Five Red Deer artists — who also happen to be multi-tasking mothers — are putting on a group exhibit this weekend at the Artribute Art School in Red Deer.
The works of Marnie Blair, Erin Boake, Alysse Bowd, Jodi Neufeld, and Jewel Shaw can be viewed Friday (from 5 to 8 p.m.) and Saturday (1 to 5 p.m.) at 4836 Ross Street in the show Mother May I.
Throughout history, women painters and sculptors have had to overcome many obstacles to have their work seen and respected, the local artists said in a joint statement.
“There was a belief that female artists who chose to have children, couldn’t also pursue a career as an artist,” while themes of domestic life were often trivialized and not regarded as important, “high brow” art.
“The truth is artist/mothers have always been around, and have fought to have their voices heard and their truths represented in the art world,” stated the five local artists.
“They have compromised, adapted and multi-tasked their way into recognition, while running the household, raising the kids and working to support their families and careers.”
Mother May I explores themes of gender roles, family, struggle, and identity.
Alysse Bowd will also do some performance art on Friday at 6 p.m. on the Ross St Patio.
