Suzanne Njeri Tetu: Biography

"Purple Maiden"

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Suzanne Njeri Tetu has been involved with the visual, performing and literary arts since early childhood.  Relocating to the United States in the mid- 1990s to pursue her creative goals, Suzanne has avidly studied and engaged in the disciplines of drawing, painting, sculpture, dance, theater, literature, and creative writing. 

A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, New York Film Academy, and a certified Kukuwa Dance Workout instructor, Suzanne enjoys all forms of creative expressionism with a passion for the studio arts.  During her time in the United States, Suzanne has embarked on a variety of endeavors ranging from commissioned portraits to illustrating book covers and storyboards. 


In 2010 she established her art business presenting to the world all that is "Exclusively, Njeri!"  Suzanne is a 2011 HerStory participant.

Hot Projects in the Works 2011

• Calvert County Student Art Show, Visual Arts Judge                        
• Creative Quarantine with artist Larry Poncho Brown
• Commission pieces, child portrait
• Commission piece, church history painting

Image of a Dancer: Tawana Alston in her owns works

"Who am I?  I often ask myself the same question.  They call me Tawana Alston.  The applely core of me exists in being Woman, Wife, and Mother of three beauties.  Never before have I truly thought of myself as an artist, but the artistry is woven and intertwined in my heart and head."

Now let’s talk about dance.  My passion for dance began as a child about the age of 5.  I was like most other little girls dreaming of becoming a superstar...Envisioning myself in a classical ballet like Swan Lake.  Thank you mom for helping me connect those early dots.  She put me in studio dance classes.  It was then when I developed the appreciation, but wasn’t ready to go the real disciplined route.   I became an observer of sorts.  It was not until I joined the Ebenezer A.M.E  [Ft. Washington, MD] Dance Ministry that I felt dance in my heart.  It was total reciprocity; Jesus was in and ministry through dance poured out.  At the applely core of me, liturgical and interpretive dance seeds were planted firmly.  But on this journey I found respect for dance as an art form.  Ballet is so necessary…..good discipline! Like Alvin Ailey is to black dance.  Modern and lyrical technique is the dance space that comes natural for me.  You may see inflections of hip-hop in my choreography.  Hip hop takes a shape of its own….steeped in its culture. Young people have it down….as I watch them ticking, locking, popping, jerks/rejerks & choreoing it until the judges say that was the best or that needs work ….Still willing to conquer that New Age stuff though.

My inspiration to dance and choreograph comes from music.  I usually internalize the rhythms and lyrics to to the songs.  I find balance with movements until they take shape.  They help me keep order amid the attention-deficit life of teaching.   The finished product usually tells a story.  But to smooth out the elements of these 2 worlds, I birthed a new baby called Parallel Visions, LLC.  This is my dance company, a place where I can work out this artsy business.  Currently, I am a part of the Production Staff at Renaissance Christian Academy, a freelance dancer, and a choreographer."  

She's Making HerStory: Anike Robinson...in her own words

"As an artist, writer, high school teacher, and activist, I look for opportunities to educate people through a variety of methods. I am an advocate for diversity in the arts, the classroom, and the media. I was raised during an era when South Africa still had the shackles of apartheid tied to its feet; supported and paid for by American dollars. Even as a young student, I learned firsthand how to organize, educate, and disseminate information about Apartheid and other issues of concern. By watching and working with TransAfrica, I learned how protests, film festivals, and fundraisers could rally support and influence public opinion. In the 1980’s, constant and accurate media coverage and the challenge of organizing people in support of sanctions against Apartheid helped to open the prison doors of Nelson Mandela and hundreds of other freedom fighters imprisoned on Robin Island. So what does this have to do with me as an artist and creator of Sweetroot?

Almost twenty years later, the lessons learned about local and national politics have served me well as an artist. My work incorporates prose, wood, resin, found objects, and other materials to tell stories. My first collection entitled, "The Memoir Series," included 14 paintings ranging from 20”x20” to 20”x 60” in size. This collection chronicles my life as a child growing up inside the household of an activist.

