Envisioning Connection

An exhibition featuring the artwork of IWCA members September 6 – October 18, 2024

6000 Circles Project: An international project honoring all aspects of the feminine

Envisioning Connection

So much of contemporary culture today is dividing us, separating us from our neighbors, friends, family, even ourselves. Art can help us envision getting closer again, connecting. Art can help us know each other and explore our inner worlds. Take some time to connect with the work, with others, and with yourself.

Circles, Prints

IWCA enjoyed an afternoon together at the South Bend Museum of Art, making prints and making art in circles. Our chapter is participating in the 6000 Circles Project, a Collaborative project honoring the divine feminine. The project focuses on the circle as a symbol of balance and unity, a never-ending container of feminine energy and light. 

Profile: Teresa Greve Wolf

The Indiana Women’s Caucus for Art met in October for a presentation from member Teresa Wolf.

Born and raised in Santiago, Chile, Teresa came to the United States four decades ago so that her husband could complete his advanced degree at the University of California, Berkeley. However, during her absence, Pinochet took power of her beloved Chile, and the volatile political climate forced them to stay longer, until they found their life was now in a new land. Teresa’s work reflects the flavor of her homeland culture while embracing the influences of the country she now calls home.

Teresa shared many of her works in slides, talking about the techniques and materials she uses, as well as the themes of social justice that her recent work has focused on. You can find out more about Teresa’s art on her website, https://www.teresagrevewolf.com/ and her Instagram page.

Corners of My Mind

Katharine Schmidt at Fire Arts, July 7- August 25, 2023

“I work in ceramic sculpture and mixed media using the human form, sometimes realistic, sometimes not, to explore the vague anxieties, confusion, and spiritual hunger that come from living through rapidly changing times.

Since childhood I have studied archaeology, archetypes, and mythology, so it is no surprise that motifs from these sources tend to show up in my work. Many of us feel that the worlds of our youth and young adulthood have disappeared forever, and we often feel displaced. The advantage of using historical imagery is that I am reminded that many wonderful worlds have come and gone before us, and that what we are going through is nothing new to the human experience.”

Fire Arts, Inc.

305 E. Colfax Ave.
South Bend, IN 46617

574-282-2787
info@fireartsinc.com

Exhibit Meet Up

The IWCA gathered at the South Bend Museum of Art and 12 members and visitors viewed the exhibit that just opened. Acumulation and Revelation, works by Julie Tourtilotte and Nicole Havekost, is in the SBMA Warner Gallery Until August 27. Here are a few words from each of the artist statements:

“My textile work in this exhibition was produced over a two-year period beginning in early 2021. One thread that connects all of the pieces is my interest in expanding my knowledge of and direct experience with natural dyes, a fascinating subject with deep histories and cultural importance in many parts of the world.” Julie Tourtilotte

“I am fascinated by bodies. They are magical and glorious and gross and bewildering…Stitching, sewing, constructing, assembling–I have been doing this to make bodies and body parts for over twenty years. Piercing, pulling, closing; each stitch is both aggressive and restorative.” Nicole Havekost

After looking at the exhibit and reading and watching the documentation we moved to the “knitting lounge” and enjoyed discussing the show and sharing news about what we have been working on.

Jeanne Fields: Dare to Be Aware

Beginning in 2008 I decided to create art that expressed my concern for the many issues facing our world. Persons on both sides of the political fence may talk about problems and solutions differently but we have very similar if not the same concerns. Art-making is one of the tools we have to speak to the problem by telling the truth in a non-offensive manner. These paintings and sculpture look at climate change, pollution, war, world hunger, gun violence, and more. In many cases they pull at the heartstrings putting a face on the problem. Some paintings shown are now a problem solved. Two examples are micro-beads polluting our waters, our fish and even us by ingesting them. Legislation was passed preventing their use in a quantity of products. Another example is a bird species almost extinct but now is off the endangered list. Telling the truth through art points to hope, and sparks individual involvement however small or large. “Dare to be Aware: Our World Needs You” This title goes to its purpose.
 Jane Goodall urges us to “use the gift of our life to make the world a better place.” She has hope because of “the indomitable human spirit – the people who tackle seemingly impossible tasks and won’t give up.” She emphasizes young people’s efforts in environmental problem solving as evidence. On that topic, Greta Thunberg is an example. She says, “You are never to small to make a difference.” And then she ups the level of involvement by saying, “We can no longer let the people in power decide what hope is. Hope is not passive. Hope is not blah, blah, blah. Hope is telling the truth. Hope is taking action. And hope always comes from the people.” She turns the responsibility back to each of us. 
 You can see the show Tuesday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning February 3 until the end of month. Come to the James C. Westin Gallery, Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, and Kalamazoo
 Join in the opening reception February 3 from 7 to 9 P.M.  


Mixed-Media painting, “Warfare Unprovoked, Ukraine”
Artist Jeanne Fields

We Are Us

A group of IWCA members traveled to the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City, IN, for a curator led tour of the exhibit We Are Us: The Human Condition, led by Lora Fosberg. This was an engaging “inside look” at each piece in the exhibit and the choices involved in putting together a group of artworks to display together. This exhibit continues through February 24, 2023.

Lora Fosberg talking about a lithograph by Kathe Kollwitz

Member Art Works: Liz Roetzel

IWCA member Liz Roetzel is a multi-media artist presently living and working in South Bend. She has lived all over the country, doing many interesting jobs and making her art. Liz selected works from her Snake Bowl series to show here.

“I began painting them after I received a “visitation” from a snake in my apartment in Chicago. I’m convinced it was from my dear brother who had died a few weeks earlier, telling me to face my fears. Simultaneously it was about rebirth (his then, and mine in various subsequent life changes.) Over time I also came to recognize it as a symbol of healing, flexibility, and resisting temptation. “

Art Share Second Sundays

Join us at Art Share this Sunday, July 10 at Good Shepherd Montessori School 3-5 p.m. 1101 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend Indiana 46617

Members and prospective members can attend and bring their work. We welcome discussion and connections with our artist members.

Next month’s Art Share will take place Sunday, August 14 at South Bend Museum of Art 3-5 p.m. 120 S Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr. Blvd. South Bend Indiana 46601

Members and prospective members will tour SBMA’s current exhibition and then discuss their own work.