PARENTHOOD: THE LIFE OF AN ARTIST/MOTHER

Harrison Council for the Arts presents “Parenthood: The Life of an Artist/Mother” Fiber Art by Heather G. Stoltz  at the Harrison Public Library, Halperin Building, 2 Bruce Avenue, Harrison, NY on view May 1 to June 1.  Meet the Artist on May 7 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

When my daughter was born, I was suddenly thrust into motherhood and it was all consuming. This new little being became the center of my universe and I happily put aside much of what I used to do, including my art. There would be plenty of time for art making when she was bigger, I thought. Less than two years later, my son was born and our amazing little family took all my energy and focus.

But I was starting to notice that something was missing. My only identity was that of a mother. What had happened to the me that existed before kids? What happened to my artist self? I never completely stopped making art. There were a few commissions and workshops in those years, but my artist self needed to express herself. She needed time to create.

“Parenthood: The Life of an Artist/Mother” is a visual representation of the tension I feel between my life as an artist and my life as a mother. This fiber art series also expresses the many feelings of parenthood, from the moments of joy, to the intense guilt that pulls us in different directions, to the instinct to protect our children from this frightening world.

Heather Stoltz has received many awards and grants.  She has exhibited extensively and her work appears in many publications.  Related events include workshops and lectures.  She will be the Maker-In-Residence at Harrison Public Library in October-December 2017.  See http://sewingstories.com.

Heather graduated from Lafayette College, Easton, PA with Dual Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering – Magna Cum Laude and Bachelor of Arts in Jewish Studies – Magna Cum Laude as well as Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, NY Master of Arts in Jewish Women’s Studies – With Distinction.  She was an Arts Fellow at Drisha Institute for Jewish Education, New York, NY.

The exhibit may be viewed Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30am to 9pm; Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays. Saturdays 9:30am to 5:30pm and Sundays 1:00 to 5:00pm.  For info call the Library at 914/835-0324 or see www.harrisonpl.org.