Woking in collections, archives and museums plays a huge part in my artistic practice. Collections are important aspects of understanding how we got here and where we need to go. Since culture is embedded with deep patterns, contemporary North American humanity attempts to deal with grief through the memorial institution often by collecting cultural property. These objects can be used for their narrative properties or their ability to filter memory, shame and support a structure of violence. Objectifying the universe is an attempt to find a kind of order by making the emotional grief visible through intellectual means. Often at large consequences to minority cultures, there practices looted cultural and environmental property. Actions of violence, dehumanization and continuing avoidance practices and colonization created by many "Collectors" is embedded in the contemporary museum interpretation practices.
In 2011, I conceptualized and curated The Hunt Show, which showed at the Hoffman Gallery, Portland, OR. I selected, organized and guided 25 artists and three archivist through a facilitated scavenger hunt in the OHSU medical archives. This engaged the artists, medical professionals and the public in a mediated dialogue about health practices through contemporary and historical reference.
Recently, I was asked by my beloved friend and fabulous curator, Moe Williams, if she could use "The Hunt" show as inspiration for The Muse. And then she told me her wonderful and exciting new plan! I told her not only would I love that and I want to participate!
In 2011, I conceptualized and curated The Hunt Show, which showed at the Hoffman Gallery, Portland, OR. I selected, organized and guided 25 artists and three archivist through a facilitated scavenger hunt in the OHSU medical archives. This engaged the artists, medical professionals and the public in a mediated dialogue about health practices through contemporary and historical reference.
Recently, I was asked by my beloved friend and fabulous curator, Moe Williams, if she could use "The Hunt" show as inspiration for The Muse. And then she told me her wonderful and exciting new plan! I told her not only would I love that and I want to participate!
The Muse exhibition is a collaboration between Liberty Arts and The Siskiyou County Museum of Yreka. This invitational group show consists of over 20 local and regional artist who will visit with a specific piece at the museum and will then utilize the artifact as inspiration for one awesome new creation of artwork to be shown at the Liberty Arts Gallery and then displayed at the Siskiyou County Museum.
This will be a great opportunity for artists and viewers to reflect on the importance of the unique collections of Siskiyou County. Within this exhibition, The Muse, will play homage to and awaken history through contemporary eyes and new interest for the rich stories and artifacts collected by our predecessors. The Siskiyou County Museum is full of hidden gems, unknown tales of triumphs, hardships and unlikely heroes. Their sacrifices, way of life, stories and everyday materials were important enough to be preserved and now we respectfully breathe new and interesting life into them.
The Muse runs from April 1 thru May 6th.
Opening Reception, April 1 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
108 W. Miner Street
Yreka, CA 96097
Gallery Hours:
Wed - Sat: 10 a.m to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday Closed
Phone: 530 - 842 - 0222
