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TextContextSubtextTheJewishArtistsLaboratoryASabesJewishCommunityCenterInitiativefeaturingtheworkoflocalartists Greeting......................................3Introduction................................5ForwardbyRabbiDavis...............8ForwardbyMeryllPage.............10TheArt.....................................15RobynAwend............................16AnatSzendro............................18SusanArmington.......................20CarolynLightBell......................22HannaBloomfield.....................24JoelCarter................................26SuzanneFenton........................28RaniHalpern.............................30BonnieHeller............................32SylviaHorwitz...........................34AlisonMorse.............................38DianePecoraro.........................40PaulaLeiterPergament.............44KrisPrince................................46LouiseRibnick...........................48PhilRosenbloom.......................50SusanWeinberg........................52ShanaCohen............................54JordyFeiger..............................56TheArtists................................61SpecialThanks..........................72TableofContentsArtFacilitatorsTextFacilitatorsTheArtistsArtists-In-Residence LetterfromJoshuaTheSabesJCCishonoredtobethehomeoftheJewishArtistsLaboratory.ThethemeJewishTextContextSubtextresonatesasitrelatestoJewishtraditionandtheongoingredenitionofhowandwhereJudaismandartintersect.Arthastheuniquepowertotransformourlives.Bothasindividualsandasacommunityweexploreandcelebrateouridentityandculture.TheArtistsLaboratorythroughunconventionalstudyandartmakingsessionshasnotonlyprovidedtheplatformforthesededicatedartiststogrowbutnowbringstothecommunitytheirinspirationalworks.AsyouwillseeinthisbeautifulcatalogtheparticipantsusedtheSixWordMemoirapproachtoartfullyarticulatetheirthoughtsaboutwheretheyseeartandJudaismconnecting.AstheCEOoftheSabesJCCIrespectfullysubmitmysixwordmemoirIndividualsArtCommunity.JCC.WeareproudtohavecreatedthespacewhereJewishvaluesareembracedandJewishexperiencescometolife.Thisinitiativehasbeeninspiringtoallofusandprovidesenergyandgroundworkforthefuture.ThankyoutoTheCovenantFoundationwhogenerouslymadethisuniqueendeavorpossible.AsacommunityourjourneytodeneJewishTextContextSubtextisongoing.JoshuaWertCEOoftheSabesJCC TextContextSubtextArtworkbytheJewishArtistsLaboratoryTheJewishArtistsLaboratoryisanartsinitiativethroughtheSabesJewishCommunityCenterSabesJCCMinneapolisfeaturingseventeenlocalartists.ExploringthethemeofJewishTextContextSubtextthroughunconventionalstudyandartmakingsessionstheLaboratorymettwicemonthlytoengageinongoingdialogueandprovideaplatformforartworkanditprocessthroughitsmanystages.MadepossiblebyagenerousgrantfromTheCovenantFoundationTheSabesJCCalongwithTheHarryRoseSamsonJewishCommunityCenterMilwaukeeandUniversityofWisconsinHillelMadisonWisconsincollaboratedtocreatethisuniqueartisticinitiative.TheLabwasalternatelyledbyfacilitatorsRabbiAlexanderDavisMeryllPageAnatSzendroandRobynAwend.TogetherwiththeartiststheLabexploredhowthethemeofTextContextSubtextisrelevanttoJewishtraditionandcontinuallyredeneshowandwhereJudaismandartintersect.ThiscataloguerepresentstheculminationofawidearrayofworkbyparticipatingLabartistshighlightingspecictopicsexploredduringtheeightmonthprocess.ParticipatingartistsincludeSusanArmingtonCarolynLightBellHannaBloomeldJoelCarterSuzanneFentonRaniHalpernBonnieHellerSylviaHorwitzAlisonMorseDianePecoraroPaulaLeiterPergamentKrisPrinceLouiseRibnickPhilRosenbloomandSusanWeinberg.Artist-in-ResidenceShanaCohenandJordyFeiger.TheArtists-in-Residenceengageddirectlywiththecommunityincorporatingtheirinteractionsasafocalpointoftheirwork.IdecidedtobecomeapartoftheJewishArtistsLaboratoryasIseeitasavehicletomergemysometimesconictinganddichotomousidentitiesintoacohesivespiritualalignmentwithJewishvaluesandartisticexpression.IhavebeenlookingforacommunitytoshareartisticideaswiththatwillreectbackaJewishlensandnarrative.TheArtistsLaboratoryisanopportunityformeandotherJewishartiststocontributetoabodyofworkthatisbothinnovativeandreectiveofculturalandspiritualJudaismthatcanengagetheMinneapolisJewishCommunity.Artist-In-ResidenceShanaCohen.LaboratoryFacilitatorBiosRabbiAlexanderDavisistheseniorRabbiofBethElSynagogueinSt.LouisParkMN.HeispassionateaboutlearningandteachingTorahandlivestosharethebeautywisdomandmeaningofJewishlifewithothers.MeryllPageisateacherandwriter.ShehastaughthistoryandJewishstudiesforthirty-nineyearsandiscurrentlyshepherdinganon-ctionworksheandhersisterhavewrittenthroughitspublication.AnatSzendroholdsaBachelorinDesignfromBezalelAcademyofArtandDesign-JerusalemandhasrecentlymovedtotheTwinCities.Anatstronglybelievesintheprocessofcreativethinkingforsolvingproblemsusingfamiliarconceptsinunfamiliarsettings.RobynAwendistheDirectorofVisualArtsattheSabesJewishCommunityCenter.SheisapracticingartistwhousesherJewishidentityasafocalpointofherworkandisafoundingmemberofFormContentGalleryindowntownMinneapolis.WeattheSabesJCCfeelincrediblyblessedtobepartofthisendeavorsaidRobynAwend.TheCovenantFoundationseekstoencourageandadvanceexcellenceinJewisheducation.Assuchithassustainedmuseumsschoolsandartinitiatives.TheFoundationprovidedfundingforthreesuchgroupsacrosstheMidwestinMadisonMilwaukeeandMinneapolis. TheDivineArtistinYouRabbiAlexanderDavisTherearemanyintriguingimagesofGodinJewishtraditionGodisaparentandakingahealerandawarrior.Manyoftheseimagesarewellknowntheyhavebeenanalyzedandexplainedbythosewhoconsiderthempowerfulorsometimesobjectionable.ButtheimageofGodasanartistisrarelyconsidered.WeencounterthisdescriptioninamedievalAshkenazipoemthatispartoftheYomKippurliturgyLikeclayinthehandofthepotter-whoexpandsitatwillandcontractsitatwill-soareweinYourhandOPreserverofkindness.AlthoughlesscommontheimageofGodasanartistshouldnotsurpriseus.AfteralltheveryrstpassageintheTorahdescribesGodasacreatorInthebeginningGodcreated.AndwhatisanartistifnotacreatorGodspokeanditwasGodsaidlettherebelight.Andtherewaslight.AtrstGodbroughtforththeworldthroughtheword.Ascreationunfoldedhoweverwordsalonedidnotsufce.WhenitcametothecreationofhumansGodwantedtobemorehandson-tomoldandtoshapetotouchandtofeelthemasterpieceasittookform.EverythingelsewascreatedbyanactofspeechRashiteaches.OnlyhumanswerecreatedwiththehandsofGod.ThisisdemonstratedintheversetheLordGodformedhumansfromthedustoftheearthGenesis27.IntheimageofGodasapotterwesensetheArtistsdesiretoknowHermaterialintimatelytoworkdirectlywithHermedium.Butthereissomethingelsehere.IntheprocessofkneadingtheclayCreatorandcreationmerge.InallcreativeworkmodernTorahcommentatorAvivaZornbergwritesthereisplaybetweentheartistandhismaterial.ThecharactersofthenovelbegintotalkbacktodeclaretheirownrealityanddestinytheartistliveswithinthetensioncreatedbyhisconsciousnessandtheunconsciousthatoftenbreaksthroughwithawillofitsownwhichbynomeanscoincideswiththewilloftheartistGenesisTheBeginningsofDesirep.19.ForZornbergGoddiminishesGodsselfinordertocreatehumans.Godinviteshumanstotalkbacktoparticipateintheirowncreation-sometimeswithunfortunateconsequences.Inourfreewillwetransgress.AndthusonYomKippurweseektobefashionedanewlikeclayinthehandofanartist.MoregenerouslywemightsaythatGoddispersesGodsselfthroughoutcreationbyendowinghumanswiththeGod-likepowertocreate.Andwhoappreciatesthismorethantheglass-blowersculptorweaversilversmithTheseartiststapintoaDivinedesireplantedintheirheartsasacredgiftendowedintheirhandstotransformmaterialintomessage.Hereattheintersectionofomanutartandemunahfaiththeartistbreathesnewlifeintoourcommunityandourculture.WithimaginationandinsightskillandtalentartistsremindusthatjustasGodiscreativesotoomusthumanbeingsbecreative. FortheunknownauthorofLikeClayintheHandGodistheSupremeglassblowersculptorweaverandsilversmith.Godmeltsmoldsstitchesandpoundsusbackintoshape.ButthelessongoesbeyondGodsattributestohumanpotential.Ashumanswearemorethanrawmaterial.Weareco-creators.InthewordsofauthorandethicistByronSherwinItisthehumantasktocompleteGodsunfnishedartisticmasterpiece-thehumanperson.AndlikeamasterartistGodleavescompletionofGodsworkstoapprentices-toeachofusToBeAJewp.xiv. OneHundredGatesMeryllPageGenesis2612Isaacsowedinthatlandandreapedahundredfoldthesameyear.TheLordblessedhimTheliteraltranslationformeahshearimintheaboveverseisonehundredgates.Boththeliteralandpoeticmeaningofthephraseresonateswithme.IfeelblessedtohavebeenafacilitatoroftheJewishArtistsLab.Countlessgatesopenedformethroughoutourjourney.InturntheartistshaveopenedthegatesoftheirinnermostselvesastheywrestlewithtexteachsessionandthenstruggletocreateatangiblereectionoftheirinteractionwithJewishtext.Inourtwicemonthlysessionstheperspectivesandinsightsoftheseventeenartistscreatedanoralcollageofmidrashiminterpretations.Movingfromdiscussiontocreationwearenowwitnesstoverypersonalexpressionsthatreectatextorideathatanimatedtheartisticwork.Iamhonoredtohavebeenpartoftheartistsprocessofcreation.WhenaskedifIwouldco-facilitatetheArtistsLabIsteppedthroughagateintounknownterritory.WhatdidTextContextSubtextmeanIhadthoughtlittleabouttheintersectionofartandTorah.Myrstthoughtsleapttotheconstraintsthefencesratherthantheopenings--thegatesforJewishartists.LikemanyJewsIpresumedthatthesecondcommandmentprohibitinggravenimageslimitedartistsfromcreatingallbutartdedicatedtobeautifyingandelevatingrituals.InowunderstandthepossibilitiesbeginningwiththebeginningGenesischapterone.GodcreatesandthencreatesusinGodsimage.Wetoocanbecreatorsonahumanscale.AndthenIrememberedanincidentinOctober1960thathadrstopenedthegatesofTorahlearningforme.OnthatOctoberafternoonamiddle-agedmansquintingbehindthickglassesstrodeintoourfourthgradeclassroom.HesatintheuncomfortablewoodendeskandlistenedwhileourenthusiasticteacherledusalephstudentsinadiscussionaboutCreation.AbespectacledboyraisedhishandandprotestedthattheGenesisaccountdidntmeshwithsciencesohecouldntacceptit.Tensionmountedamongthestudentsaswewonderedhowtheteacherwouldhandlethechallenge.Thestrangerambledtothefrontoftheroomandourteachernoddedtohim.HeadbenttowardtheintellectualrebelhesoftlysaidYoureright.Thisisnotasciencebook.ButtheimportantquestionstheyoubetyourlifequestionsaretheonesthatTorahaddresses.Nothowbutwhy.Aheadymessageforafourthgraderthathasremainedwithmefordecades. IntheArtistsLabtherewerenoclosedgatesonourexplorationsandtherewasawillingnesstoexploreanyyoubetyourlifequestions.BlessingssacredspacethebindingofIsaacJosephsdreamsservedasspringboardsforourlearningtogether.WesupplementedBiblicaltextwithcommentariesselectionsfromthesiddurprayerbookexceptsfromJewishphilosophyIsraelipoetrylinguisticsandmoretoprovokethoughtandelicitideas.TheartistshavepursuedthewhyquestionsthroughthelensoftheirestheticandIhavehadtheprivilegetochallengethelimitsofmyownunderstanding.Thank-youartistsandco-facilitatorsforthehundredfoldblessingandprivilegeoflearningtogether. JudaismMotherSpiritualityMischiefFoundLegacyLostDarknessHumorMyArtSoulBeingChallangeBelongingIdentityIntegralCollectiveCommunicationConnectionOurLivesRitualFeelTextHebrewTimeMarkingsHomelandsStoriesSpeakSanctuaryJewishLensPathwaysIntrospectionsTraditionsRhythmsRemembranceSharedSocialjusticeOurStoryTastesGrace SixWordsMemoirsinspiredbyHemingway.IgiveuptennisforthisAnticipatingwhatwillbealwaysbetterStudywithladiessafeartistspaceVisualmidrashiswhereitsatOutside.Inside.OpentoartisticamendmentsTextimprovisationcollaborationwalkoverprecipiceNolongerfyingundertheradarIfoundanewcreativeengineFindinginspirationthroughanewlensRespectfullysubmittedbyJewishArtistsLaboratory. TheArt RobynAwendtitlettlnoun.Anamethatdescribessomeonespositionorjob.ThispiecewasinspiredbythepoemEveryoneHasaNamewrittenbyZeldaMishkovsky.WestudiedthispoemduringoneofourArtistsLabsessionsdiscussingtheimportanceandrelevancetothetitleswegiveourselvesoneanotherandourwork.TheJewishtraditionteachesthatG-dhasnonamethatG-disinfniteandbeyonddescriptionordefnition.HoweverinourongoingrelationshipwithG-dwehavedevelopedmanydescriptivetitlesCreatorJudgetheMercifulOneMaster.EachtitlechangesthewayinwhichweexperienceG-dspresenceG-dsinteractionsintheworldandG-dsattributes.LikeG-dovertimeweacquiremanytitlessomethathelpdefneandsomethatconfneusasindividuals.Theyhelptocreateorderfromchaosandtoapplyunderstandingwhereinformationisvoid.The48titlesthatcomposethispieceareindividuallyuniversal.Itsthecombinationofthesetitlesthatmakesthispiecepersonal.Manyofthetitlesdirectlyrelatetooneanotherwhileotherscontradicttheirverynaturespeakingtothecomplexityofourfacetedidentities.Thispieceisawayofseeingafullerspectrumofapersonlayerbylayertitlebytitleknowingthatatanygiventimenewtitleswillbeaddedandotherswillbeirrelevant.Thisinstallationusesthefamiliarconceptofbusinesscardsasitsmedia.Businesscardsallowpeopletheabilitytotakeorleaveadescriptionofonesself.ThesetitlesofferanimpressionofwhoIam.Peopleareencouragedtotakeasmanycardsthatresonateandsharethemwithothers. TitledInstallation AnatSzendroRightbeforecomingtoMinneapolismysweetveyearoldnieceaskedmeWhatdoeslonginglooklikemyrstinstinctwastosayamessbutafterthinkingaboutitIhadtoldherthateachpersonseesandfeelslongingdifferentlyandformeitfeelslikeaballoonfullofairinsidemytummy.Movingtoanewcountryhasbeenastressfulandwonderfulexperienceallatonce.Longingisalwayspresentshadowingmeforcingmetoredenemysacredspace.Ihavebuiltanamazinglifeherefoundfriendsandfamily.Butstillsomethingismissing.InmyartworkwhichincludesfourpostersIhavedecidedtoconfrontthesefeelingsbytryingtovisualizethem.DuringthelastyearIhavebeentakingscreenshotsofmySkypeconversationswithmyfamilyandfriends.Theseareverylow-resolutionpicturesthataremeanttobeseenonscreenonly.SinceIthinkandfeelincolorsIgaveeachoneofmyfamilymembersfriendsacoloredcirclethatrepresentshimherandplaceditonourconversationscreenshot.ByremovingthesepicturesandleavingonlythecoloredcirclesIhavecreatedgraphicsofconversationswithmyfamily.ThenbysubtractingthecirclesfrommyownSkypeimagesIvecreatedtheholesinmyworld.InatimeofadvancedtechnologyandnonprintedphotosdocumentingmySkypeconversationsistheonlyvisualevidanceofmyjourny. WhatDoesLongingLookLikeDigitalPrint