My latest work explores the world of myth, magic, and the overlapping worlds of religion and the unseen world.  The unseen world, that seems fused to my dreams, blooms in my waking life in the form of mixed media paintings, talisman, and objects."

Anike Robinson is a supporter of Making HerStory and is a 2011 participant.

The Center for Green Urbanism-DC Host of 2011 Making HerStory

Established in 2010, the Center for Green Urbanism (CGU) is a 3,200-square foot facility located in Washington, DC’s Ward 7 on the edge of Fort Mahan Park, a national park site and gateway to the Fort Circle Park Trail.  The mission of CGU is to create a business-friendly environment that provides small to midsize businesses with affordable office space and services in a sustainable and energy-efficient “green” demonstration facility. CGU is the brainchild of environmentalist and photographer, Zandra Chestnut, along with husband, Dennis Chestnut, a Washington, DC community leader and Executive Director of Groundwork Anacostia River, DC.

What’s CGU all about?

An Environmental Model

·         Powered with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting and appliances and solar shade window treatments

·         Purified drinking water system and other water-saving devices

·         Eco-friendly interior design ( windows and wall coverings) by Design Scheme Interiors

·         Aggressive recycling and reuse practices

A Business Incubator

·         Offering short and long-term office space for small to mid-size organizations and start-ups

·         Spacious conference room and event space with a 120 person capacity

·         Wireless Internet

·         Network fax and copy machine

A Fusion Between Green Urbanism and Art

·         Home of the Tubman-Mahan Art Gallery, named after Harriett Tubman and Dennis Mahan

·         Year-round art exhibits, many focusing on Sustainable Art projects.

***Special Exhibition***

Making HerStory 6

Call for Entrants:

“Image of the Dreamer Makers”

Baltimore, MD

The Art with Joe Series at Peace & a Cup of Joe Café, with the Thickart Collaborative, in conjunction with “Making HerStory 6: the era of our dreams,” presents “Image of the Dream Makers,” a pictorial celebration of women in the arts.

Making HerStory celebrates the vast and diverse forms of creativity offered by women artists. This year’s focus is found in a renewed energy among many of the artists in the Making HerStory family.  HerStory 6 is about collaboration, growth, and sustainability.  “Image of the Dream Makers,” celebrates the women artists who contribute to the fabric of our history through their creativity.  This exhibition is unique in that it celebrates women in all forms of art—not just those who create 2-D work.  Its focus is on the women who create the art, not just the art itself.  Women artists will be celebrated from all genres in this exhibition: visual art, literary arts, culinary arts, music arts (signer, songwriter, producer, etc), theater arts (playwright, actress, director, light tech, etc), and the list goes on and on.  If this call reaches you and you think you’re an artist, you probably are.

We are seeking electronic submissions of individual “self-portraits.”  Self-portraits can be traditional self-portraiture, images taken by another, or a graphic.  Images should be submitted in JPEG format, preferably 300dpi.  Portraits should date no further back than 2009. 

Exhibition Dates

Exhibition dates are March 4 – April 16, 2011. As part of “Making HerStory,” there will be a Tea to celebrate this exhibition on Saturday April 2, 2011 at Peace & a Cup of Joe.

    

Entry Details

Interested participants shall submit an expression of interest of up to three (3) JPEGs (a resolution of at least 300 dpi prefered) of Portraits to herstory@thickart.com.  The curator will select one image for use in the exhibition.  Entrant should also fill out and return the attached form with biographical data.  There is NO FEE to participate in this celebration.  Portraits are for exhibition purposes only and will not be for sale. 

Deadline

Expressions of interest must be received by February 11, 2011 to be considered.  However, early entry is encouraged. 

For Additional Information:

Contact Michelle d. Parrish at mik@thickart.com. 

