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Mary Porterfield: July Artist Residency, Artist

Coohaus Art Gallery is pleased to welcome Mary Porterfield as its July Artist in Residence. On Thursday July 24, the gallery will host an Artist Talk from 5-6pm followed by the artists Open Studio event from 6-8pm. Her Work questions what makes an act heroic in the midst of daunting circumstances. By amassing hundreds of fgures, she depicts scenes from nature, symbolizing situations beyond her control, both literally and figuratively. Many of these situations represent her work as an occupational therapist, as she struggles to accept what she cannot change. She explores this struggle through multi-figures narratives that comprise the landscape. Some of the figures include saints, who spent their lives giving selflessly and unconditionally to those in need. Other figures strive to balance these ideals with the need to live a self-fufilling life. She juxtaposes layered allegories in an attempt to ask and resolve: Does it take more courage to be selfless or self-seeking? Is it better to deny futility or accpt what cannot be changed? If need is warranted but not wanted, should it be abandoned? Through the dichotomous nature of the work, her intention is to create a philosophical discussion regarding the struggle to live a compassionate life. Mary Porterfield recieved her Masters in Fine Arts from Arizona State University in 2002. Her work has been included in group exhibitions throughout the country, including Phoenix Art Museum, the Rockford Art Museum, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, the Florida State University Museum, and the San Diego Art Institute. Solo shows have included the Packer-Schopf Gallery in Chicago, University of Illinois-Urbana and the West Valley Art Museum in Surprise, Arizona. She is the recipient of numerous honors for her work including two Illinois Artist Council Grants, a Puffin Foundation Grant, and three Chicago Community Arts Assistance Program Grants. Porterfield teaches at Northeastern Illinois University and is represented by the Packer-Schopf Gallery in Chicago.

Tigard, Oregon