SusanArmingtonJacobawokefromhissleepandsaidSurelytheLordispresentinthisplaceandIdidnotknowit.RecentlyIspenttwoweeksattheScienceMuseumsWatershedResearchStationcabin.MyaimwastoresearchtheSt.CroixRiverandpeoplesstoriesandexperiencesofittomakeaRiverMap.DaybydayIwatchedtheriverwalkedalongitsatbesideitandriver-gazed.Italkedtopeoplewholivedbesideitandheardtheirstoriesfromchildhoodtooldagefromcenturiespasttopresent.ThenonedayIlookedoutatitsoverfulldeepgreenandsuddenlythebrightreectionsoflightturnedintowordsintostoriesoatingdownthesurfaceoftheriver.AndIsensedmyselfoatinginadreambedofcloudsdownthisriverofshimmeringlightIwaslostinawe.Aweenablesustoperceiveintheworldintimationsofthedivinetosensetheultimateinthecommonandsimpletofeelintherushofthepassingthestillnessoftheeternal.AbrahamJoshuaHeschelIputthatdreambedonashimmeryriverinsidemysuitcase.OntheoutsideIbuiltatopographicmapoftheriverlikeyoumightseeoverheadinanaerialphotoorfromgoogleEarth.Sonowthesuitcasehasafamiliarlandscapeontheoutsideandabitofluminouswonderontheinside.Anditsportable.IhavereallyappreciatedtheArtistsLabbecauseofthechancetoencounterJewishreadingsinnewwaysandbeinspiredbythemandbytheviewsofotherartists.WhendiscussingthesenseofwonderandmysticismforinstanceIwasremindedofmyownneedtoprotectmysenseofwonderfromthedepressingimpactofeverpresentviolenceandcynicism.OntheretreatinMadisonImetMargeEisemanwhosangasongaboutthekeystohappinessincludingtheneedtoavoidtrafckingwithcynics.Sylviainourgroupheresharedarapsongfromtheradioabouttheneedtoprotectourspiritsfromthisviolentangryworld.Thesethoughtshelpedmeconstructthispieceacontainerforcarryingaweandwonderaroundintheworldandkeepingitsafe.TheArtistsLabitselfofferedakindofcontainerforourspiritstoexploreandbeinspired-withart-makingandwarmlivelyinteractionsaroundteachingsfromtheTorah. IAskedforWonderMixedmediawithsuitcase CarolynLightBellAsweartistsgatheredinstudytoshareourideasIbegantofocusonhandsasametaphor.Everythingvitalisrevealedinoneshandshandsfoldingintooneanotherservingasvesselsextendingtoothersasbridges.HandsgiveTzedekahlearnTalmudTorahandrepairTikkunOlam.IhavetremendousrespectfortherichandbeautifulworkofthemenandwomenwithwhomIstudiedtheworkoftheirhands.MycentralphotographisofanEthiopianJewdescribingherighttoIsrael.ItssurroundingphotographsareexplainedasfollowsWhatdowegivetoothersthroughtheworkofourhandsWemakemusicorwarwithourhands.Weembracetheworldanditspower.Wenourishthroughbeautyandart.InmyphotographsIsraelistreetmusiciansacloisonnpainterfriendsreadingtochildrenSabrasgroomingeachotherallengageinlovingacts.AnIsraelisoldierholdsaSyrianbombcasing.AnenvironmentalistshareshisknowledgeaboutmoltingcrocodilesataMexicananimalrefuge.Ourgrandsonlearnsfromhisfathertoloveashcloseup.Ourgrandchildrentradepineconesandsticksfortzedekahcoins.Anartistfriendtucksherhandsinherpocketsfreeinghergrandchildtoexperimentonherown.Shewearsearringsofnesiatkapayimthepriestlyblessing.WhatdowecommunicatewithourhandsWegivetootherswithourhands.Welearnandteachthroughtheworkofourhands.ThroughdevotiontotheidealsorteachingsofGodlypeoplewefollowprincipleswehopewillmaketheworldbetteratleastforalittlewhile.InmyphotographsIraisemycameraandsettleinonasubjecttryingtocaptureitsessence.AnIsraelimanexplainssomethingspecichandraisedtomakeapoint.AnobservantJewinIsraelclutcheshistallisinthewindpreparingforShabbat.TwowomenshieldtheireyesattheWesternWalltoseekintimacywithGod.AmanstudieshisnewspaperlearningabouttheworldthroughthewrittenwordawomangripsherprayerbookinthewomenssectionattheWesternwall.TextContextandSubtextWestudiedbiblicalteachingswithRabbiAlexanderDaviswhowasextraordinarilysensitivetoourneedsascreativetypestointerpretbiblicalteachingsfromdivergentpointsofview.Hestirredconnectionsdeepwithinme.AdditionallyAnatSzendroMeryllPageandRobynAwendcreatedalivelyandstimulatingatmospherewherewhatwelearnedoftenmovedmetotears.ConcurrentlyIre-experiencedIsraelwithRabbiSimGlaserhiswifeBarbaraandagroupfromTempleIsrael.Ihavethroughtheseencountersuncoveredrenewedtiestomyidentity. HolyActsCarolynLightBellHandsspeakofsoulmuchlouderthanvoicemuchfullerthanheart.TikkunOlamembracesachildsheddingbrightlightandlove-divinegiftthatmakeswhole.Tzedekahgivescomfortingtouchtothosewearywithgriefjoinsspiritsandfllsupvoidsopenorhidden.TalmudTorahhandsdownancestrallearningdrawsfromthepastintopresentandfuturebothricherinwisdomanddeeperinkeeping.TheWorkofOurHandsPhotographyandPoetry HannaBloomfeldThelargeHebrewlettersinthispiecespelloutDvarTorahwhichmeansthewordoressenceoftheTorah.ThebackgroundcalligraphyistextinHebrewandEnglishfromYitrothechapterinExodusthatdescribesthedivinerevelationinthedesertaftertheexodusfromEgypt.AlthoughthischapterincludestheTenCommandmentsJudaisminteneasystepsIwasprimarilydrawntoitbecauseofthelanguagethatsopowerfullyevokestheawesomenatureofthisdeningcommunityexperience.Ihighlightedinredtheessentialwordsofeachofthe10commandmentsandsomeofthemorestrikinglinguisticphrasesHowIboreyouoneagleswingsandbroughtyoutomeAllthepeopleansweredasonesayingAllthattheLordhasspokenwewilldoTherewasthunderandlightningandadenseclouduponthemountainandaveryloudblastofthehornandallthepeopletrembledAsMosesspokeGodansweredhiminthunder.TheinspirationforthispiecewhichisbasedonthedescriptionofapowerfulcommunalexperiencecamefrommyparticipationintheArtistsLab.AsanobservantJewIhavecometorecognizehowessentialcommunityistoameaningfulreligiousexperience.AsanartistthoughIhavealwaysworkedalone.Inowappreciatehowmuchacommunityofartistsenrichesperspectiveencouragesrisk-takingandincreasesthejoyoftheartisticprocess.Thispiecewascreatedwithpenandbrushon300lbhot-pressedArcheswatercolorpaperusingbothacrylicsandgouache. DvarTorahCalligraphy JoelCarterJacobcameuponacertainplaceandstoppedthereforthenightforthesunhadset.Takingoneofthestonesofthatplaceheputitunderhisheadandlaydowninthatplace.HehadadreamastairwaywassetonthegroundanditstopreachedtotheskyandangelsofGodweregoingupanddownonit.AndtheLordwasstandingbesidehimandHesaidIamtheLordtheGodofyourfatherAbrahamandtheGodofIsaacthegroundonwhichyouarelyingIwillgivetoyouandtoyouroffspring.Yourdescendantsshallbeasthedustoftheearthyoushallspreadouttothewestandtotheeasttothenorthandtothesouth.Allthefamiliesoftheearthshallblessthemselvesbyyouandyourdescendants.RememberIamwithyouIwillprotectyouwhereveryougoandwillbringyoubacktothisland.IwillnotleaveyouuntilIhavedonewhatIhavepromisedyou.JacobawokefromhissleepandsaidSurelyTheLordispresentinthisplaceandIdidnotknowit.ShakenhesaidHowawesomeisthisplaceThisisnoneotherthantheabodeofGodandthatisthegatewaytoheaven.EarlyinthemorningJacobtookthestonethathehadputunderhisheadandsetitupasapillarandpouredoilontopofit.HenamedthesiteBethel...Genesis2811-19 