ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – This Women’s History Month, Bay College has the work of two female artists on display in its galleries.
“My first year here, I was asked to do a presentation on women in the arts,” said Bay College Fine Arts Coordinator Kristine Granger. “That was wonderful, and I decided that it was time to focus our galleries on Women’s History Month. Over the last ten years, we have had local, regional, national, and international artists.”
Highlighted in the Hartwig Gallery is multimedia artist Caitlyn Swift of Phoenix, Arizona.
“Her work is very self-reflective—digging in deep, trying to understand one’s own self,” Granger said.
Swift describes her art as “a physical confrontation with internal fragments” of the human psyche. That confrontation can be seen in pieces like her collection of 106 daily self-portraits.
“I think that the quality of Caitlyn’s work is incredible,” said Granger. “Her attention to detail and the mastery of her craft, it’s quite beautiful.”
Keweenaw-based artist Lindsey Heiden’s Besse Gallery exhibit focuses on the themes of “nesting” and “home,” with a large nest as a focal point.
“She invites the viewer to write on these bits of fabric what home means to them,” Granger explained. “Then after the exhibition she takes those pieces and weaves them together to make wall hangings.”
The exhibit also includes intricate wall tiles that serve as a commentary on nature and humanity’s influence.
“They first appear to be these beautiful flowers,” said Granger. “When you get a bit closer, you start to see that they are animal body parts.”
At the center, a collection of music boxes depicts animals that have gone extinct, due largely to human interaction.
“It’s a really important investigation in what our home is and what our environment is,” Granger said. “She brings to life a modern-day Grimms’ fairytale that tells a bigger story.”
The public is invited to explore the work of both women—and the stories told through each piece—now through April 18.
“Only 20% of the work in our galleries and museums are from women, and I think it’s really important to highlight the work that women do within the art world,” Granger said. “I think that it’s extremely beneficial for our students here at Bay College, as well as the community, to see and be a part of this.”
The Hartwig Gallery is located in the Catherine Bonifas building. The Besse Gallery is located in the Besse Center. Click here for more information on the exhibits.
