17th International Encaustic Conference Juried Show:
The theme of this years exhibition is: INSPIRATION
Juror: Barbara O’Brien
photo credit: Sara Risley
Barbara O’Brien, an independent curator and critic based in Milwaukee, is the former Executive Director of Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. She is an elected member of AICA-USA, International Association of Art Critics. O’Brien has a longstanding interest in and commitment to the community of artists who incorporate encaustic into their practice, having twice presented the keynote address (2008 and 2013) at the International Encaustic Conference. Most recently, O’Brien was the juror for the FUSEDChicago national exhibition “Connections” which was presented at ARC Gallery.
Her twenty years in Boston included positions as editor in chief of Art New England Magazine, Director of the Trustman Art Gallery at Simmons University, and Director of the Gallery and Visiting Artist Program at Montserrat College of Art.
DUE BY APRIL 1st
No larger then 24” in any Directions
“Inspiration” is the theme of this year’s conference exhibition, to be held at Truro Center for the Arts Gallery. The juror, Barbara O’Brien, is well-known to the community of artists who work in encaustic. This year’s keynote speaker, Petah Coyne, has taken inspiration from the myriad possibilities of working with wax to create sculptures of startling originality. Who or what inspires you?
Being a studio artist is often a solitary experience built upon years of education, ambition, and discipline. Returning to this place of creation (ranging from a kitchen table to a large warehouse) and then putting one’s creations out into the world takes a leap of faith. Motivation can come from looking at the work of a living artist, or exploring the lineage of an art historical movement. Insight can emerge from a connection to powerful social and political issues. The Muse can be found walking along the shoreline, across a wide field or through a crowded cityscape. I want to know what inspires you to find your voice, create art, and continue along a challenging path.