Washington, DC Call for Art!

Call for Art:

“Making HerStory 6: the era of our dreams”

Washington, DC

The ThickArt Collaborative, LLC, in conjunction with Authentic Contemporary Art and The Center for Green Urbanism (Washington, DC), seeks submissions for “Making HerStory 6: the era of our dreams.”

Making HerStory celebrates the vast and diverse forms of creativity offered by women artists. This year’s focus is found in a renewed energy among many of the artists in the Making HerStory family.  HerStory 6 is about collaboration, growth, and sustainability.  As 2011 marks the beginning of a new decade, we have coined this new season “the era of our dreams.”  In the spirit of collaboration, TAC is proud to come together again with Authentic Contemporary Art in co-curating this exhibit.

We are seeking submissions of two-dimensional original artwork in any medium that embodies the artist’s reflection on the theme, “the era of our dreams.” All artwork must be no larger than 30″W x 30″H in size and must be properly wired and ready to hang.  Unframed works should have neatly finished edges.

Exhibition Dates

Exhibition dates are March 4 – 31, 2011. The Grand Opening Reception is scheduled for Friday, March 4, 2011, at the Center for Green Urbanism, Tubman-Mahan Gallery.

    

Entry Details

Interested participants shall submit an expression of interest of up to three (3) JPEGs (a resolution of at least 300 dpi prefered) of artwork you propose to include in Making HerStory to herstory@thickart.com.

Deadline

Expressions of interest must be received by February 11, 2011 to be considered.  However, early entry is encouraged. 

Notification

Artists selected to exhibit will be notified no later than February 16, 2011; however, notification may be provided on a rolling basis from the issuance of this call.  There will be a $25 hanging fee for selected artists to reserve their place. Installation is scheduled for February 26 & 27, 2011.  Instructions for delivery of work shall be included in notification.

Artwork is to be for sale at prices established by the artist. Artist will retain 70 percent of all sales.

For Additional Information:

Contact Michelle d. Parrish at mik@thickart.com. 

She's Making HerStory: Heather Schmaedeke

Heather Schmaedeke always been interested in art and loves being able to completely immerse herself in the art of creation.  "I feel like I have been transported into the work, it’s almost like mediation.  What I enjoy most is visual problem solving; working on the interplay of color, texture and medium in the pursuit of creating something new and unexpected," says Heather.   For Heather, it is important for each piece to have the space it needs to grow organically, and then react to each addition to the piece.  "This allows for a visual dialog between the different elements within the piece, while inviting the viewer to participate in this visceral dialog," she explains.

  

She likes to use a variety of mediums in different combinations.  Her choice of materials is married to the image that she creates.  In her own words, "...the subject matter determines the tools that I use to create each piece.  When I work in my studio, I am reminded of the spontaneity, variety and mystery that is woven into daily life, it is up to me to notice and savor it.  I begin my pieces by unwrapping and examining life’s little nuances and reacting to them as they unfold.  I know that a piece has been successfully completed, when the artwork has become more than just the sum of its parts."

2011: The Era of Our Dreams

"Making Herstory 6," is on the horizon. Our theme this year is, "the era of our dreams." We believe this to be a fitting theme as we transition into a new decade. As artists, we've faced many struggles in the last few years making our futures as artists sometimes unclear. But, we see a new energy arising from the ashes of the last decade and its time to reclaim our dreams.

This year, it is not just about the art. We will be focusing more on collaboration, growth, and sustainability. We are also expanding our idea of art and including other products born from the creartive process.

As always, HerStory is a celebration. We are Making HerStory everyday and this, indeed, is the era of our dreams.

