I'm still shocked and so very honored to be awarded BEST IN SHOW at the Three River's Art Festival Juried exhibition.
Many thanks to all the jurors, and congratulations to the other winners and exhibitors. ✨️
📸: visualsbyishara
"Frofully connected" is finally installed at the @frogangfoundation Lot of Love located at 501 Climax st on the corner of Curtain ave in Beltzhoover, Pittsburgh
Assisted by @goodboygems
Photos by: @visualsbyishara
Installed by: @flyspaceprod
Architect: Crystal McCloyn
Sponsored by: the Public Art and Communities Program of @shiftworkspgh , Neighborhood Allies, and the Borough of Millvale.
I am eternally greatful to Kelli, Divya, Max, Oreen, Crystal,Tom and everyone that made this possible. Please continue to support @frogangfoundation in their mission by donating and buying merch.
During these past few years, my focus has been on stress reduction, diabetes management, and meeting my basic needs. I haven't been producing completed work at the rate I would like to, but here's some things I've done this year.
1) Capa alumni show at SPACE, extended show at the Capa gallery.
My days as an opera singer ended long ago, but it is such an honor to exhibit my work in the place that nurtured me, shaping me into who I am today.
2) Winning the Juror's choice: Best in show prize at this year's Dollar Bank Three River's Art Festival Juried exhibition.
This truly was a blessing during a very odd time when I thought my career was falling off. It guided me back to the studio, and for that, I'm forever grateful.
The placement of this work also allowed many family members to see my work in person for the first time, view it while waiting for the bus or walking to work.
3) My show at @silverapplegallery
Sewing doll fashion has been my go-to stress relief since I picked up my first needle and thread around age 7.
One Mattel employee showed 6yo Rell that it was possible to create, and it transformed me forever.
This show allowed me to display pieces of my vast doll collection alongside clothing and furniture that I've upcycled over the past 2 years.
I'm so thankful to Kirsten for allowing me to exhibit my silly little stress relief crafts in her gallery. ❤️❤️❤️
Don't miss my installation Wndrlnd Atelier at @silverapplegallery On view until May 30th.
Artist reception/Front porch party will be Sunday April 27th 2-5pm.
This is a diorama features doll clothing and furniture I upcycled from packaging and clothing scraps, paired with pieces from my doll collection spanning from 1995 - now.
Most of my friends and family know my love of fashion dolls is what led me to create. At the age of 6 I taught myself to handsew doll clothing using scrap fabric made from clothes that were too damaged for repair or donation. Later, the dream of being a doll designer at Mattel led me from singing opera to enrolling in fashion school, where I discovered my talent for painting. I'm grateful to @kirstenervinart for allowing me to share my craft in this way. 💖
2024 had a ton of life changes all at once, kind of cursed fr. Almost died, but I also got to see a lot of amazing art, meet amazing people, and feel somewhat okay again.
Still struggling to feel like a real person, but overall, I'm grateful for the opportunities and all the people who showed up for me this year. ❤️🩹✨️
