Art Heals, Art Saves
Gallery News, Workshops, and Events
Hello Dear Friends,
The past few weeks, I have to admit, have found me wavering on the edge of despair. As the news comes at us hard and fast, and we watch in horror the destructive activity of the current administration, it is hard not to feel completely hopeless in the midst of it.
While at the same time, being able to see that this dismantling of systems will eventually make way for a rebuilding, not of the same systems that did not truly include justice for all, but of something more encompassing of the full spectrum of our humanity.
There is something perched, waiting for the dust to settle.
Something more hope filled.
Something with feathers.
How do we move forward in the times we are living through, in a way that allows us to find that spot of hope perched inside each one of us?
It is not some simple cliché to say that through art, we will find our way.
Through art, we are able to reclaim our true voice.
Through art, we are able to express ourselves.
Through art, we are able to restore the nervous system, steering it away from anxiety and directing it to a greater sense of peace and empowerment.
Through art, we are able to prioritize joy.
Through art, we connect to others in community and collaboration.
Art reminds me that I do not need to know exactly where it is I’m going. I can focus on each step, each material or technique, each process, and trust that it will eventually come together to form a complete picture.
Art reminds me that I do not have to know everything before I can do anything.
Art makes a way when there is no way.
To put it simply—Art Heals and Art Saves.
Art is an act of resistance.
Read on for this weeks art news and events . . .
With gratitude,
Crystal Marie
New gallery representation at Cappaert Contemporary Gallery
I'm beyond thrilled to have been invited to be part of the Cappaert Contemporary Gallery roster of artists this year.
This one has been a long time coming, as gallery owner Ginnie Cappaert reached out years ago, but the timing wasn’t right for me.
In a hugely affirming email last week, Ginnie reached out again, adding that she was loving the direction of my assemblage works—especially the one with the wonky elements and wire nest pictured above.
This body of work has been pressing its way forward as ideas and materials begin accumulating—waking me with designs in the middle of the night and renewing my passion for hunting, creating, and combining elements that speak to a bigger story.
I’m excited for the possibilities in the work and in the coming season with the gallery.
The season officially opens at the end of April and runs through October.
TLDR: Highlights for this weeks news and events:
Meet me in Kansas City for Art + Assemblage May 2nd - May 4th
Chicago in the Summer? Yes, please. Registration is now open for Mixed Media Sculpture and the Art of Momigami; Jeff Hirst Studios, August 20th-23rd PLUS a prep session on Zoom prior to the workshop July 30th!
Registration now open for Vessels, Nests, and Pods: Designs in Paper and Mixed Media; September 26 – 28, 2025; Sedona Art Center!
Last week to get 60% off Wax, Paper, Scissors self-paced workshop!
Wax, Paper, Scissors is now available as a whopping 42 lesson self-paced course with nearly 14 hours of instruction, inspiration, and guidance!
Regularly priced at $125 — introductory offer only $50!
Whether hot encaustic, or cold wax medium, this course will compare, contrast, and combine, these two luminous mediums in an exploration of the unique properties inherent to the nature of each one.
Registration Closing Soon on March Live Online Workshops!
Meet me in Kansas City this Spring for Art and Assemblage!
Art and Assemblage is a comprehensive workshop that will guide you through the process of elevating your artwork, collections, found objects, and salvaged materials into beautiful assemblages and fine artworks.
Join me for this exciting three-day experience, which includes a partial day outing to hunt and gather materials on the sidewalks of the urban neighborhood around the studio, local resale shops, and salvaging discards from the wood shop next door.
Experience the sacred beauty of Sedona with me!
Registration Now Open! Vessel: Exploration of Sculptural Designs in Paper and Mixed Media
Dive into the transformative process of turning paper into stunning sculptural vessels. Explore innovative techniques to craft three-dimensional forms that embody personal themes, such as the body, a sense of home, or pure abstraction. Experiment with constructing designs both with and without permanent inner armatures, giving you the freedom to shape your vision.
Expand your artistic practice with mixed media options, including:
Mark-making and staining paper for surface design
Stitching and textural embellishments.
Incorporating salvaged and natural materials.
Finishing with encaustic wax for depth and visual impact.
100% agree. Your artwork and words are so fiery and beautiful. Thank you for being. <3
As usual, you being balm to fractured souls!🙏🏾🫶🏾🙏🏾