Friendly takeover

Artists, man… They will TAKE. OVER. if you don’t keep an eye on ‘em. Ask me how I know.

I know because I’m plotting my takeover of Artist Trust on Instagram! During the last weekend of May, Artist Trust has asked me to fill their Stories feed. You’ll see my work, artists I follow and artists I can’t wait to see in person when we’re NOT in quarantine.

Instagram Live chat with artist Liz Tran

Think of this takeover like a virtual pop-up gallery during the COVID-19 lockdown, with Artist Trust donating exhibit space. Here’s how you can pitch in: spread the word, by sharing the graphic below.

What good is a pop-up event if no one attends? So save the dates: Saturday the 30th and Sunday the 31st — ask your friends to save the dates too — and come add your comments to the Stories!

Mothering in place

So where are you going for Mother’s Day brunch? [dies of bittersweet, mildly hysterical laughter]

This year, I’m redirecting my brunch money toward helping another artist, photographer Steven Miller. On the other side of this window, he made a photo of me as part of his Pandemic Portraits series, in which he shoots contact-free photos from an appropriate distance — communicating via cell phone. I know I’m not contributing make-or-break money to his bank account. But at least Steven is letting me help him, which is more than I can say for my eleven year-old when I try to help him with school work. Believe it or not, my teenager humors me more often.

He allowed me a little mother-son bonding time over deviled eggs the other day. Of course, he’s kinda stuck with me during quarantine. But I appreciate the chance to be a little more motherly and protective than usual during this uncertain time. When I’m not in the studio, of course.

Spring (exhibits) will be a little late this year

Thanks to COVID-19, my upcoming solo show is down but not out. Good news: “Never the Same Book Twice” will be open for two months instead of one! My show will be up during April and May.

And here’s the bad news: Social distancing has forced Gallery One to reschedule the opening reception, from April 3rd to May 1st. Same for “Between the Fold,” the book arts show running in concert with my show. HOWEVER…!

Photo credit: Gallery One

When the doors reopen, we’re going to award $800 in prizes to “Between the Fold” artists. So… delayed, yeah — but on the upside, NOT CANCELED outright like the gallery’s weekend workshops. Adjust your calendars accordingly. In the meantime, here’s something you can do right now to support Gallery One: please consider becoming a gallery member or making a donation. Spaces like this one are vital to artists like me who make unconventional, sometimes challenging work.