Join us from 5-7pm for our August Artist Reception featuring artists Marie Bergstedt in the Throckmorton Theatre Main Gallery and Braeda Horan in the Crescendo Gallery.
AUGUST ART EXHIBITS
Marie Bergstedt, “Revelations”
Throckmorton Theatre Main Gallery
My artwork tells stories. Often a piece is sparked by current events. Then, inspired by my personal experience, I draw upon one of my mixed-up family of bloodlines or close friends to explore the contradictions, tragedies, challenges, and sometimes bliss of their tales. Through portraits and symbols, I unbutton stories, mend tears, unveil, and discover as I stitch together the narrative. Often the subject is one of grave concern, but my process also works through issues in a way that configures into a more positive visual conclusion. There is room for humor, laughter and celebration at the end, for both me and viewers.
I believe traditional handwork techniques such as knitting, crocheting and embroidery best visualize what I hope to convey. My goal is to touch viewers, using textiles as a universal experience and bridge, and to encourage others to discover their own or a more-widespread dialogue.
Featured photo (left): “Victoria Red”/ Mixed Fiber Media Wall Relief, 45″H x 24″W x 2.5″D
Braeda Horan, “The Beauty That Surrounds Us”
Crescendo Gallery
Braeda Horan is a long time resident of Mill Valley. She ran her successful clothing design company for over twenty-five years from her studio with views of Mt.Tam. She presented her collections at New York Fashion Week and sold to exclusive stores throughout the USA, Canada, Japan and Europe.
Ms. Horan graduated with honors from Leicester College of Art and Design, in England. After graduation she worked as a designer in London. Taking a break from the fashion world she lived in the East African bush for two years. On her return to London she took off on a new career path.
Under the auspices of Fritz Schumacher, father of the Appropriate Technology movement and author of “Small is Beautiful,” she started and ran a non-profit African Art Gallery in Central London, working directly with the artisans to provide marketing support and representation. This led to her being offered the position of Small Scale Industries Director for Save the Children, working throughout the USA, Central and South America.
On her way back from visiting projects in South America she would frequently stop in San Francisco and visit Mill Valley. The natural beauty and creativity of the area drew her back time and time again. Finally, she moved here and started her own clothing line, Braeda Horan Designs.
She is currently taking her years of experience of working with color, textures and shapes to create artwork for her new collection of decorative art prints.
Ms. Horan is a former Textile Board Member for the De Young Museum and the San Francisco Design Network.
Selected to be in the Cutting Edge Design Exhibition American Institute of Architects.
Featured photo (right): “Walking with Kipling”, 12″x8 1/2”