She's Making HerStory: Meet Tamara Thomas in her own words

"As an artist I create.  'The Art' I channel allows many to experience the creative self of the 'engager' and consider what they/we are co-creating.  I am excited to be part of this awareness of the feminine contribution and the re-balancing of feminine and masculine energies on this plane.  The 'Art' illuminates women's internal power to create the realities she desires to experience.  The 'Art" in this show [H5] include the honoring of systems and names given to systems found in a variety of cultural traditions.  Via this process, messages are delivered.  Interaction between engager and 'Art' allows for receiving of vibrations of the 'Art."  When the receiver makes contact with this vibration...the cycle of creation continues and the 'Art' is sealed in continuance. 

'The Art,' ever birthing from many conscious and unconscious influence in my life, possesses spiritual and technical layerings.  In it, one can experience the layering of nature, thoughts, perspective, interlacing of chords, thoughts, vibrations, overlapping and inter-acting of dreams and realities--all creations.  Materials that contribute to layering, vibrancy, transparency and texture all aide in my desire for 'The Art' to be felt internally, externally, and have 'vibrational' impact continually."

*Tamara Thomas is a native of Trinidad and Tobago.  Her mediums include Batik and mixed/multi media 2d works.  She has exhibited in both the U.S. and the Caribbean. 

She's Making HerStory: Meet Therese Brown in her own words

"This series, and much of the work I produce, expresses my ongoing relationship to the earth and the theme of introspection.  The connectedness of nature and the surrounding world, guides my understanding of what's within myself and how I fit into the whole.

My work uses a variety of techniques, but almost always includes some film, traditional darkroom printing, and/or alternative/historic print making such as cyanotypes. These hands on methods of photography help me slow down the process and offer the element of surprise, with the cyanotypes in particular producing a unique, one of a kind artwork for each print made."

*Therese Brown resides in the SanFransico Bay area with her husband and two children.  She has been a photographer for over 22 years.

She's Making Herstory: Meet Ras In Her Own Words

"London born Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday, is a six-year freelance designer and illustration junkie who resides in Washington, DC.  Her clientele consist of BBH, Big Chair, and Children's Hospital.  This bohemian painter studied graphic design at the School of Visual Arts.  Find her at your nearest coffee shop sipping on a lovely mocha, or walking around town looking for her next inspiration."

She's Making Herstory: Meet Patricia Steck in her own words

"I paint because I can't remember a time when I didn't.  Painting and drawing is what allows me to express my thoughts, my disappointments, my past and present experiences.  It also gives me the opportunity to engage, perhaps connect with people I'd never meet in an interesting way.  I tend to gravitate to using imagery, double entendre, and metaphor to tell a story in my paintings.

I choose Gouche as my medium because it allows me more freedome with color intensity.  I can lay the colors down dry brush, giving a more flat but funky, rich color...or, wet brush which lets the texture of the paper show through giving the images a dreamy quality the same way traditional watercolor can be used."

*Pat Steck is currently on staff at the Arts and Cultural Heritage Dvision at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, MD.  She holds an Associates Degree from the Maryland College of Art and Design and has worked in the field of graphic design for over 25 years. 

Art is the Intersection

When Michelle d. Parrish created the "Making HerStory" brand concept, it sort of just happened.  An exhibition that she had developed turned out to be a woman only showing and happened to fall at the start of Women's history month.  She thought it would be a good idea to tie the two together.  Little did she know that other fellow female artisans would agree.  Since that time, she's met dozens of women artists with whom she's talked, laughed, mentored, broken bread, and created.  She's found much diversity among the women she's met making the opportunities to learn and grow astounding.

What amazes her most is the "oneness" she feels among the women she's met in HerStory.  "The stereotypical boundary lines of difference do not exist in HerStory.  ...Not in age, race, skill level, genre, ethnicity, religion...it does not exist," says Parrish.  Her favorite example of that of the relationship between she and co-curator, Jennifer Judelsohn.  "Jen is Jewish and I am Christian; so, when we began working together we had to find balance on weekends because she observed on Saturday and I on Sunday.  In our desire to respect one another, we found an amazing number of similarities between us."  HerStory 5 is their second year working together as co-curators, but they have been friends since they met a few years prior.

