I'm interested in objects of affection and acts of care, and making visible the unseen stories, histories, and labor underlying these actions. I engage and explore these ideas through a sculptural practice involving reclaimed materials, including discarded quilt and clothing remnants, lint from the laundry of family and friends, and other salvaged household items that have been found second hand. There is a meaningful connection between the materials I use and the stories they suggest about the role of care, memory, and the hand-made. Through deconstructing and reconfiguring these materials, I create new forms that elevate and empathize with stories that are overlooked or otherwise forgotten. My work creates devices for telling our contemporary stories through these remnants of the past, and suggests new ways of engaging memory through objects.
maryj99@icloud.com
EDUCATION
2007 MFA University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis MN
2003 BFA University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire WI
SOLO & 2-PERSON EXHIBITIONS
Once in a While, Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson WI, 2016
Everything Must Go, Franconia in the City @ Casket, Minneapolis MN, 2015
Small Visitors, Modern Cafe, Minneapolis MN, 2011
The Visitors, Art Jones Gallery, Minneapolis MN, 2010
Living Clay Heavenly Flame, (w/Jonathan Bridges) WORK Gallery, Brooklyn NY, 2008
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
50x50, Quarter Gallery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN, 2019
Ecocentric, Gordon Parks Gallery, St Paul MN, 2017
Take Me With You, John Michael Kohler Art Center, Sheboygan WI, 2014
Strong Women, Jewish Museum of NJ, Newark NJ, 2013
Field Trip, Silverwood Park in partnership with Walker Art Center Open Field, St Anthony MN, 2011-12
Iron Maidens, touring exhibition, Catherine G. Murphy Gallery; Saint John’s University, 2011-12
An Exchange with Sol Lewitt, MASS MoCA, North Adams MA, 2011
National Iron, Missoula Art Museum, Missoula MT, 2010
Carnival, Bootleg Exhibitions, Indianapolis IN, 2010
I Heart Art, Wassaic Project, WORK Gallery, Brooklyn NY, 2009
Paradigm Shift, MCAD, Minneapolis MN, 2009
Wicked Matter, Larson Gallery, St Paul MN, 2007
Iron Tribe, Highlands University Gallery, Las Vegas NM, 2007
Construct-N-Strut, Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis MN, 2006
Art of the Doll, Pump House Regional Arts Center, La Crosse WI, 2006
Untitled 5, SooVac, Minneapolis MN, 2006
Bridging Art + Technology, Ironbridge Gorge Museum, Ironbridge, Telford UK, 2006
56th Arrowhead Biennial, Duluth Art Institute, Duluth MN, 2005
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS, ARTICLES, & MEDIA
Explore 5 amazing sculpture parks that aren't the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden,
Lauren Beaubaire, Twin Cities Agenda, 2018
Indulge in the Ecocentric, CT Corum, The Metropolitan, 2017
Strong Women 2013, Armisey Smith, exhibition catalogue, 2013
Exploring Western Sculpture Park in St Paul, Coco Mault, CBS Minnesota Arts & Culture, 2012
Iron Women: 16 female artists who sculpt with iron, Mary Abbe, StarTribune, 2011
Field Trip: No Permission Slips Necessary, Katie Czarniecki Hill, Walker Reader, 2011
Sideshow Soo, Jessica Armbruster, City Pages, June 2011
Paradigm Shift: Honoring Kinji Akagawa at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design,
Kristin Makholm, exhibition catalogue, Minneapolis College of Art and Design Press, 2009
Viva and Jerry’s Country Videos, featured sculpture and guest appearance, 2007 & 2008
Soap Factory Gallery 4, MTN cable, 2006
56th Arrowhead Biennial, Christi Atkinson, exhibition catalogue, 2005
VISITING ARTIST TALKS & RESIDENCIES
Artist Talk, Franconia Sculpture Park, Franconia MN, 2018
Open Studio Fellow, Franconia Sculpture Park, Franconia MN, 2018
Artist Talk, Metropolitan State University, St Paul MN, 2017
Artist Talk, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis MN, 2015
Panelist at St John’s University Art Galleries, Collegeville MN, 2012
Visiting Artist, Open Field Iron Pour, Walker Art Center, Minneapolis MN, 2010
Franconia Sculpture Park Jerome Fellowship Artist, 2008
Franconia 3-D symposium on the road, Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson WI, 2008
Guest Artist, St Catherine College, St Paul MN, 2008
Visiting Artist, KCAI sculpture department, Kansas City MO, 2007
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Steering Committee, NE Sculpture | Gallery Factory, Minneapolis MN, 2018-
Curator of Community Engagement, Public Art Saint Paul, 2013-2018
Board of Directors, The White Page, 2016-2018
Adjunct Professor, Sculpture, St John's University, Spring 2016-Spring 2017
Franconia Sculpture Park, Education Coordinator, 2010, 2011
(CV available on request)