MARCH 2024 Newsletter

 
 

 Selfie by Cheryl R. Riley

Dear Readers,

I’m sure, like me, you are enjoying the warmth of sunshine and the vibrant colors of spring blossoms. I’m inspired and percolating ideas for a new series of works that I will share in the coming months. I have been a classical music fan since childhood and became an opera fan when I lived in San Francisco, and a friend who worked for the company comped me tickets. This affinity came up in a conversation with a lovely lady I was seated next to at the MAD Museum “Barbie” luncheon. She subsequently gifted me dress rehearsal tickets to The Barber of Seville, which was a hoot—with a set object in the form of a floor that miraculously served multiple functions. Next, I will see The Magic Flute. It was one of the very few times I have been seated in a box upstairs. It was a wonderfully different viewpoint. I expected the director or conductor to stop the action to give instructions but—no! The performance was uninterrupted, except for intermissions. I am so grateful for the kindness of so many people I meet and interact with in my everyday life. I am blessed with a loving and wonderful group of friends—the family I selected that chose me.

Best,

Cheryl

THE STORY MAKERS-Tales of Black Heritage through Jewelry and Objects

Gallery Loupe, Montclair, NJ

April 5- April 27, 2025

Photos by Tatsuro Nishimura

Do come for the opening of this group show of art makers and choose between four of my one-of-a-kind works of wearable art. This all-female-identified makers show is curated by Sebastian Grant. I am honored that he selected four of my Sculptures in the Form of a Necklace to show alongside these highly talented creatives.

 Photo by Tatsuro Nishimura

CURATORIAL STATEMENT BY SEBASTIAN GRANT

Stories contain power within them, pushing the mind toward imagination while also recording memory. As the bearers of legends, stories serve as conduits of culture, bringing the history of tribes and nations to life. In the form of folktales, stories have not only been a catalyst for the preservation of African and African American heritage but have also functioned as essential tools for ensuring its survival.

In many African tribes, women often took on the role of storytellers, weaving epics from thin air to connect to an ancestral tapestry. Craft, like folktales, is rooted in traditions and techniques passed down through generations—often from mothers and grandmothers—engaging with the spiritual core of past ancestors.

This exhibition highlights the significance of craft-making for African American women and feminine-identifying individuals by showcasing seven artists who embrace the role of storyteller in their work. Through diverse practices, techniques, and backgrounds, these artists bring seven distinct lives into a unified narrative. Their objects—ranging from metalwork and beadwork to other mediums—explore themes of family and social ties, strength, freedom, equality, and the evolving concept of womanhood today.

“TRANSCENDENCE PRESERVED”

IVY BROWN GALLERY

ARTIST TALK: APRIL 19, 3-5 PM

Gallery Closed: March 31 – April 8

Reopens: April 9

22 1/2, 9th, New York City, NY

Photos by Rene Saheb

I invite you to my solo sculpture exhibit, TRANSCENDENCE PRESERVED, at the iconic Ivy Brown Gallery. This is the first showing of the entire body of work, developed over two decades. It explores cultural intersections shaped by my African American heritage—celebrating resilience, pride, and the beauty of survival. I have come to realize that this celebration applies to Americans of all ethnicities.

The sculptures are transformed everyday tools, recreated as sacred objects through the application of gold pigments where the hand touches them. Encased in custom vinyl slipcovers, they echo the showcase living rooms of my youth—elegant spaces meant to be admired, not touched.

The gallery is closed March 31 – April 8 and reopens April 9. Do stop in and select the piece that resonates with you and your family story.

“BODY OF WORK”

GROUP SHOW- ART150 GALLERY

March 21, 2025 - April 27, 2025

157A First Street, 2nd Floor, Jersey City, NJ

Artists love to congregate—to share our creative energy, support each other, and inhabit a group that really gets and respects what you're about. So, it is wonderful being at ART150 on the 2nd floor with so many creatives. Thanks to Frank Ippolito and Alexandra Alvarez for curating a group show. Its concept happened to dovetail perfectly with this Sculpture in the Form of a Necklace featuring a ceramic female torso vessel I purchased at the Museum of Arts & Design’s Gift Shop. It is accompanied by mud and brass wire beads. Do check out this group show featuring so many takes on “Body of Work.”

CHERYL’S ARTIST PICK OF THE MONTH

NANETTE CARTER

This woman is an amazing artist, exceptional teacher, daughter, and great friend. Her abstractions are painted on vellum that is attached to the wall. They look three-dimensional, are individual, and I was overwhelmed by how beautiful each one was. These images were taken during her solo show at the women-owned gallery, Berry Campbell, which focuses on abstract artists. Nanette Carter: Simply Semiotics was on view from November 2 to December 2024.