Pop up #3: I in Paint

Mar 25

My schedule this term has been pretty busy and on top of that the current COVID restrictions in place have made it even more difficult to find and support local art in person. Fortunately there are amazing people like the curator and founder of The Art Shop, Mariana Rivera, who worked relentlessly during these trying times to gather a talented group of local painters to display their work.

In this 3rd pop up installation: I in Paint, Mariana beautifully showcases 12 artists and five local businesses. Each artist was asked to reflect on their gender identity and share their experiences with the audience. Each took this to heart and revealed their thoughts, struggles and artistic process that is shaped in one way or another by their gender identity. After reading the artists’ reflections and seeing their work, it was clear that their understandings of gender and how they view gender are strongly influenced by their culture and the society we live in.

When explaining the inspiration behind the theme, Mariana explains that she wanted to give voice to these artists that continue to be underrepresented and marginalized due to their gender. In addition, Mariana asserts (and as many of us know), males continue to be more represented in the art world and continue to make more for their art than others. With this in mind, Mariana’s goal was to support those that identify as women, non-binary, people of color and disabilities. Mariana feels that the painters’ works demonstrate a “talent and devotion” that unites all the pieces of the show and I agree. I was very impressed by the art and the way in which they were displayed in this beautiful sunlit space.

Of the 12 artists there were some first timers including Emiko Venlet and Alison Fast, both of whom presented stunning pieces. Emiko’s paintings, although small in size, are so powerful and detailed – truly amazing! And then there was Alison’s larger pieces composed of beautiful tones and fast brush strokes. In addition to the 12 painters, there are five amazing local small businesses run by female entrepreneurs selling their works ranging from candles, to jewelry, prints, pins, patches and handmade purses. If you have time, please go see this free local exhibit before it ends on March 29 (12-6pm at 698 W. 16th St.)!

Check out the artists’ instragram and support local art:
@justinecrawfart
@katherine_duclos_rose
@aaaearhart
@alison_fast
@wendyjeanking
@_erinharrison
@naturescardigan
@abba_lyrics
@n4noha
@nataliereynoldsart
@terezatacic
@emikovenlet
@kiligcandleco
@yourbagofholding
@wkndrsforlife
@_frnge
@jen.kluless