Artists of the Month: Carole Groenke and Cilla Sheehan

Our art wall for May is decorated by two wonderful mixed media artists: Carole Groenke and Cilla Sheehan.

Cilla's Artist Statement:
Cilla Sheehan is a self-taught New Hampshire artist who has been working in mixed-media for the past fifteen years. She has shown her work in juried and open shows throughout the Northeast.

"In my work I like to combine interesting elements from many different past lives in new and unique ways. I particularly like using old objects with patinas that show their age. I find these interesting objects at yard sales, at the dump, in other people's trash or discarded along city streets. Although broken, they often have a beauty and grace that many newer objects lack."

Cilla has been a WCA/NH member of the past eight years and served on their Board of Directors for several years.

Carole Groenke's Artist Statement:

"When asked to describe my work in general, or the inspiration of any particular piece, I usually start with the phrase 'in my mind's eye...'. As a mixed-media artist, my work often involves an abstract combination of found objects, painting, foam art painting, decorative or handmade paper, photographs and fabric. In my mind's eye, a composition will often present as a specific collage. Depending on the particular theme or chosen subject, I will build and layer the collage on canvas, paper, wood or fabric. Of particular interest to me in any work is how disparate objects can at times seem similar in form or perceived movement. I find this, and other applications of juxtaposition in form or function, inspiring. Inspiration often comes from topical events as well as and of late I find my work has started to take a political or environmental tone."

New to our catalog and donated by artist of the month Carole Groenke, read about the suffragette Frances Willard who insipired her piece "Thank You Frances" (number 6 in the display). Wheel Within a Wheel by Frances Willard (Dewey - 796.6 WIL)