JacobsStairwayRockStoneGravityFriction SuzanneFentonTheholinessofaplaceliesinhistoricexperiencenotinmythologicaljustication.NahumSarnafromExploringExodusIdeneSacredSpaceassomethingspiritualakindofDivineinterventionWhereeverythingthatshouldntmatterisexposedandexpelledtocreatethespaceforeverythingthatshouldmatterinordertoignitethesoulandllitwithclarityandcalm.MylettersandwhattheyevokeinmearesacredspacearealmofheightenedaccessibilitywheretimeasIknowitceasestoexisthistoryIcantouchfeelandrememberlikeitwasyesterday.WordssentouttondmethenremindmethatwhereverIhappenedtobeintheworldIwaslovedmissedandconsidered.ThevaryingsizeandplacementofthelettersbuildafoundationandhomagetoeveryaddressIcalledmyhome.Theeffortandpassionspilledontoasinglepageofeachletterrevealswhatslackingincommunicationstoday.Thankstothedigitalrevolutionandtheover-programmingofourlivespeopleseemtobemoreinfatuatedandreliantonmachinesthantheyarewitheachothermakingrealintimacyhardtocomeby.WorshippingThePastisalivingmemorialtothelostartofletterwritingandoldschoolcommunication.Itsymbolizesayearningforthefamiliarityofthepastagrowingfrustrationwiththepresentandfearofwherevirtualratherthanrealconnectionswillultimatelyleadus.Irmlybelievetheanswersweseekespeciallytothemosttroublingquestionsarefoundbyrevisitingthepast.Notmerelyrevisitingthepeopleplacesandsignicanteventsthatshapeusbutwillingnesstorootaroundandgetourhandsdirty.Historycanonlyrepeatitselfwhennothingislearnedfromthemistakeswevemadealongtheway.Exploringtruthandconsequencesiswhatinspiresmeanddrivesmycreativeprocess.ItbeginswithanopinionfeelingorstoryIneedtoshareevenifIdontknowwhy.Artprovidesanopportunitytoconnectandconnectthedots.Itsameanstoescapeentertainandhonestlyconfrontopinionsthatmaydifferfrommyown.Mostartistsseekthecompanyofotherartiststofeelunderstoodencouragedandaccepted.ThesamecanbesaidofJews.WiththatinmindTheArtistLabhasbeenarealgiftasupportiveandcreativecommunitythatembracesandencouragesTikkunOlam--repairingtheworld--withbeautyandsincerity. WorshippingThePastMixedMedia RaniHalpernIbeganthispieceabouttherstdayofCreationfocusedontheideaofRuachElohimthespiritofGodhoveringuponthewater.AsIprogressedthepieceevolvedmuchasdidtherstdayofCreationitselftobeabouttheseparationoflightanddarkness.Manyideaslledmyheadandsketcheslledmysketchbookbutprogresswasslowsometimespainfullyslow.TheshapesimagestextureandcolorsofthispieceunfoldedandnallyemergedinspiredbyRabbiDavisteachingsonBeginningsincludingthequoteofthemedievalcommentatorRashithateverybeginningisdifcult.Thispiecetookmeoutsideofmycomfortzoneusingmaterialstexturedgesso-thatIhavenotworkedwithbefore.TheprocessofallowingthepiecetoevolvechangeandgoindifferentdirectionsthaninitiallyconceivedisaverydifferentprocessthanthemethodicalapproachIusewhenIworkoncommission.Centraltothispieceistheseparationoflightfromdarkness.LightwascreatedontherstdayofCreationdifferentiatingtheswirlingdarknessfromthelight.Lightallowsustoperceivethatwhichhasbeenindarknessandintroducesasenseoforderamidstchaos.Thereare7layersofcutpaperalludingtothe7daysofCreation.ThelightappearswithinanabstractHebrewletterBettherstletteroftheTorahandtherstletteroftheCreationBreisheet.WithinthepapercutlightarevariationsoftheabstractHebrewletterYudtherstletteroftheCreator.BaseduponthetextGenesis11-2 YomRishon-TheFirstDayCutpapersgessoacrylicinksongessoboard BonnieHellerMaytheworkofourhandssurviveevenwithoutus.Afterwehavebeenprivilegedtoenjoythefruitofourtoilinourlifetimewewillbeprivilegedtogiveitasaninheritancetoourchildrenafterus.DaatMikraCommentaryPsalm9017Soaringmusicexpressivepaintingvoluptuoussculpturemeaningfulwritingallservetoenlargeandembracethehumansprit.Thoughgreatartcanmoveustopassionateheightsnotallworkneedbegrandioseandpublic.Thequotidiantasksofeverydaylifeandthememoriestheycreatearealsoamostvaluabledelightfulpoignantinheritancetobeillustratedandsavored.Imagesoffooditscreationandthecelebrationsthatfollowareoftenfoundinmypaintings.Celebratorycakesaboundasdodiningtablessurroundedbyanimatedandoftenhungrypeople.Foodanditspreparationareholyandcreative.Blesstheworkofthesegenerationsastheyteacheachotherwithjoytheprofoundskillsandpleasuresofcelebration. BaubiesaysBlessthesehandsbutwashthemfirstAcryliconcanvas SylviaHorwitzInmomentsofcompletefocustheworldexpands.Thissacredspaceofpresenttimeactsasabridgebetweeneverydaylifeandaspiritualreality.Evenfunctionalstructuresappeartotranscendtheordinaryandtakeonunexpectedmeaning.Myinterestinphotographingnaturalandhuman-alteredlandscapesrepresentsasearchforsiteswhichelicitopennesstoaspiritualpresence.TheAltarwasfoundonarainydaylastsummerneartheGrandMaraisMNcampgrounds.ResonancewiththeAkedahthestoryofthebindingofIsaacwasimmediate.TherearesomanyunansweredquestionsinthiscondensedstoryofAbrahamandIsaac.Eachyearwithnewcommentaryweareinvitedtoexploreadditionalmeaning.Thequestionsarebecomingmorepersonalandrelevant.MonthslaterIspentthedayonanislandinLakeTiticacaPeru.Achairplacedalongsideamake-shifttableonanupperporchcaughtmyattention.Perhapsthisspacewasusedasaprivatesanctuarybywhoeverplacedtheobjectsthere.AtanyratesomethingcalledmetorecognizewhatwasbeforemetotaketimetoanswerHereIamandtomakeaphotographasanartifactoftheexperience.TheArtistsLaboratoryhasprovidedaframeworkforexploringsacredspaceasadeningcreativetheme.ThroughguideddiscussionoftextandcommentaryanddialoguewithotherartistsinthegrouptheconnectionsbetweenmyphotographicworkandJewishperspectivehavebeenstrengthened.InthiscontextIamreviewingearlierprintsandmakingnewimagesthatrelatetotheideaofndingpersonalsanctuary.Thiswillwithoutdoubtbecomethedirectionforanongoingbodyofwork. HereIamPhotography TheAltarSylviaHorwitz AlisonMorseAWindofSpicesisapoemandmixed-mediainstallationcreatedinresponsetoanArtistsLabdiscussionwhereRabbiDaviscontrastedkotzerruahshortnessofbreathorspiritandruahElohimholybreathandremindedusthattheHavdalahspiceboxritualcelebratesruahElohimthroughoursenseofsmell.IconnectedtheseideastoapersonalexperiencewhereIlostmysenseofsmellwhichspurredtherstdraftsofapoemandledtoaconversationwithRabbiDavisandMerrylPageabouttheimportanceofscentinJewishthought.ButwhenMeryllrecountedascentmemoryassociatedwithherlifeasapracticingJewIrealizedthatherstorywasalsoanexampleofruahElohim-andavitaladditiontomypoem.IfIcouldaddotherpeoplesscentmemoriestomypoemAWindofSpicesitwouldbemuchimproved.Thepoeminthisinstallationispurposelyleftunnished.PeterYackelanarchitecthasdesignedandconstructedasystemforgalleryviewerstoreadAWindofSpicesandwriteabouttheirsmellmemoriesinawaythatcanbesharedwithotherviewers-andwithmesothatIcanrewritethepoemincollaborationwiththeirmemories.Imawriterwhousesvisualartasapromptformuchofmycreativework.Ivealsowrittenstoriesandpoemsinresponsetointerviewswithotherpeople.ThisisthersttimethatIhavecollaboratedwithanarchitect-andacommunity-onaninstallationthatwillcompleteapoem. AWindofSpicesInstallation