Words from Jane

We are very fond of our Creative Strength Training members’ shows. Offering inclusive exhibitions every year – two of them – has become an important part of how we share with each other. I am always proud of the entries and pleased that so many members make work to submit.

This year we departed from our usual “open” call for work and chose to focus on the self-portrait. Our monthly art spotlight is on collage for 2023, and the first month’s set of self-portrait collages were quirky, entertaining, sobering and even profound. We were excited.

Some of the self-portraits you see here are from that first March prompt, and others have been created specifically for the show. Take time to study them carefully, as there are many clues embedded in these pieces. It’s fun to observe and discover new aspects of people we have met, as well as to be inspired by the diversity of the creations. The materials range from embroidery and quilting to mixed media works on paper, photographs, and digital collage.

We hope you will be inspired and are thrilled to share this work with you.