ART: SALLY STANTON

A virtual exhibition juried by:

Claudia Fiks

A STATEMENT FROM OUR JUROR

As a juror for the Gather virtual exhibition, I was profoundly moved by the depth, creativity, and emotional resonance of the submissions. This collection of artworks is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and our innate need for connection, even amid times of uncertainty and division.

The theme of Gather has proven to be a rich catalyst for artistic expression that transcends cultural boundaries, speaking to our shared human experience. In evaluating the submissions, I looked for works that not only demonstrated technical skill but also conveyed the complex emotions surrounding the act of gathering in today’s global context.

I was particularly impressed by the artists' ability to capture both the joy of togetherness and the tensions that can accompany it. The raw honesty with which many artists approached the theme provides intimate glimpses into personal experiences of gathering.

I aimed to create a narrative that reflects the full spectrum of emotions tied to gathering. From pieces that celebrate the warmth of familial bonds to those that confront the discomfort of strained relationships, each artwork contributes to a larger conversation on human connection during challenging times. To all the artists who submitted their work, I extend heartfelt gratitude. Your courage in sharing your perspectives and emotions has resulted in an exhibition that is visually striking, deeply meaningful, and profoundly relevant to our times.

A metaphor for togetherness and division, artists interpret gathering— as a ritual or a necessity.

We are hearing people drained by the state of the world —in the US and beyond. Let’s say we capitalize on these raw emotions and put them to work? Division among neighbors is never a good thing. We would like to see art that speaks to the frustrations you are feeling.

Let's unite in our uncertainty and remember that we are part of the solution. Meanwhile, inside, we are working out how to move forward after a stressful elections here and across the world and facing the uncertainty of things to come—for all of us, but let's take our call--GATHER and put this energy into this virtual exhibition.

At the heart of "Gather" is the emotional narrative of human relationships and the act of gathering objects, food and people. Each gathering, tells a story—not just of food, or collective spirt but of who we are together and apart. The simplicity of gathering flowers or acorns after an abundant fall, whether it's the simple joy of shared laughter or the quiet discomfort of strained relationships, the act of gathering reflects our most human emotions and everyday tasks. This call asks artists to capture those moments of connection and complication, where gathering becomes a metaphor for both togetherness and division.

Artists of

Matthew Burgos @inkblotsandsnapshots

Michelle Feinberg @micheidi_studio

Christina Giza

Gloria Goguen @gloriajgoguen_art

Kim Hamburg @gluepaperscissors_

Cindy Kennelly @ck_felt_works

DaNice D Marshall @danice_d_marshall

Michelle May @michellelmayartist

John Pagano @pagano4063

Maritza Ranero @marz61

Robin Reynolds @robinreynolds7259

R Douglass Rice @r_d_rice

Sally Stanton @sal.stanton

Payal Thiffault @payalthiffault

Nancy Wright @wrightpixphotos

Lucy Yan @lucy__yan

CLAUDIA FIKS

Founder of NEW ENGLAND ART CENTER & TAG GALLERY, Director at GALATEA FINE ART, Founder of ARTS ADMINISTRATOR ASSOCIATION NEW ENGLAND (AAANE), Director of DEVELOPMENT at SOCIETY of ARTS AND CRAFTS, Director of NEWTON OPEN STUDIOS, writer for ARTSCOPE and guide at ART BASEL, ART BASEL MIAMI & THE ARMORY SHOW NYC

With over two decades of leadership in the arts and culture sector, Claudia has developed a wealth of expertise in guiding artists and nonprofits at both national and international levels. She specializes in designing and executing strategies that drive impactful programs, with proficiencies in program development, project management, fiscal governance, community engagement, event coordination, and fundraising.

In addition to her leadership roles, Claudia contributes to the arts ecosystem as a curator, art reviewer, juror, and panelist.

Her current roles include:

  • Founder Director at New England Art Center 

  • Director at TAG The Art Gallery

  • Executive Director of Galatea Fine Arts Gallery

  • Correspondent writer for Artscope Magazine

  • Guided Tour Leader for Art Nexus Magazine at Art Basel Miami, Basel, and The Armory Show NYC

  • Executive Director at Newton Open Studios, an annual spring art fair, and independent curator

  • Art exhibition juror and grant panelist

Previously, Claudia held leadership roles at the Society of Arts and Crafts, Fuller Craft Museum, the Eliot School for Fine and Applied Arts, and New Art Center, Newton. Claudia's signature program, Sip & Chat, launched during the 2021 lockdown as a virtual forum for artists and art leaders to discuss transitioning to new models during unprecedented times. After 15 months online, it successfully returned to in-person events.Her other notable initiative, Speak Up, will have its third iteration at Piano Craft Gallery in November 2024. Earlier this year, she curated The Alchemy of Art and Play at Piano Craft Gallery, an exhibition that engaged hundreds of visitors and explored the intersection of creativity and play.

build your community with us

Thank you to all the artists who submitted work to GATHER. We are truly grateful for your participation in this call with Juniper Rag.”

Co-Founders, Michelle May and Payal Thiffault

PHOTO: NANCY WRIGHT