DianePecoraroInmysmallgardenthereisaplaquewiththisquotefromCesarePaveseItalianpoet1908-1950Wedonotrememberdays.Weremembermoments.Certainlyformeitisthemomentwhichgrabsme.Thatmomentcouldbeinthecontextofanordinaryextraordinaryinteractionaspeciallandscapeoraninterioraha.Atfrstthereisadesiretocapturethistriggeralmostlikeasnapshot.ItproducesavisceralreactionandissomethingIknowIwanttoexplore.Iscribbleanotefollowitwithadraftandletitriseforawhile.AlwaysthereistheoverarchingquestionWhatdoesthismeanInasenseitisthestartofasearchbecauseeachpoemleadstosomeversionofmyowntruth.Itbecomesastatementofmyauthenticity.Fromthatpointtheworkismechanical-fndingtherightwordstherightrhythmtherightopeningline.Itisahypnoticprocessthatmakesawriterignoretime.Itisalsopainstakingevenashortpoemevolvesthroughmultipleversions.Forthisreasonitiseasytoleavepoemsindraftform.IntheArtistsLabIhavefoundmyselfbeingmoremindfulofJudaisminaspiritualsenseasopposedtocultural.TheexperiencehasmademequestionhowmyJewishidentityinformsmywork.StudyingBiblicaltexthasturnedmeinanewdirection.Ihavebeenstruckbythelovelypoetryandinterestedinthetopicswecoverinthegroup.Discussionsofritualblessingssacredspacelightandnaminghavesetmethinking.BeingwithRabbiDavisthefacilitatorsandtheotherartistshasallowedtimetotalkabouttheprocessofcreatingarareopportunityalltheparticipantshaverelished.ThepoemsherewerewrittenduringtheLab.Iwouldwagerthattheywouldnothavematerializedwereitnotforthetopicsweexploredasagroup. ArecenttriptoMelbourneandSydneyhadmomentsofrecognitionthatseemedalmostmysticalattimes.Irecordedtheminanotebookanddiscoveredthattheykepttrippingovereachother.Idecidedtostringthemtogether.Thispieceiswhatdeveloped.Iamnotsurefitworksbutitseemslikeaweavingtome.ThreadsYoucouldsayitsaboutthreadsOrmaybenot.ThewayonethoughtleadstoanotherMinneapolisBeforeIleavehomemyneighborasksmetocallanoldschoolfriendofhiswhileIaminAustralia.SydneyAfteraroundofphonetagthefriendandInallyconnect.IamonthewayoutofthehotelboundfortheJewishMuseum.Mycousinworkstherehesays.AtthemuseumIaskforhiscousin.Shecomestothedeskandgivesmeabrieftourofthebuilding.ShehascuratedanexhibitonthegarmentindustryinAustralia.ShetalksoftheschmattetradeandtheJewishrefugeeswhocamefromEuropeafterWWIIworkingastailorsandseamstressesthenexpandingtobiggerbusinesses.Inventing.Reinventingthemselves.RebuildinglivesbrokenduringtheHolocaust.Theshmattetradeispartofmyhistorytoo.EarlierinthecenturyinNewYorkmygrandfatherwasatailor.MyItalian-Americanin-lawsmetonapicketlinetoorganizetheAmalgamatedClothingWorkersofAmerica.SydneyThedaybeforedepartureIreturntotheGalleryofNewSouthWalesforonelastlookattheinstallationTheyGiveEvidence.ItistheworkofDadangChristantoanIndonesianAustralianartist.Hismassiveworkof16nudeterracottaguresbearingraimentsofthedeadmakesmegaspandstandsilentamongtheminthegallery.Themaleandfemaleguresmutelycarrythebodiesofmenwomenandchildrenwhohavebeenkilledinanunamedmassacre.Theeffectisshocking-likelookingatthepileofchildrensshoesattheJewishMuseumortheconcentrationcampjacketstitchedwitharedhearttohonortheliberationofAuschwitzin1945MinneapolisRobynAwendDirectorofVisualArtsattheJCCdismantlestheexhibitofberartbyLaurieWohlattheJCC.Sittingontheoorshetiesthefringesofoneworkwithmuslinsothethreadswonttangle.ShewillboxandshipthegorgeouswallhangingsbacktotheNYartistwhomadethiscomplexwork.Hebrewlettersareembossedintheclothlledwithcolorandtexture.SydneyCloth.Ileavetwogarmentsinthewastebasketofthehotel.Ihavecomeallthiswaytoreconnectandtodisconnecttotidyupsomethreadstoloosenupatightly-lacedlife.Thisdepositispartofmysheddingritual.Ihavecarriedwithmetheweightofmemoryhabitandregret.IwanttoleaveAustraliaasgauze-palelightoatingandcarriedbyair.DianePecoraro513 ShoreLinesAprildawdlesthisyearunwillingtonudgethecoldwindon.Tiredicecrystalsoatonthesurfaceofthelake.Onlylongershadowsdenethechangeofseason.Theartistsstandonconcretepilingscaughtbetweenquietandcamaraderieasthesunebbsintothelake.Anunexpectedspectacle.IwouldcallitBallofBrightnessonGrayLine.ButwhatdoesthepainterthinkTheprintmakerphotographersongwritermolderofclaybenderofwoodInterpretersoflight-whatdotheymakeoftheselastbreathstheseorangestreaksdimmingtosmokyblueAnotterswimsbackandforthtowardthesunawayfromitseekingroutesbetweentheroughedgesoficeremnants.Aboveyammeringcrowscollect.Wecouldchantbutwedont.Inreectedgoldweregistereachothergrindimagesintopigmentorlyric.Theartistsottercrows-companionsforatimeonalakebankatsunset.WhatdoestheottermakeofthelightThecirclingcrowsThispoemwasinspiredbyaphotoItookoneeveningduringtheretreatinMadison.TheArtistsLabgrouphadbeensittingalldayatmeetingsanddecidedtowalkdowntoLakeMononabeforedinner.Itwasmyfavoritetimeofday.IcannevergetenoughofitbutIhaveneverwrittenaboutthismagicalhourbeforethis.Thiselaborateleavingoflightfordarktieshumansaplingbeastcreatesanever-redundantpaletteturnsfaceseverywhereupwardasdayisextinguishedandwewaitfornight.Mygrandsonstandsonthesofa.Helooksoutthewindowatthesunsetpointingatthechangingcolors.Moonwillbehisrstword.Adarkviolethorizonnow.Asubduedsky.Wearewellpastthehourofblazeandash.DianePecoraro413 HaveanicedayslidesoffthetonguehereinMinnesota.Yetwedontstoptothinkaboutthepossibilitiesthisoh-socommonphrasecontains.TheideaofextendingthephrasewasofferedasapromptatawritingclassshortlyafterIbegantodiscovertherangeofJewishblessings.VariationonHaveaNiceDayHaveanicedayasoftcorduroyday.Haveaserendipitousdayadaywhenthecornercomesbeforeyouarereadyandyoubraketomaketheturnonlytomeetbyaccidentarabbiwhoblessesyou.Haveastayuntil-itstimeforyoutogodayandyoustayanddontgo.HaveadayeatingVietnamesenoodlesforlunchfollowedbyspicyThainoodlesfordinneradaywithDanielCraigwhoisonspousalsabbaticalandfndsyouscintillatingenoughtostayuntilitstimetogo.Haveadayofwar-endingcelebrationnocerebrationandtherabbiyoumeetsendsyouonyourwaybestowingonemoreblessing.DianePecoraroDanielCraigactor PaulaLeiterPergamentThissculptureaskstheviewertodecidewhetherthebaseballistheeggshellthesmallbirdisbreakingfreefrom...orisitanesttheyoungbirdiscomfortedbyEitherchoicerelatestothetinybirdsbeginnings.Breakingfreefromourshellsandndingsecurityinournestingplaceisalifelongseekingthatbeginsoverandover.TheTorahtellsusBereishitinthebeginning...andsothestoryofcreationbegins.Hashemdoesnotsayatthebeginning...butinthebeginning.ThisspeakstomeofG-Dsongoingstoryofcreativeenergythatiseverpresentandalwayschanging.Ioftenreectonthecontinuumofbeginningsthroughoutoneslifetimefromconceptiontothemiracleofbirth...fromthewondersofchildhoodthroughthestrugglesofadolescence...fromthepreparationsofyoungadulthoodtothehardworkofmakingalivingandraisingafamily...Andeventuallytothebeginningofphysicaldeclineandmentalchangesthatleadustooldageandourtransitiontowardsdeath.Thatnalearthlychangeasoursoulleavesthebodyandbeginsthejourneybeyond.Letusnotforgetatbirththerstbreathwetakeisacryouttobeginasweleavethewarmthofthewaterywomb...Andletusrememberthelastbreathwetakeisasighasoursoulleavesthebodyourearthlyvessel...andoncemoreisbeginning...Aswebeginfullofanticipationletusholdhandsandllourheartswithhopewonderandfaith.AndmaywestepforwardembracinglifeandtrustingthateventhoughallbeginningsaredifcultweareallapartoftheGreaterBeginning. AllBeginningsAreDifficultMixedMediaSculpture-clayoxideoldbaseballfoundobject