Remember Us was a solo exhibition held at the Downing Museum in Bowling Green, KY from July 31 through September 1, 2018. Supported by a Kentucky Foundation for Women Artist Enrichment grant, this exhibition was inspired by and in recognition of women who devote their time to making positive societal and environmental changes. It's purpose was twofold; to bring awareness to the plight of endangered animals and to show my interpretation of basketry created by women. My endangered wild animal series incorporated ceramic wild animals through sculptural elements that express the beauty yet vulnerability of nature. Despite their aesthetic and ecological values, many wild animals are treated as mere commodities and are being pushed to the brink of extinction. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species catalogues and highlights animals that are facing a higher risk of global extinction in the following categories: Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered. Fifteen animals in these categories were represented in this exhibition, with the inclusion of one Extinct in the Wild (the Northern White Rhino). My basket series incorporated my interpretation of basket shapes and patterns of the beautiful baskets made by the women of South Africa and Kenya. The basket weavers provide an important source of income for their families through their artistry. By referencing their work in my process, I hoped to instill the importance women have in creating stable environments for their families and communities.
