A note from the curator:

As an artist and mother myself, I am personally aware of the high and lows of navigating that creative/maternal identity.  In some ways it can feel like a burden and in others it can feel like a superpower. I have been grateful to have had the opportunity to network with a multitude of Artist/Mothers, finding community, and seeing myself in others. 

Mothers and artists wear many hats, they have many roles and are always in a state of flux. To say an Artist/Mother is a multitasker is an understatement. However, to be an Artist/Mother is truly void of definition.  In each of the exhibitions, I want to highlight the artist in whatever state they choose to present themselves. Giving space for artists who wish to speak directly to their intersecting relationship between art and motherhood, as well as to artists whose creative work and maternal identity run parallel.

"Do I contradict myself? / Very well then I contradict myself, / (I am large, I contain multitudes)," Walt Whitman.

In my experience both in my art practice and in my life I have been placed firmly into categories of who I am supposed to be or what is suitable given my status as artist and mother. I have often resisted these modern mother notions for a more nuanced sensibility yet seemingly full of contradiction. Well so be it... I contain multitudes. 

It is important to me to celebrate each of the artists no matter what content or medium they use, or where they are in their art career. Whatever the artist's situation they are deserving of acknowledgement in the multitude of ways they are able to show up as artists and mothers in their art.

Looking to the creative mothers of the past has given me both hope and dismay that has encouraged me to press on with supporting other artists in this realm. Through a historical framework one can analyze and celebrate the triumphs of these women as well as see the backslide of status of the female artisans. 

In a Trifecta of Artist Mother Events I aim to put a spotlight on the incredible, creative works of artists and mothers both in the past and present. 

The first event “Multitudes” is an art exhibition at 180 Projects, including the works of many national and international artists. 

Jennifer Eggers

Shweta Bist

Lisa Alberts

Chloe Alexander

Jean Gray Mohs

Andrea Kastner

Kaylan Buteyn

Daniela Wenzel

Jennie Johnston

Aarthi Deshmukh Haig

Christina Ignacio-Deines

Samantha Agar

Jennifer rae Forsyth

Amanda Mulcahy

Angelene Humphrey

Jessica Valderrama

Elaine Luther

Elizabeth McMahon

Claire Coté

Nina Wood

Jessi Binder

MJ Benson

Marrin Lee

Amy Tingle

Sarah Robl

Jen Broemel

Isadora Stowe

The second event, “Many Hats”, at Rolling Pictures in their third installment of Art X, features three incredible local artists, Goldie Barzan, Lora Caswell and Samm Pine-Bennett, who are successfully creating while juggling their numerous roles in motherhood.    

The third event, “Mother Maker”, is located at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum which takes a historical perspective of maternal makers from their own collection.   

August 21, 2021 from 6pm-9pm will be an opening event at all 3 locations.  For those that want to participate in the guided walk by curator Annie King, please email anniekingartist@gmail.com to receive a spot, limited to 20 participants. Masks will be required for the tour.  The walk will begin at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum at 6pm to Rolling Pictures and finishing at 180 Projects.  The exhibitions will continue from August 20th-September 20th. 

Please note for alternative viewing times that each location has varied hours of operation.  If you are interested in viewing Multitudes, please contact Annie King by email at anniekingartist@gmail.com to book a viewing.  If you wish to view Many Hats, visit artxmanyhats.eventbrite.ca to acquire free tickets, with donations at the door, or call 647 778 6696 to book your visit. Finally, if you wish to view Mother Maker, you can during Museum hours, Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Sunday & Monday - Closed Standard admission applies with the exception *Free during the opening event.

I am tremendously grateful for the local support for the arts. Thank you to:

Andrea Pinheiro, and 180 projects, Robert Peace and the Rolling Pictures Company, Nicole Curry, and Katie Huckson at The Sault Ste. Marie Museum, as well as The City of Sault Ste. Marie, and the Downtown Association.