KrisPrinceIusuallypaintandrarelydraw.Thisworkwasarealchallengeformeandforcedmeoutofmycomfortzonebyusingunfamiliarmediaandforcingmetomakemywritinganintegralpartoftheart.ThemeandProcessWaltersJourneyoutofNaziEuropeWalterLittmanisadearfriendwhoIhaveknownforalmost25years.HeisadistinguishedmathprofessornowretiredfromtheUofMN.WalterandhiswifeFlorencespendmanyShabbatswithourfamily.Overtheyearshehassharedmanysnippetsofhisfamilysstoryofescapetoldsittingatourdiningroomtable.IhavealsousedasareferencethenarrativemynieceKateLutesrecordedaboutWaltersstory.ShesatdownwithWalterseveraltimesandrecordedhimtellinginasmuchdetailashecouldrememberabouthischildhoodandhisfamilysjourney.ConnectionTheJewishArtistsLaboratoryIexploredthethemeofthisyearsJALTextContextSubtextwiththeaidofTorahScholarsRabbiDavisofBethElSynagogueandMeryllPageJewishstudiesteacherandwriter.ArtistsAnatSzendroandRobynAwendfacilitatedcleverartprojectsatmanyofthelabsforcingustostepoutoftheboxinwhichwewerestanding.UndertheirexperttutelageIwasoneof17JewishMinnesotaartistsconnectingourartmakingtoTorahstudyusingtheyeartoaddknowledgeanddepthtoourartisticJewishidentities.WhilestudyingSinaiSeeingwithRabbiDavisItookRashbamsconceptsawthethunderExodus928andSfornosmyheartsawEcclesiastes116andconnectedthesethemestoWaltersfatherseeingthelighttogethisfamilyoutofViennaandawayfromtheNazis.Thenatureofthisworkalsoreectstheimperfectyetfocusednatureofmemory.Artiswhatconnectsustofuturegenerationsandlinksuswithourpast.Inthiswayitbecomesacommentaryandalegacythatwillsurvivetheartist.WaltersJourneyreectssnippetsofhischildhoodmemoriesabouthisfamilysjourneyeeingtheNazis. WaltersJourneyPenandcoloredpencil LouiseRibnickNormallyIbeginapaintingbyapplyingtexturethenlayersofacrylicpaintandcollageandideasformyabstractpaintingsemerge.ButforthispaintingIstartedwithatextandacompletedimageinmymind.FromthebeginningtheJewishArtistsLaboratoryhasencouragedmetomakeartstartingwithanobservationorafeelingwhichisexcitingandchallengingforme.WestudiedwithRabbiDavistheritualblessingforwashingourhandsbeforeameal.HeshowedusamoderninterpretationofthisblessingBlessedareYouwhoguidesusonwaystobecomeholyandWhoinspiresustoliftourhands.Hesuggestedusingthisbeautifulritualtotransitionfromdailylifetoourart-makingtime.ManyLabsessionslikethishavebeenthought-provokingandinspirationalhearingideasfromboththeteachersandfellowartists.IthoughtaboutvariousJewishritualsIdoandmoderninterpretationsofthem.WhenIwasaboutftyIstartedwearingatallitorprayershawlatthesynagogue.WhileIputonmytallitinthetraditionalwayholdingituptosaytheblessingandthenkissingeachendoftheatarahorneckbandIalwaysstopjustshortoftouchingmylipstothefabricsothatIdontstainitwithlipstick.Yetthisneverfeelsquiterighttome.IimaginedwhatmytallitwouldlooklikeifIdidkissitleavingmylipstickmarksonit.YearafteryearhowwoulditchangeItwouldbeginwithafewpinksmudgesandthengrowmoredeeply-huedovertheyears.ThiswouldcreatearecordofallthetimesIvewornitcelebratingShabbatandholidaysblessingtheTorahbeforeareadingevensayingYizkorforourparents.EachtimeIworeitIwouldberemindedofthefullnessoflifethehappytimesandthesad.Iwouldbeenvelopedinthememories.ThecompositionofthispieceisinspiredbythepaintingbyGustavKlimtTheKiss. KissesAcrylicpaintandcollagepapers PhilRosenbloomIamtransxedbytheproliferationofbulletsintheworld.Bulletsforwarbulletsforprotectionbulletsforsportandbulletsforrandomviolence.Bulletsyandthedebaterageson.Theconversationishighlychargedandemotional.ByconnectingthestoryoftheAkedahthebindingofIsaacwiththeimageofabulletandagunIamdrawingparallelsbetweenmanyofthequestionsthatarise.ArewereadytosacriceoursonsWillanangelappearandsaveusfromourunthinkablepathIsitatestoffaithtobewillingtomaketheultimatesacriceforourbeliefWhateffectdoesouractionhaveonthenextgenerationWillasacricialRamappearandresolveourconictIntodaysworldGodisoftenusedasajusticationforshootingthebullet.ForAbrahamobediencetoGodandhisfaithmotivatedhimtoalmostkillhisbelovedson.IsitacceptabletoshootbecausewebelieveGodwantsustoSomesaythatGodwantsustoowngunsinAmericaothersbelievethatGodwantsthemtoshootAmericans.ThebulletdebateisfrontandcenterherebutnoplaceisitplayedoutwithmoreurgencyforJewsthaninIsrael.ByputtingacactusinthebackgroundIamreferencingthedesertandIsraelwheretheAkedahoriginallyplayedoutandwherethedramaofthebulletsstillpusheson.ThestoryofAbrahamandIsaachasalwaysposeddifcultquestionsfortheRabbisandthosequestionsbegetdivinedebate.Thispieceisnotaboutanswersbutratheraboutquestionsinthefaceofunthinkablechoices.Togetanswersweneedtoshowupandtalkaboutthequestions.AsAbrahamsaidHereIam. AkedahArchivalpigmentprint SusanWeinbergMyworkintheexhibitionisbasedonthestoryofthebindingofIsaacbutinterpretedthroughamorecontemporarylensastoryfromafriendwhoisawitnesstotheShoah.Dorasstoryisofadeathmarchonwhichshewasaccompaniedbyhermother.AstheydepartedfromAuschwitztheyweregiventhreethingsablanketacanwithapictureofachickenandbread.Canssoonlitteredtheroadastheyhadnowaytoopenthem.Theblankethungasanoosearoundtheirneckrstononeshoulderthenthenext.Thebreadrepresentedlifeandtheyguardeditcarefully.Tositdownwastogetabulletinthebackofoneshead.AftertwodaysofwalkingDorawasexhausted.Sheconsideredsittingdownandwelcomingthebulletthatwouldendthetorment.HermotherunabletodissuadehersaidAllrightwellsitdowntogethertowhichDorarepliedNotyouInthatmomentsherealizedherlifewasboundtohermothersjustasIsaacswasboundtoAbrahams.Tosacriceonewastosacricetheother.HerstoryechoesmanyofthethemesaddressedinthebindingofIsaac.therelationshipofaparentandachildajourneyimpendingdeathasacriceaverted.Bothstorieshavesparsenesstothemthreeitemsthataccompanythemonajourneywithfewwords.Whenjuxtaposedthroughanaccompanyingpoemthetwostoriespresentdifferentviewsofsacriceandthebondbetweenaparentandchild.Mymediumistwofold.MyprimarymediumispaintingbutIalsosteppedoutsideofmyusualmediumtodescribeitthroughpoetry.Myprocessevolves.IstartwithastorybuttheimageryinmyheadcreatesadialoguewiththecanvasoftenarrivingatsurprisesthatIdidntanticipate.ThepoembeganwithaseriesofquestionstomyfriendDora.WhatwastheweatherlikeWheredidyousleepWhatdidyoufeelIbegantocraftthestoryfromherresponsesandthenreneditintoanalternatingandoftenparallelstructurebetweenIsaacandAbrahamandDoraandhermother.IwouldneverhavemadetheconnectionbetweenDorasstoryandthatofAbrahamandIsaachadwenotjustdiscusseditwithintheLab.ItwasgestatinginmymindreadytocometolifeasIbegantopaintherstoryaneffortthatoriginallyborenorelationshiptotheArtistLabproject.NorwouldIhavethoughttoventureintopoetrywereitnotforthetalentedpoetsandwriterswithintheLabwhoinspiredmetotryadifferentmedium. WeWalkTogetherPainting