full advantage with a renewed focus on myself and my work...

Here are a few photos from recent weeks. Some are more relevant than others- but all are a part of my journey into spring.

XII: Winter Hikes

Much of the inspiration for my work comes from the natural world. I love flowers, plants and foliage and there is there is truly no better place to live that the PWN for lush, year-round greenery. I love getting out into the forest and mountains, even when the weather is less than ideal. Below are some images from a few recent hikes we have taken into the North Cascades and Mt. Hood region of Oregon. 

XI: January Update

Hello 2018!! I currently have work in two separate exhibitions locally and will be part of a panel discussion at the Bellevue Art Museum this coming week! I am thrilled to be included in both of these shows alongside established and emerging artists from the region. 

Making our Mark / Bellevue Art Museum / November 10, 2017- April 15, 2018

"Making our Mark is a commemorative exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Pratt Fine Arts Center. Named after local civil rights leader Edwin T. Pratt and located in the historically diverse Central District of Seattle, the center has a mission to provide access to high quality visual arts training for all....

This exhibition is a collaboration between Bellevue Arts Museum and Pratt Fine Arts Center, and features work from nearly 300 talented teaching artists throughout the organization’s influential history. Both Bellevue Arts Museum and Pratt Fine Arts Center hold educational values at the core of their mission, and are dedicated to promoting emerging talent in art, craft, and design."

Nothing Compares to You / True Love Gallery / January 11- March 4, 2018

" Nothing Compares to You is a mixed-media showcase featuring the work of more than thirty local artists. Come see glass and metal sculptural work alongside two dimensional pieces, all exploring ideas around love and intimacy. Curated by Ashley Perez."

X: Hot Pop

I have a small side project that I am really excited to share with you! HOT POP is a business that John and I started earlier this year. We have worked together to design a series of planters that are clean, modern, and super functional for any plant- loving individual.  Our planters are informed by an shared love and appreciation for design, horticulture and glass.

Not only do we enjoy making every planter by hand, but the process of finishing each with a different plant is equally fulfilling. We want to share with you as our business grows (get it!?), so follow us on Instagram for regular updates about HOT POP!

@hotpopplanters

Lovely photos by Seattle based photographer Amanda Ringstad

IX: 2017 EAiRs

I am so honored to be an EAiR this year at Pilchuck Glass School! It has been an incredible residency so far and the best part has been getting to know the other artists I'm here with. They each have such a unique voice and are so much fun to spend time with. Do yourself a favor and check out their work!! 

Collin Bampton

Courtney Dodd

Morgan Gilbreath

Bryan McGovern Wilson

VIII: THANK YOU!

As I move further into this time at Pilchuck, I wanted to take the time to thank the different businesses that are helping me to make this time possible! Through their generous donations of supplies, I am able to work to my full potential during this residency!

I am thrilled to be sponsored by:

Angel Gilding-  Incredibly knowledgeable group of people who specialize in glass silvering kits

HIS Glassworks- Great place to look for any and all of your cold working needs

Reyzist - The BEST high-detail Photomasking film and sandblasting supply

Uroboros- Flat glass distributer with an incredible amount of variety and super helpful staff

In Plain Sight- Awesome place to order custom decals for glass and ceramics

I would not be able to take risks and experiment in the ways that I am without the help of these generous businesses, so THANK YOU. 

VII: EAiR Update

I have had an incredible couple of weeks as my residency at Pilchuck Glass School has gotten underway. I love having this opportunity explore new ideas and spend time in the North Cascades. I am taking advantage of this time to work through new techniques that would be hard to pursue at home in my Seattle studio.  

Here are a few works in progress....!

VI: EAiR

I'm happy to say that last week, I started my two-month long residency at Pilchuck Glass School. The Emerging Artist in Residence, or EAiR,  is awarded to six people each year and I feel so incredibly honored to be one of the 2017 recipients. I will be updating my blog weekly with images of ongoing projects and can't wait to introduce you to the five other talented artists I get to spend this time with.

For now, here are just a few images from this past week - now back to work!

V: Summer 2017

I chose to make a few photo grids to share my summer adventures! I had too many pictures to choose from and could not pair it down.

Photography has been a language I have been comfortable with since I was a teenager. Through many ups and downs, I have always come back to it as a home base, or safe place in my practice as an artist. I love the idea of documenting a life through images.

A photographic autobiography. 

IV: Beading

Last week, I was lucky enough to take a class at Pratt Fine Arts Center with master beader David Chatt. It was such an amazing experience and has really opened my eyes to the the art and history of beaded objects. David is an amazing teacher and was super patient with me (I was the only beginner in the class) as I learned the basics. 

I spend a lot of time teaching at Pratt and it was a great change of pace to be a student again! 

III: New Studio!

Last Fall, John and I had the opportunity to move into a studio together. Located on the south end of downtown Seattle, we are surrounded a diverse, international community, amazing food, and all around great location. We have put countless hours into renovating and cleaning the space and could not be more excited to have this new space to share with each other. 

II: Second Beach

Much of the inspiration for my work comes from time spent in nature. Last weekend, we spent four days on the Olympic Peninsula at Second Beach. Located in La Push, Washington, Second Beach is a secluded destination perfect for taking a little time away from the city. Living in Seattle is rewarding in so many ways, but perhaps the greatest reward is living so close to the Peninsula, where I've able to explore the landscapes, booming wildlife, and ocean tides.

I: PGS

Hi and thanks for checking out my blog! I'm excited to have a new place to share ideas, adventures, and inspiration with you. 

Earlier this summer, I was lucky enough to spend a few weeks at one of my favorite places, Pilchuck Glass School. Hidden deep in the foothills of the Cascades, attending a session at Pilchuck is like hitting the "reset" button, giving yourself the opportunity to stop, focus, and grow. This school has greatly impacted my studio practice and has provided me with numerous opportunities as i continue to develop my work. While there, I was surrounded by so many wonderful people, including my love, John Hogan, and one of our best friends, Alex Krueger.  Take a look at some photos from our time there and don't forget to check out their work!

John Hogan

Alex Krueger