As an artist, Parrish's style is organic which most would say is an overflow from her personal style.  She is connected to and believes in the creativity of each woman with which HerStory has come into contact.  She firmly believes that once an artist participates in the program, she is forever art part of HerStory.  As Parrish to eloquently puts it, "We make art.  We are women.  In those things, we are one.  Art is the Intersection by which our paths cross and we connect."

What is "the Inclination to Rise?"

Last year HerStory did it's usual tour of Artomatic in support of its participating artists and other women in the arts. It was fantastic, inspiring, and motivating. On that same day, co-curator, Jennifer Judelsohn, hosted "cupcakes and conversation" at her display area. It was there that I saw, "the inclination to rise." It was the theme of Jen's exhibition. As if Jen's work had not always inspired me to think and feel deeply, this theme resonated with me long after I left the event.

This year's theme, "the inclination to rise," is inspired by Jen and her work and its appropriate connection to women. I asked Jen to tell me about theme and these are her words:

"Life is not for the faint of heart. In the natural course of things, everything moves toward a state of entropy, chaos, decay, and death. In my own life, I have dealt with a chronic illness for more than twenty years and have come face to face with this sense of decline.

In the past few years I have began a journey in which I follow the impulses of my body— to rest when it wants to rest, and to move when it wants to move. Often I get up only because I have an “obligation to rise.” On days when I have no such obligation, I have allowed myself the time to rest.

For a while, I thought I would never get up if I did not have a reason. Yet, over time, I have found that I have 'the inclination to rise'...

...a call to spirit to move beyond the ordinary, to rise up in the face of pain, exhaustion, deep fatigue. Though the experience is personal to me, the query is universal: What inspires the soul to rise above the obstacles and challenges and natural propensities of life? Perhaps it is a desire for connection, a curiosity to discover something new, an experience of something inspiring or beautiful, or a sense of adventure. Perhaps it is all of these things and more."

HerStory5 Is Here!!!!

The fifth anniversary of Making HerStory is here! We gearing up and getting ready but we can't do it without you. So we're calling on you:

Call for Art:

“Making HerStory 5: the inclination to rise”

The ThickArt Collaborative, LLC, and Neshama Soulworks Studio, LLC, in conjunction with the Peace & a Cup of Joe Café (Baltimore, Maryland), and Beanetics Coffee Roasters (Annandale, Virginia), and friends, seek submissions for “Making HerStory 5: the inclination to rise.”

Making HerStory celebrates the vast and diverse forms of creativity offered by women artists. Making HerStory highlights art by women in many forms: visual, written and spoken word, and music. This year’s event will mark the fifth annual celebration of women in the arts. In celebration of HerStory’s fifth anniversary, five youth female artists, ages 6-18, will be provided scholarships to participate in this year’s exhibition.

We are seeking submissions of two-dimensional original artwork in any medium that embodies the theme of women’s inclination to rise.” Nude or risqué material will not be accepted. All artwork must be no larger than 30″W x 30″H in size and must be properly wired and ready to hang. Unframed works should have neatly finished edges.

Each venue has limitations of space, so a variety of sizes is preferred. The curators will determine which venue best suits your work. Individual artists may submit up to three works for consideration.

Exhibition Dates

Exhibition dates are March 1, through April 23, 2010. The Grand Opening Reception is scheduled for March 13, 2010, at Peace & a Cup of Joe.

Entry Details

Interested participants shall submit an expression of interest including an artist’s statement (no more than 100 words) and a biographical statement (no more than 100 words); and up to three (3) JPEGs (a resolution of at least 300 dpi prefered) of artwork you propose to include in Making HerStory to herstory@thickart.com and jennifer@soulworksstudio.com. An application form is included for your convenience (send us an email for the attachment).

Deadline

Expressions of interest must be received by January 30, 2010, to be considered. However, early entry is encouraged.