ShanaCohenStandingonthenelinebetweenprideandhumilityrepresentamultitudeoflifeexperiences.Thispieceisaself-portraitrepresentingthespectrumofbeingmyfullselfbeingmyoutselfandthenebalancingactbetweenthesedichotomies.FascinatedwithaninstallationbyRobertoBeharandRosarioMarquardtTheAbsentCityexaminesscaletransparencyandlanguagewhichcorrespondedtothethemeofthisyearsArtLabTEXTCONTEXTandSUBTEXT.ThisphysicalspaceofTheAbsentCityinspiredthebackgroundofthispieceCONTEXT.TheTEXTofthisworkpullsfromthestoryofJosephfromthebibleandthemanyplaceswithinthestorythatJosephstruggledwithhisPRIDEandHUMILITY.MuchlikeJosephopportunitiesthatpresentthemselvesanddreamsthatmanifesthavehelpedmedeterminewheretostandSUBTEXT.AsoneoftheArtistsLabArtist-In-ResidencemycontributionwastodiligentlyreecttheclimateoflivingbothartisticallyandJewishlyintheTwinCities.InadditiontothispaintingaseriesofarticlesexaminingJewishartandartistswerefeaturedinseveralonlinemediasites. BetweenPrideandHumilityAcrylic JordyFeigerAsoneoftheArtistsLabArtist-In-ResidenceIcreatedaseriesofworkusingactualhandprintsfromcommunityaswellashandmodelstoinformmywork.TheLabhasbeenagreatinspirationformeasanartistandasaJew.Myprocessisusuallyintellectual-Iusetextualthemesforpieces.StudyingtheTanachprayerslawssongsandpoemswiththefacilitatorshaschallengedmetoinviteJewishritualintomydailylifeinanewfashion.Forthepast8monthsIhavebeenpracticingNitylatYadiymHandWashingeverymorning.ThisstudyandpracticecanbeseeninRitual.AdditionallytheLabhasplayedasupportivepartinmyartisticevolutionsInstallationisforeignformywork.MymediumismainlyoilpaintsbutforthisshowIreturnedtoTemperaandIndianInkaswellascontourdrawing-inspiredbyEgonSchiele.MystyleisimbuedwithLucienFreudsloveofcolorboldbrushstrokesandinterestingperspectives.TheLabhasliberatedmefrommyvalleyofun-productivity.Mypiecesarethetipofanice-bergofmoretocomeIplanonexpandingtheseriesofhandsandincorporatingmoreJudaismintomywork.Ihavefoundmyvoice-mypointofview.IamgratefulfortheopportunitytostudyandfeelconnectedandproudaboutmyfaithandwhoIamasanartistandanindividual. RitualdetailOilandclearnailpolishoncanvasassortedtolietries FriendtemperapaintandIndianinkonpaperRightHealingHandsusedcanvasoldgessooilpaintandGoldsacrylicspraypaint TheArtists AnatSzendroIamawomananIsraeliaJewawifeasoontobemotherafriendacreativemindandanartist.Notnecessarilyinthisorder.Itrytoexecutemycreativeideas.Thesecancomeinallshapesandformspoemsstoriespaintinggraphicartorperformance.Iwasluckyenoughtobeattherighttimeandplacewhenthisgroupformedandbeapartofthiscreativefamily.IhaveaBachelorsinDesignspecializingingraphicdesignbutalsoworkasamakeupartistforaliving.ImovedtotheTwinCitiesfromIsraelayearagowithmybeautifulhusbandandourcutedog.Iamsogratefulforthisexperience.RobynAwendRobynAwendsworkincludesletterpressprintsartistbooksandinstallationart.Robynusescenturyoldleadandwoodtypeinherworktocarryonthehistoryofletterpressprinting.Custom-madewoodenmatricesallowforhertoprintinunconventionalwayscreatingcurvilinearmethodstoprinting.Shealsousesphotopolymerplatescreatedthroughaphotographicprocessthatenableshertotransferanimagetoaprintingsurface.HerworkoftencombinesherculturalandbiologicalidentitiesfndingconnectionsbetweentheHebrewalphabetandDNAstructures.Herworkisexhibitednationallyandinternationallyandisapartofvariouscollectionsaroundthecountry.RobynservesattheDirectorofVisualArtsattheSabesJewishCommunityCenterandisafoundingmemberofFormContentGalleryinMinneapolis. CarolynLightBellBehindthelensofhercameraLightBellexploresthemysteryandpowerofbeautystrivingtocaptureitsessencethroughthepoweroflightcolortextureandcomposition.Sightisapreciousgift.Throughoureyesweselectandinterpretpersonalmeaningfromoursurroundingsinordertobringthevisualexperiencedeepinsideoursoul.Thatswhattheartofphotographyisallabout.ThephotographsofCarolynLightBellhaveappearedatChristosRestaurantDunnBrothersCoffeeHousesElderLearningInstituteGlacierIceCreamJoesGarageRestaurantMinneapolisArtCrawlNicheRetailPennyGeorgeInstituteforHealingPepinsBigYellowBuildingSebastianJoesIceCreamParlorTempleIsraelMinneapolisandSt.PaulJewishCommunityCentersandtheMinneapolisInstituteofArtsGiftShop.SusanArmingtonSusanArmingtonworksinpaintingmixedmediaandimaginativemap-making.SheleadscommunityprojectslikeTalkingSuitcasestobringpeopletogethertocreateobjectsthatgiveshapetotheirlifestoriesandbuildpowerfulpersonalconnections.HerartworkhasbeenexhibitedregionallynationallyandinternationallyincludingattheInternationalLabourOfceandtheU.N.inGeneva.SheistherecipientofthreeMinnesotaArtsBoardArtistInitiativegrantsandiscurrentlyatworkonanewprojectofRiverMapsthatwillincludepeoplesstoriespastandpresentinthephysicalityoftheland.SheisnotJewishbutndsinspirationintherichdiscussionofJewishtextsandpracticeswiththeartisticwarmlivelycrowdoftheArtistsLab.PhototakenbyGregSeitz JoelCarterJoelCarterborninWinnipegCanadaisafreelancewriterauthorrockbalanceartiststorytellerspeakerandphysician.CartersworkwithbalancedrocksculpturesemergedfromhisownhealingjourneyledbythecreativespiritwithlearninginregardstorelationshiptohisJewishrootsselfandothers-aswellasndingthebalancepointwithin.Rocksarchetypicallyrepresenttheenduringhumansoulandhavebeenreveredbyindigenouspeoplearoundtheglobefromthebeginningofhumanhistory.Theyserveaswayndersforthehumanexperiencetheyarecentraltoourparticipationinritualandspiritualconnectionandofferelementsforoursurvivalandconnectionwiththeearth.HannaBloomfeldHannaE.Bloomeldhasbeenpracticingcalligraphysinceshewas15yearsoldandhasrecentlybeguntocreateketubot.Sheworkswithgouacheacrylicsinkandgoldleaf.Whensheisnotworkingonapieceofartsheiseitherdoodlingorworkingatherdayjobasaphysician-researcherattheMinneapolisVAmedicalcenter. RaniHalpernRaniHalpernisaJewishvisualartistwhoseworkisprimarilybaseduponJewishthemesandtraditionalJewishsourcesandtexts.Sheisinterestedinartasvisualmidrashvisualinterpretationoftextsritualandsymbols.Ranidesignsartworkforalllifecycleeventsandisknownforherpapercuttingandketubot.Herartworkcommissionedbysynagoguescommunityorganizationsfoundationsandindividualsnationwidehasbeenexhibitedinnumeroussoloandjuriedshows.ShehastaughtvisualandJudaicartclassesforthepast30years.RaniwasanalistforaBushArtistFellowshipin2008.SuzanneFentonAsaJewishwomanartistleft-handedLeo--tograpplewithandexplorethesimplicityandcomplexitiesoftheworldcomesnaturallytome.ThroughwritingpaintinganddesignIenjoycreatingsomethingnewfromsomethingoldandndinggreatmeaninginthejourneyandtransformation.Allmannersofself-expressionandtheplethoraofpossibilitythatspringsfromthisplaceisawaysandmeanstocelebratemyfreedomdailywhileseekingconnectionsthatbringvitalityandfeedthesoul.Iamhappilymarriedwiththreebeautifullyinspiringsonswhoteachmeathingatwo.IvehadmyapparellineMeshirtsBySuzsince2004andamcurrentlyatworkonabookofAlternativeJewishshortstories. BonnieHellerBonnieHellerhasbeenmakingartherentirelife.Anymaterialisfodderforherartmaking.Primarilyapaintershealsoworkswithdiscardeditemsandthree-dimensionalformsglassandvintagebeadsmonoprintingandcollage.Shehasexhibitedallovertheworldandisknownlocallyforherlushlypaintedcakesstilllifesandgurativepaintings.HerstudiointheTrafcZoneCenterforVisualArtsisbrimmingwithcolorfuljoyfulpaintingsandsculptureoutrageouspropsvividpaintsandagrandvarietyoftools.HerworkhastraveledacrosstheUnitedStatesintheNationalSketchbookProjectTouracrosstheoceaninIsraelatInBookFormandwasshownlocallyinTheNorthsideTodayMemoryPlaceHomeandCommunityatTheHomewoodStudiosandtheMinnesotaStateFairtonameafew.MostrecentlysheparticipatedinDiverseInquiriesCuriousPassionsattheMinnetonkaCenterfortheArtsArt4ShelterBurnetGalleryandinasoloshowGratitutionsatTrafcZoneGallery.SylviaHorwitzSylviaHorwitzisaMinneapolisbasedphotographerartistwhosephotographicworkhastakenherfrompowwowsinGrandPortageMNtoarcheologicaldigsinIsraelalongwithaneditorialseriesinJerusalem.TenyearsagoshetravelledtoBuenosAirestodanceandphotographtango.InArgentinaherinterestseventuallyturnedtothestreetassheencounteredpoliticalprotestandthefamousMadresmothersofthosewhodisappearedduringthemilitarydictatorship1976-83.DesaparecidoswasrstexhibitedattheSabesJCCinMinneapolis.SylviasmostrecentprojectStandingStonesRitualSitesinWesternBritainwasfundedinpartbyaMinnesotaStateArtsBoardgrant. AlisonMorseAlisonMorsespoemsstoriesandarticleshavebeenpublishedinMomentMagazineWaterStoneReviewNaturalBridgeRhinoNortheastReviewandmnartists.orgamongotherplaces.In2012astoryofherswontheTiferetFictionAwardandshewaspoet-in-residenceattheSt.PaulJewishCommunityCenter.From2011-13shewrotestoriesfortheWomenPeacemakersProgramattheJoanKrocInstituteforPeaceandJusticeinSanDiego.ShealsoteachesEnglishandrunsTalkingImageConnectionareadingseriesthatbringstogetherwriterscontemporaryartandnewaudiences.SheisdelightedtobepartoftheSabesJCCArtistsLabcommunity.DianePecoraroDianePecorarohasalifelonginterestinthearts.ShehasbeenamemberofboththeartandlmcommitteesattheSabesJCC.WritingpoemssincechildhoodDianeiscurrentlytheCommunityPoetofSt.LouisParkapositionthatinvolveswritingandcommunity-buildingaroundthethemeofVoicesandVerses.ParticipatingintheArtistsLabhasallowedherasawritertoworkwithagroupofvisualartistsandtoexploreideasaroundJewishidentity.Assuchitisanewadventureinherongoingdesiretoreneandreinventherwork. KrisPrinceIhavereachedapointinmylifethatItrustmyworkmyart.Iletmyintuitionguideme.Creatingartisnotsomethingthatcanbeperfected.JustasIreachapointofsuccessregardingapieceofworkinthenextmomentrestlessnesssetsin.PaulaLeiterPergamentIamacollectorofnaturalandfoundobjects.Icelebratetheirbeautyandabundancebyincorporatingthemintomywork.Mycompositionsandsculpturesareenhancedbytheirqualitiesofcolortextureshapeandline.UponenteringmystudioIdisengagefrommyegoandintention...thenIbecomeopentothechild-likewonderofintuition.Oncethisoccursmyhandsandheartarefreetodiscoverthesoulfulnessofmywork.Myeyesandhandstakemetoplacesmyminddoesnotplanfor...imagesemerge...themysteryastoundsme.Isubmergeintothemakingofartandtimenolongerexists.Iamsuspendedinatimelesscreativespacethatallowsreectivepersonalimagestosurface.AndwhenthisworkisdoneIamprofoundlyfullandemptyatthesametime...awashwithasenseofselfknowledgeandanoverwhelmingconnectiontotheexpansivecreativeenergyandspiritofG-D. PhilRosenbloomIstrivetocreateartworkthatsvisuallylushandintellectuallystimulating.MytrainingincludesaBAinSculpturefromStanfordUniversitystudyattheUniversityofHaifaIsraelandtheSchooloftheArtInstituteofChicago.MyworkhasbeenexhibitedaroundthecountryincludingshowsattheHydeParkArtCenterRandolfStreetGalleryChicagoArtExpoTrafcZoneandtheMinneapolisArtInstitute.Iamanavidartcollectorgalleryhoundmuseumratandartbookjunkie.CurrentlyIserveontheboardoftheWeismanArtMuseumandtheCollegeofVisualArtsandwastheJCCculturalartschair.ThelastfewyearsIhaverenewedmyfocusoncreatingartresultinginarushofpent-upcreativejuice.LouiseRibnickThewordamateurcomesfromtheLatinwordforlover.Louiseisanamateurartistandshelovestocreateart.Herartisameansofexpressingthroughtextureandlayersofcolorthatlifeislledwithcomplexity.Sheusesacrylicpaintwithpapercollageandoftenfeaturesimagesofwomenorgirlspeekingoutofwindowsorhiddeninbackgrounds.LouisegrewupinMinneapolisandenjoyslivingandplayingnearthecityslakes.SheandherhusbandJerryhavevewonderfulchildrentwomarriedsonsandonedaughter.FamilyandJewishlifeareatthecenteroftheirlives.LifelonglearningisoneofLouisesaspirationsshehasstudiedartandJudaismthroughoutherlifeandhopestocontinuetodosoforyearstocome. JordyFeigerAtanearlyageIknewmyambitionmydreamwastobecomeaneartpainter.Mymentorfocusedmytrainingon18thand19thcenturymasterslikeVincentVanGoghandJohnSingerSargent.Thereforemyapproachhasbeenfromatraditionalandacademicstandpoint.YetIrealizedIammorecontemporaryinclinedthanpreviouslythoughtmyselftobe.AsmyYogastudiesandpracticedeepensmycreativityisclearerandstrongermyvisionssagessayaremelookingatmytrueSelfmyDivine.Iamenthusiasticaboutartandthepowerithasovertheworldandmecatharticliberatingsimultaneouslychallengingandugly.IliveinUptownwithmyanceandourbicycles.SusanWeinbergIfocusmyartworkonfamilyculturalandcommunityhistory.Myworkisaboutstoryandistoldthroughartworkandwrittenandoralnarrative.Myjourneybeganwithaseriesonpersonalfamilyhistory.IexpandedmyfocustothecommunitiesfromwhichmyfamilycameexamininghowLithuaniadealswiththehistoryoftheHolocaustandexploringmygrandfatherspre-warJewishcommunityinPoland.RecentlyIveturnedmyattentionlocallywithaprojectconsistingof17interviewsofSholomHomeelders.IhavedevelopedartworkandvideothatcapturestheirstoriestellingthestoryofthebroaderJewishcommunity.IworkoutofmystudioinMinneapolisandlecturewriteandpaintonfamilyandculturalhistory. ShanaCohenShanaisawarmandoutgoingJill-of-all-tradeandlovesdo-it-yourselfD.I.YcultureShecurrentlyworksforJewishFamilyandChildrensServiceasanemploymentspecialistandaprogrammanagerfortheJewishLGBTQprogramcalledJ-Pride.Shanalovesthelocalartscenebikingaroundthecityandisaloverofsciencectionbooksandmovies.ShanaisengagedtotheloveofherlifeandisgettingmarriedonJune1st2014.ShealsoisthemothertoanineyearoldChihuahuanamedScout.Herprimaryartisticmediumisoilacrylicandwatercolorandconsidersherselftobeacontemporaryexpressionisticgurativepainter. SpecialThanksTextFacilitatorRabbiAlexanderDavisTextFacilitatorMeryllPageArtFacilitatorRobynAwendArtFacilitatorAnatSzendro Whenathingisnotdonecontinuingtoworkisthestrengthbutwhenitisdonethestrengthliesinstopping.EricMaisel 4330CedarLakeRoadSMinneapolisMN55416952381-3400DesignedbyAnatSzendro