Francie Hester and I will be collaborating on a new installation WORDS AS LEGACY for ArtPrize 2011.

WORDS AS LEGACY–Turning Loss into Memory, Memory into Dialogue honors the lives of Diane Granat Yalowitz and Brendan Ogg. Both were gifted writers. Both lost their lives to brain cancer. And both lived in the same community of friends.

Diane was an award-winning journalist who died at 49. She wrote about issues such as equality, charities and social justice. Brendan was diagnosed with cancer during his sophomore year at the University of Michigan. Drawing on his love for writing, he turned to poetry and a book of his work was published just before his death at the age of 20.

The installation encompasses two collaborations, Articulation and A Leaf of Knowledge, which evolved naturally as our community felt the pain of loss and the need to heal. Taking Diane’s words and wrapping them around paper clips for a year allowed us to reshape meaning and memories. Brendan’s raw autobiographical poetry provided a vehicle to reflect on life’s ordinary and extraordinary moments, word-by-word.

With so many ties to the Michigan community we feel this is a perfect venue to honor these extraordinary people.  For more information about Diane and Brendan visit Words As Legacy.

Detail from Lisa Hill's Currency

The Art of the Book

A Mitchell Gallery Signature Event.
Proceeds will benefit the Gallery’s education programs.

Reception  June 25  7-10 p.m.
Art exhibit, silent auction, rare and decorative book sale, festive foods and cocktails, author readings, music and fun. Featured Speakers: Alan Cheuse, National Public Radio; Kerry McAleer-Keeler, Corcoran College of Art + Design; and Lisa Simeone, National Public Radio, master of ceremonies.

Reservations required. Tickets are $49 to $125. For more information or to make reservations visit the “Art of the Book” web page or call 410-626-2530.

Exhibition.  June 17 – 25 “The Art of the Book”, a special exhibit at the Mitchell Gallery of St. John’s College, will feature two and three- dimensional works by more than 45 local and regional artists, who have taken their inspiration from books.

Blind Silent Auction.  June 17 – 25
The works of art on exhibit at the Mitchell Gallery from June 17 – June 25 will be sold by blind silent auction. Bids may be placed in the gallery during the exhibition or online, beginning June 1.

Rebuild Haiti

Title: Rebuild Haiti
Size: 12 x 18 inches
Medium: Silk-screen

This poster was created as part of a group effort with my students at NOVA Studio, a graphic design internship program at Northern Virginia Community College.

The message is simple. Rebuild Haiti. But achieving that is not. It will take decades. My hope is that this timeless message will endure as the world’s eyes turn away from this tragedy. This poster serves to remind us that it is our duty, as global citizens, to help however we can.

To purchase a poster go to thehaitiposterproject.com.

“THE HAITI POSTER PROJECT was launched three days after the January 12th, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The project is a collaborative effort by the design community to help effect change through our work. Signed and numbered, limited edition posters have been donated by designers and artists from around the world. All money raised will be donated to Doctors Without Borders.”