This coming fall Mansfield/Richland County Public Library will host an exhibit of art works created by fifteen local and regional female artists. The exhibit, titled “Hidden Pockets: The Apronistas Inaugural Art Exhibit,” is a collaboration of fourteen women who are a part of a social network for women called ‘The Apronistas.’ Displayed art pieces will range from ceramics and jewelry, drawings and photography, to illustrations and literary pieces, mixed media and fiber art.
The participating artists and the members of The Apronistas are: Stephanie Uhde (Ceramics), Marcheta Gibson (Photography), Amanda Piper (Photography), Emily Yohn (Photography), Tracy Cerini (Photography), Tracy Graziani (Photography), Pamela Benjamin, (Photography), Andi Shifley (Mixed Media & Art Dolls), Marcia Coy (Photography), Kim Rodgers (Literary Piece), Llalan Fowler (Literary Piece), Alyssa Woodard (Jewelry), Kate Westfall (Fiber Art), Kim Quick (Ceramics & Pottery), and Violeta Chinni (Oil Pastels).
The Apronistas, created by Violeta Chinni, the local Marketing and PR consultant and the owner of the Niabos Art Gallery, is an on-line community celebrating women of all ages, who come from diverse backgrounds. Founded in fall of 2012, The Apronistas Facebook page offers creative posts in topics ranging from family life, arts and entertainment, to literature, health and fitness, personal and professional development. Furthermore, The Apronistas community encourages on-line conversation and sharing of stories, knowledge and wisdom among women.
“The idea for the collaborative art exhibit came from one of the The Apronistas, Stephanie Uhde,” said Chinni. “Within a week of announcing the idea on Facebook to other members, more than ten Apronistas expressed interest in participating in this collaborative art exhibit. As the founder of The Apronistas, I was more than happy to contribute and help organize an exhibit that puts more spotlight on female artists in our community.”
When asked why she wanted to be a part of this exhibit, Tracy Graziani, the founder of AthenaCoach.com, a marketplace for personal and professional development, said: “Women have not always been at the forefront of the art world, but have continued to make art, with or without recognition, at kitchen tables across America since our country’s inception; often doing so in the company of other women. That is the beauty of the Apronistas, it’s not just women who make art, it’s a caring community that champions each others’ success.”
In addition to having individual pieces being displayed at the exhibit, The Apronistas are creating one collaborative piece to help promote the show and help raise funds for the library. The collaborative piece titled: ‘Hidden Pockets,’ is a mixed media piece showcasing the patterns of two old-fashioned style aprons, enhanced with the addition of art touches by each Apronista.
“Although our art styles are very different, a combination of them in one piece makes this art work unique,” said Chinni. “Materials used vary from fabric and oil paints, to water color and ink dyes, all the way to wall nails and metal pieces. It signifies our range of skills, our ability to work together, and to persevere in many life situations. We are mothers and daughters, sisters and friends. We can be gentle souls and proper ladies but at the same time tough as nails.”
The collaborative piece will be auctioned off during the Opening Reception on September 8, and the proceeds will benefit the library. “We are very grateful to the M/RCPL for hosting this exhibit, and we want to give something in return,” said Chinni. “We were notified that the M/RCPL will not take any commission from the sale of our art pieces. Auctioning off our collaborative piece and donating the proceeds to the library will be our way of saying thank you.”
According to Jean Ruark, Communications Coordinator at M/RCPL, the art exhibit of this nature will bring added value to library’s customers. “Due to their busy schedules, some our customers aren’t always able to get to another venue,” said Ruark. “Thus, seeing an art show at the library is a plus. Furthermore, the library recognizes that our community is filled with talented, creative people who may not have many outlets for sharing their work. Exhibiting here is really just an expression of what public libraries are all about – being open to all.”
Hidden Pockets: The Apronistas Inaugural Art Exhibit will run from September 3rd through October 13th at the second floor gallery. The Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, September 8, from 2 p.m.– 4 p.m., also at the second floor gallery. Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. For more information regarding this exhibit, please contact Violeta Chinni at vchinni@outlook.com or Jean Ruark at jruark@mrcpl.org.
While their mothers and grandmothers wore aprons only in the kitchen, the Apronistas have taken the apron, the traditional symbol of domesticity, to the next level! As the members of the on-line community for women — The Apronistas, these fifteen amazing women will reveal their not so hidden talents in their premier art show titled ‘Hidden Pockets: The Apronistas Inaugural Art Exhibit,’ to be held at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, September 3 – October 13.
They are librarians, teachers, bookstore managers, journalists and authors, students and assistants, marketers, and entrepreneurs. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. But most of all, they all have a common thread: They are all artists! Come explore their rich and inspiring art pieces ranging from ceramics and jewelry, drawings and photography, literary pieces and illustrations, to mixed media and fiber art.