Notification

Selection of exhibiting artists is at the sole discretion of The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio. Artists selected to exhibit will be notified no later than February 7, 2010; however, notification may be provided on a rolling basis from the issuance of this call. Upon notification, exhibiting artists must sign an artist’s agreement with The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio and submit a $25 hanging fee to reserve their place. Installation is scheduled for February 27 & 28, 2010. Instructions for delivery of work shall be included in notification.

Artwork is to be for sale at prices established by the artist. Artist will retain 70 percent of all sales; The ThickArt Collaborative and Neshama Soulworks Studio will receive a commission of 30 percent on all sales.

For Additional Information:

Contact Michelle d. Parrish at mik@thickart.com or Jennifer Judelsohn at jennifer@soulworksstudio.com.

Making HerStory: Women to see at Artomatic 2009

It took close to three hours to do it, but we made it--through all nine floors of Artomatic 2009.  We started at the top making concentric circles while spiraling down floor by floor until we reached the bottom.  On seven, Co-Curator Jennifer Judelsohn was hosting "Cupcakes and Conversation" as part of annual event's Meet the Artist Night.  We were able to stop there to catch a break and snack on spinach dip with veggies and fresh grapes and cheese.  Two hours and five floors later, we're at the bottom--whipped and inspired at the same time.  

We were so inspired by what we saw, we thought we'd make a list of some of the must see women in this year's exhibition, including some of H4's own.

In no particular order, Drum Roll Please......

jamea richmond-edwards

Amber Robles-Gordon

Alicia Ensey

Kiddo Foto (L. Boocks)

Pat Goslee

Melissa Tenney

Melissa Burley

Joan Konkel

Atti Vakili Wheeler

Monica Stroik

Sally Tsou

E.B. Kellinger

Sherill Anne Gross

Gwen Zaberer

Sally Babylon

Claire Hackney

Molly Moorstein 

Jennifer Judelsohn

Heather Randell

jennifer anne deskins

Blair Anderson

Kim Reyes

Kay Layne

Dorothy Frye

Amy K. Tubbs

Yelena Rodina

Meghan Taylor

Sable Sirens

Lisa Osgood-Dano

Maria Santiago

Akua Walker

Bryanna Millis

Zandra Chesnut

Kiona Cloud

michele late

Roberta D. Eckard

Deborah Addison Coburn

Sybil Irby

Project Mixed Media

Danyell Irby

Erin Antognoli

Karma Krafts by Kimberly

Susan Finsen

Linda Elliff 

Victoria Vu

Zenia Bennett

Ashira Malka

Camille Mosley-Pasley

the sisters

While these women caught our eye on our first take of the event, there are dozens more fabulous women (and men) to see in this years exhibition along with musicians, demonstrations, theater, and other art media.  It is free to enter with a host of events scheduled through July 5, 2009, 55 M Street SE, Washington, DC at the new Capital Riverfront Area.  

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton to Receive 2009 Alice Award

The Making HerStory team could not have been more elated to have been invited to extend the 2009 Exhibition, "Making HerStory 4: Feminine Reflection," at the Sewall-Belmont House through June 2009. But, to make it even sweeter, the work will be present during the 2009 Alice Award luncheon. Why is this exciting? This year's recipient is none other than Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Secretary Clinton will receive the 2009 Alice Award at SBH's annual luncheon on Monday, June 8, 2009.

Each year, SBH pays tribute to a distinguished woman who has made an outstanding contribution in breaking barriers and setting new precedents for women. This year’s prestigious Alice Award, named after Alice Paul, founder of the National Woman’s Party, will be presented to Secretary Clinton for putting “eighteen million cracks” in the glass ceiling. Under her leadership as First Lady, the Sewall-Belmont House, along with the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Star Spangled Banner, was one of the four nationally significant preservation projects named by Congress in the legislation that established the “Save America’s Treasures” program.

