Mixed Emotions...

The installation reflecting memory and loss.

Dear Family,

During the past three years I have had the pleasure of being a resident artist with a local organization called REDLine, Milwaukee.  I first heard of this organization after attending a formal portfolio review. I had only been in back in Milwaukee a few months and had no intention of staying-- I was headed to New York City! Well, best laid plans, right? Unable to find funding for the program at ICP, I remained in Wisconsin, trying to figure out what to do next.

So again, hearing about REDLine, Milwaukee, touring the space, I could quickly see this was a special place and I decided to apply. I had made up my mind, if I was accepted, I will stay in Milwaukee and if not, I was heading back to Nashville. I really thought it was a long shot, as I compared myself to the other residents currently in place. Well, I was accepted... at the end of the two years, I applied for an optional third year and was accepted again. During my time I have grown as an artist and as a person...

Yesterday evening marked my final exhibition as a resident artist. I shared work that focused on a reflection of memory and loss. The conceptual foundation was rooted in the house fire, of the home my mother grew up in. The house that my uncle was currently living in with his family. This fire took place a year ago to the day of the exhibition opening. The installation, as pictured, used items from the home and encouraged interaction. My submission also included a triptych of photos and sculpture created from discarded glass windows. The evening was filled with friends from my runners club, book club, fellow artists, colleagues from the Milwaukee Art Museum and of course family. I felt so loved and grateful to have shared this experience with each of them. And why I did fight back tears several times through the evening (no surprise to some of you) I really couldn't help but be thankful! This time has led my work to such a new place! A place I would of never imagined and can only dream of where it will go...

Having a little fun in front of my installation

As the time marches on, I will have a duet show with my mentor Ann Wydeven, as a RETURNING artist to REDLine, Milwaukee in January 2013 and have already been invited to teach a one day workshop or  3 session class in regards to the photographic processes I use for the community. My work will also be featured in at Pyramax Bank of the Historic Third Ward starting August through the end of the year. And I will be in the members show at Walker's Point Center for the Arts from September 1 (which is when the REDLine show closes) through October 6th.

WOW!  Since I have been back in Milwaukee, I have pretty much been a resident artist with REDLine, Milwaukee. And now that this season is changing... I am excited to see what awaits with a grateful hear.