MoNA has more great exhibits

A recent article in your paper reviewed the new exhibitions at MoNA, the powerful paintings and glass work of Joseph Gregory Rossano’s “Portrait of the Divine,” and “Early Rituals,” the iconic creations of a master in glass, William Morris (June 19, 2024).

However, two upstairs exhibitions were not mentioned. The first is a beautiful exhibition from MoNA’s permanent collection, “At the Seam,” including new acquisitions and the last is “SOMOS (WE ARE)” in the small Outside/In Gallery.

It is the latter upon which I would like to comment. The artwork is created by young artists from the Catholic Community Services’ Farm Worker’s Center (Centro de Trabajodores) in Mount Vernon The Center’s art studio (Estudio de Arte para Ninos) has been in existence for over a decade. It was begun as a collaboration between artist Patty Detzer and the mentors at the Center to create a permanent ceramic mosaic for the Center.

Over the years, other local artists and supporters joined and after Patty’s tragic loss to cancer, have carried on with her work and expanded into a comprehensive art studio. The installation’s curators, Troy Gilpatric and Heidi Epstein, have both worked many years with these children.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Heidi brought in MoNA’s Nicolette Harrington and Ellie Cross to help facilitate supplies and lessons for the children to be done at home. They are instrumental in not only the exuberance and beauty of the exhibition’s presentation, but in guiding much of the artwork as teachers. In addition to the Center’s staff, especially Director Marta Martinez and her former assistant Guillermina Bazante, it is to the many volunteers who have given generously of their time: Anita Ordonez, Virginia Hand, Steve Crider and Jan Tivel, to name a few, that have contributed to the joy of this exhibition. 

Sincerely,

Christine Wardenburg-Skinner

Edison