First Curated Show: Waking in Winter

This show is a collaboration of artists who I respect and admire. We were all inspired by the same excerpt from Christophe Andre's Looking at Mindfulness:

"It’s now, right now. In a little while it will be something else-- the magpie will have flown away, the sun will be higher in the sky, the shadow of the hedge will have retreated. It won’t be better, or not as good, it will just be different. So now is the time to stop walking, feel the cold air fill our nostrils, listen to all the muffled sounds and admire the extraordinary light of the sun and snow. We must stay here as long as we can, not waiting for anything in particular-- quite the opposite! Just stay here, doing our best to perceive the countless riches of this moment: the clumps of snow that fall from the trees with a tiny, soft thud; the blue-white shadow of the hedge; the small movements of a magpie seeking a little warmth in the sun. Everything is perfect. Nothing more is needed for this moment to feel complete."

It's so incredible to see how 8 entirely different artists interpret one concept. I am so thankful to everyone who participated and thrilled with the success of the show, excellent feedback, and 5 works sold!! Thank you to all of the participating artists. I am humbled by your talent and grateful for your participation and support:

Rachel Therres
Eileen Foti
Rachael Krehel
Andriana Levytsky
Kerri Pero
Peter Pizza
Laura Rizzo

Collaborative Columns: Past and Present →

The New Jersey Artists in Education Grant, funded by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Young Audiences, provided the art students of Parsippany Hills High School the opportunity to be a part of a permanent installation in the media center. Working with master printer, Eileen Foti, students explored their culture and heritage to create iconic prints celebrating the diversity of PHHS.

Students reflected on their personal heritage and discussed their backgrounds with one another. Some are immigrants; some are first generation Americans; and some families have been here for multiple generations. Some identify with a different country of origin, and some consider themselves as mainly American. Based on these conversations, students developed prints relating to specific themes: home, food, the arts, religion, family, and sports/games.

You can view the short grant documentary here

This installation is a visual celebration of the individual identities that come together as the amazing student population at Parsippany Hills High School.