The Sewall-Belmont House and Museum celebrates women’s progress toward equality and their continuing contributions to our society. Through educational programs, tours, exhibits, research and publications, the museum is committed to preserving the legacy of the historical National Woman’s Party – the campaign for women’s equal rights – and bringing the history to life for future generations.

Making HerStory is proud to be a part of the spirit of celebrating womanhood and all the strides that women are making in all aspects of life. HerStory is committed to celebrating women in all genres of art and works to provide encouragement for women to find their creative niche.

Artist Highlight: Pat Ortman

Meet the Artist: Patricia E. Ortman...in her own words:


"I am a retired Women's Studies professor, a Founder and the Executive Director of the Girls Gotta Run Foundation (http://www.girlsgottarun.org), and an artist (http://www.patriciaeortman.com), not necessarily in that order. There is no order, really, because all of my work informs all of my work. And, it is all prayer. My life is a prayer.

Most of my commissioned art consists of portraits (of people, places, pets) and murals that I develop in close consultation with clients. Murals come either entirely from my imagination or make use of pre-existing images which I alter as artistic needs require. I also paint abstract watercolor prayers and blessings for people or causes I want to support based on my thoughts and feelings about them. I individualize guardian angel collages for the people they are meant to protect. I also paint feminist spiritual icons, as well as flowers, still lifes, and whatever else I am moved to paint...that generally means anything that is beautiful to me. I know it is not hip in the official art world these days, but my feeling is:

'....if eyes were made for seeing, Then Beauty is its own excuse for being.' —from "The Rhodora" by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)"

Artist Highlight: Loretta Thompson

Meet the Artist: Loretta Thompson, in her own words...

"My intent is to create a piece that represents gesture and resembles a particular emotion, feeling, or situation. The underlying form is the descriptor. The composition of the piece, the materials used, marks made, and position of the figure are the clues to the thought behind the piece. The figures are drawn simply, and masked with multiple lines that cross the surface of the canvas. These lines separate the figure, adding movement, and room for improvisation from the viewer. Though the figures themselves are not detailed, the addition of the lines creates some chaos. The areas created from the lines are painted in with various colors, shades, and textures, giving the piece a puzzle-type look. This work for me is intriguing. First to see if the viewer can see what I have intended them to see. Second, to see what new ideas, feelings and generalizations the viewer has created. My intent is not to be literal, add some mystery, and create work that is more than an object."

Loretta Thompson is a Maryland native. She graduated from The University of the Arts in 2003 with a BFA in Sculpture, and George Mason University in 2007 with a MA in Arts Management. Loretta is a sculptor and painter, and in 2007 ventured into the mural arts field. Artists that have inspired Loretta include Degas and Rodin, because of their ability to represent the human figure in motion on paper and in 3-dimensional form. Today Loretta is the Community Programs Manager at Sitar Arts Center in DC, where she teaches youth, manages the Center’s gallery, and organizes opportunities for young people to become engaged in the arts.

Artist Highlight: Marina Reiter

Meet the Artist: Marina Reiter, in her own words...


"Through a masterful use of color and shape Marina Reiter's paintings exhibit a visual playfulness. In them, soft colorful shapes drift together in space, often intersecting and interacting to create new colors. Although Reiter considers herself to be an abstract artist, at closer glance, her paintings transcend beyond the basics of abstraction or surrealism. With their unique curves, each form has a distinct, almost joyful personality — an oddly human trait for shapes painted in oil. Each painting is an exploration of relationships, and she often derives inspiration from personal connections. According to Reiter, "An artist’s friends, family, people we loved, emotions we feel, hopes and aspirations that we have [live in these paintings]." As a result, Reiter describes her forms as "souls" that crave interaction, as each shape stretches across the canvas, pensively reaching out in search of connectedness— with both joyful and melancholic results.

Born in Moscow , Marina Reiter's work has been exhibited worldwide. She currently resides in Washington , D.C. , where she is a member artist at several galleries and organizations. "