Jeanne Fields: Dare to Be Aware

January 29, 2023January 29, 2023 | Helen Geglio

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”

We Are Us

December 20, 2022December 20, 2022 | Helen Geglio

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

November 18, 2022November 18, 2022 | Helen Geglio

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. “

Cynthia Cooper: Gifts from the Sea

September 3, 2022September 3, 2022 | Helen Geglio

Fire Arts Gallery is hosting an exhibition of new IWCA member Cindy Cooper’s ceramic work entitled “Gifts from the Sea”. The exhibit runs from September 2- October 28, 2022. Cindy will be giving an artist talk on October 7. The gallery is located at 305 E. Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46614.

IWCA at SBMA and more…

June 19, 2022June 25, 2022 | Helen Geglio

Seventeen IWCA members have work represented in Around the Bend, at the South Bend Museum of Art. The exhibit will run through June 26, 2022. Pictured (clockwise from top) are works by Liz Roetzel, Susan Ward and Jessie Lentych Lloyd.

Kay Weshues with her recent work at ART SHARE, Sunday, June 12, 2022

IWCA continues to offer opportunities to share work in progress at our monthly ART SHARES. This month we met at the South Bend Museum of Art, toured the Around the Bend Exhibit, then gathered to see five artists present their most recent work. This is a casual, relaxed setting for showing what you are doing, or just taking a look at what other members are up to. Keep your eyes open for the next ART SHARE on IG and Slack.

IWCA Monthly Art Share

March 30, 2022March 30, 2022 | Helen Geglio

IWCA is initiating an Art Share opportunity for our members each month from 3-5 PM at Good Shepard Montessori in South Bend.

Monthly Art Share 3-5 p.m.
Sundays: April 10 May 15 (third Sunday) June 12 2022
Join us from 3-5 pm the Second Sunday of each month to discuss and appreciate each other’s artwork. 15 minutes each will be spent on 6 artists. Show up even if you don’t sign up.
Follow the link below to RSVP to share your work.
https://forms.gle/N8xWUjDLmhCzdvGv6
This is a great opportunity for social interaction, sharing our creative energy and artwork. Hope you can join us!
Good Shepherd Montessori School, 1101 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana 46617

Here are a few photos from The March 13 Art Share: