Nine of my Hanging Pod sculptures are currently on view at the Mesa Contemporary Art Center in Arizona (through January 2025). On view… and available to touch.
I was able to travel to the opening reception in early September and was blown away by the venue, the other exhibitions, and the crowds that came out in force. I did a lot of talking. With my hands. As usual.
Every time my InTouch artwork is presented in a new place the experience is a little different. In this case the Hanging Pods are in a gallery between two other galleries that are each hosting fiber- and textile- based works: Antifunction by B. Jean Larson and Susan Allred on one side:
and Mending Stories: Fiber Art Invitational on the other, featuring works by Tamara Scott Anderson, Melissa Cody, Amber Doe, Shannon Downey, Sam Fresquez, Adia Jamille, Saskia Jorda, Brandi Kole, Kristen Miologos, Galina Mihaleva, Abbie Miller, Mark Newport, Rebecca Padilla-Pipkin, Philip Gabriel Steverson and Denise Yaghmourian.
I know, I know— it’s hard to see the art for all the humans. But it’s such a great feeling to be among so many people curious about and interested in art.
It’s heady company, and there were also three other exhibits opening there on the same evening: ‘Shimmering Mirage, White’ by Anila Quayyum Agha , ‘Safety Blankets: Discourse on Neurodivergence’ curated by Charissa Lucile, and ‘Use It Or Lose It’ by Ben Venom.
A highlight of the evening was a fashion show in the outdoor courtyard featuring the fantastical creations of Galina Mihaleva, a fashion technology designer who also teaches at ASU. The wearable art was even more outstanding thanks to the presentation by its models who helped take it to an otherworldly place through their interpretive movements.
And back indoors there was plenty of hugging:
I have to say I was very impressed by the way the work and information about it was presented. The signage was thorough for those who wanted to read more:
The guidelines for interaction were presented on stands in the middle of each entrance to the gallery so you wouldn’t miss them, along with hand sanitizer:
They also had very hands-on docents, which is very much appreciated when one invites the public to interact. Even with the signage there can be… shenanigans. One challenge at this venue is that the ceilings are very high, so the pendulum swing could potentially be quite dramatic… were it not for the docents keeping polite control of that kind of action.
The highlight of my night (besides having parents, in-laws, and my handsome and helpful spouse on hand to take photos and be my ‘purse’)?
Well, the highlight was a couple who came up to thank me for making and presenting touchable artwork; he was blind, and she was nearly in tears. It was really moving, and another reminder of why I do all this.
I’m so grateful and honored to have been invited to be in the show; curator Mary-Beth Buesgen and exhibit designer Frank Gonzales were lovely to work with. The show is on view through January 26, 2025. I hope you get a chance to see and touch in person!
