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The Gathering Place East
23300 Commerce Park
Beachwood, OH 44122
Unattached
Sarah Curry Artist Statement
This series of work is driven by issues facing teenage girls. It began with an anonymous survey addressing teenage girls’ self-image, beauty standards, and peer relationships. Teen girls are battling not only their own issues of identity but the constricts of societal expectations and pressures. Decisions in career, ambitions, interests and defining themselves as individuals. Often overlooked, ignored and ridiculed as for living a perceived monolithic life, when in actuality teen girls are navigating a complex terrain. They are searching for guidance, mentors, inspiration and need to be empowered, supported, encouraged to find their path, their voice, their future.
I intentionally depict vague narratives in my work, allowing room for interpretation and creativity on behalf of the viewer. I am inviting others to celebrate this time of transformation, discover the depth, insights, and resilience hidden beneath the surface of teen girls. They are by no means angels but instead powerful forces fighting to find both themselves and a world to accept them. They are trying to fit in, be liked, be unique, stand out, blend in...often just wanting to survive this difficult period in their lives. I continue to explore the complexity and seemingly impossible journey of young girls knowing the voices of this conflicted generation, often perceived as self-absorbed or shallow, tend to fall on deaf ears.
Inspired by the isolation during the pandemic, these works speak to the quiet, lonely void by removing materialistic connections to the world while fostering the need to connect. These girls are hungry to connect and be attached to something other than themselves. The flocking enhances the depth of what's missing in the digital age. Removing the background and tangible objects from the image highlights their essence and their disconnection from everything and everyone.
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows”- Sydney Harris
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Sarah has been teaching art at Brush High School for 24 years. She is represented by HEDGE Gallery and will have a solo show at HEDGE from September 20- October 31st.
Watch Ideastream's video featuring Sarah Curry's work here.
Contact Sarah: sarahcurryartist.com | scurrypaints@gmail.com
The Gathering Place West
25425 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145
A Call to Nature: The Whispers of a Great Masterpiece
Kathleen Stefancin Artist Statement
I am a native of Cleveland Ohio and I’ve walked the Cleveland Metroparks trails and watched the Lake Erie sunsets thousands of times. And then one day, I heard a whisper and I was called to photograph this beauty. I’ve taken over 17,000 nature photographs in just 5 years. This exhibit represents some of the beauty I’ve captured on my walks that have inspirited my creative writing.
It was during the pandemic and the passing of both parents to dementia that I began a love of photographing nature. I felt comfort and peace and began to hear the whispers of hope. This beauty and healing inspired me to write as a way of honoring and healing the loss of my parents. I dedicate this exhibit to my parents Bob and Grace, with all my love. Thank you for always appreciating my creative work.
Each art piece is accompanied by a short excerpt from my poetry books, inspired by my walks in nature. I hope you feel the call to nature and the whispers of each great masterpiece as you experience the 27 photographs in this exhibit.
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Kathleen Stefancin is a Nature Photographer, Award-Winning Author, Registered Dietitian and founder of Smart Picks, LLC in 1996. She received her Bachelor's Degrees in Biology and Dietetics from Notre Dame College and a Master's Degree in Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. Kathleen's study and passion for the healing arts and the healing aspects of plant food spans over 40 years. Combining her nutrition knowledge with her love for creative writing, art, and healthy eating has led to the creation of award-winning games and nutrition stories for children. Her classic children's books include The Fruit Flies Picnic, The Fish Who Wished He Could Eat Fruit and Molly the Monkey Finds a Pineapple. Her books and games have been reviewed by parents, teachers, dietitians and child development experts and others. Among the 32 product awards is the Mom’s Choice Award, Teachers Choice Award, Parents Choice and more. Her products have been sold locally, nationally and internationally.
You can view her accomplishments at www.smartpicks.com.
In 2023, Kathleen expanded her creative writing to include emotional health and well-being and has published three new award-winning children's books. These include Snow Globe Days: Change Can Be an Adventure, Kylea and the Yellow Flower: A Story of Kindness and Waking Up with a Smile: Finding the Goodness in My Day. These new books and her company received the 2023 Parent’s Picks Award for Best Products for Elementary Kids. These new books are available on Amazon.
Please join us for an art reception at TGP West on Friday, September 27th from 4pm to 6pm.
Reach out to Holly Bhatt to discuss featuring your work by calling 216-455-1519 or by email.