Unexpected delight
- frida@artyardbklyn.org
- Sep 5
- 11 min read
Updated: Sep 6
This week, I had the joy of spending time with my niece Clara, and our conversation turned—as it often does—to creativity. She shared a quote that resonated deeply:
“I think writing keeps you alert to the world. Writing means being alive and as present in the moment as you can be.” — Jeffrey Eugenides
We both agreed this is just as true for artmaking as it is for writing. As artists, we strive to stay alert, alive, and present—and that spirit has certainly been with us as we kick off September. In addition to lesson planning and laying the groundwork for an exciting semester ahead, we’ve also been creating new artwork, traveling, and diving into insightful art and book reviews—all of which you'll find in the recap below.
We’ve been busy preparing for the launch of our fall semester ART YARD Art Matters School Partnership programs.
Our prep work has already been inspiring. Dennis shared this enthusiastic review of Leni Silva’s upcoming lesson plan: “Wow—Leni left not one stone unturned! Any questions I jotted down to ask or suggest were answered or explained as I kept reading. AND she tested the lesson on her younger sister. She truly covered all bases as a result of our convo at Starbucks. Great work!”
Leni and I (Meridith) also talked in depth about the process of preparing for a class. We agreed that creating sample artwork is key to understanding how a lesson will unfold in the classroom. Leni shares: “For my first and second graders, I’m going to make cyanotype prints—and I taught myself how to make them. I did some test prints with Elias :). The stuffed animal keychains were not as successful unfortunately, but I kinda figured that would happen.”
Leni at Advanced Studio and more Cyanotype samples
ART YARD Advanced Studio resumes on Monday, September 8, with our year-long exploration of the theme: Migration. Classes are free and open to the public.
To participate, simply register each week through our website by 5pm on Sunday.
Here’s to a new season of artmaking that keeps us alert to the world—looking forward to making art with you in AYB Advanced Studio.
Other Art News
Correction -- I misidentified this painting in our Aug 15 recap. It was made by AYB Artist Briana (Cammi) Camacho!
Ensconced in her first year at RISD, AYB Artist Mia Lew offers a glimpse into her school assignments with a striking in-progress homework piece: a Van Gogh master study rendered in ink. It's inspiring to see how classic techniques are reimagined through Mia's signature style.
AYB Artist Suzanne Santiago, currently spending a semester abroad in London, writes: "I’ve been exploring the free art classes here and came across a painting-and-picnic event as well as a portrait painting session. London is quite an artistically accessible city if you do a bit of research. Meeting different artists has been a great way for me to feel grounded in a new place." Suzanne shares photos of the portrait artwork critique:
Portraiture critique, London. Photos by Suzanne Santiago
More updates from the road – AYB Artist Evelyn Beliveau sends two new observational paintings from Arches National Park!
Evelyn Beliveau, Arches National Park, 2025
AYB Teaching Artist Marie Roberts writes, “It has been a silverpoint summer.”
Marie shares beautiful images of her intricate silverpoint drawings along with the styluses she uses—some traditional, others customized—highlighting the tactile, precise nature of this ancient medium.
Marie Roberts, Silverpoint drawings, 2025 & stylus images. (Use arrows to scroll)
Silverpoint is a refined drawing technique where a silver wire or rod is drawn across a specially prepared surface, usually coated with gesso or clay-based ground. The marks begin as soft grey lines and gradually oxidize into warm brown tones over time. Once widely used by scribes and Renaissance artists like Albrecht Dürer, silverpoint has seen a modern resurgence, with artists like Marie pushing its expressive possibilities.
AYB Artist Karla Prickett checks in from Kansas, sharing insight into her current studio practice: “My current studio work is composing – very much in process! The concepts I’m working with include repairing, fixing, mending, and creating new communication through symbolic expression.”
Karla Prickett, work in progress, 2025
I (Meridith) completed Magical Things May, Beauford, & Elizabeth, 2025, watercolor on paper, 12x12”
AYB Artist Cheyenne Rivera shares an update from her sketchbook: “I finished this painting in my sketchbook (Gouache). And then this piece is in progress—lol I don’t know if I’m going to finish it yet or start something else.” The second piece, which features layered textures and dreamy colors, was inspired by floral mixed media artist @ktscanvases, known on Instagram for her expressive works in pastel and paint.
Cheyenne Rivera, Botanicals, 2025
Exhibitions to See
Cheyenne adds: “I also went with Fernando last weekend by the WTC to look at all the public art murals on view there—which is always so stunning!!”
WTC public murals. Photos by Cheyenne Rivera, 2025 (use arrows to scroll)
Following an artist who sparks your interest is a great idea! AYB Artist Nayarit Tineo first discovered Blu Murphy on Instagram. Her curiosity led her from Murphy's website to the Tanya Weddemire Gallery at Industry City, Brooklyn — the gallery that represents Murphy’s work. Nayarit is thrilled to report that Blu Murphy’s intriguing pieces are currently on view at Art on Paper.
Blu Murphy, I Am Art, and Art on Paper announcement
For those traveling through the airport, keep your eyes open—art can catch you by surprise in the most unexpected places. AYB Artist TJ Edgar writes: “I went back home (from Spelman College) last weekend and saw these pieces in the Delta Sky Lounge at LaGuardia, and they were so so so beautiful to me. I was running out to my flight when I saw them, so I didn’t get the chance to stop to look at them, but I ended up doing a Google image reverse search and found the artist from an Instagram post.”
The works in question are striking mixed media portraits by Daesha Devon Harris, from her series Visionary Women of the Harlem Renaissance (2022). Featured figures include Zora Neale Hurston, Augusta Savage, and Billie Holiday—towering icons rendered with rich texture, depth, and reverence.
Daesha Devon Harris, In Tribute to Billie, and In Tribute to Zora, 2022. Installation photo by TJ Edgar
Dennis visited Maryland this weekend. He reports in: “The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) in Baltimore is fantastic - similar in many ways to the Museum of Art and Design in Columbus Circle and the Folk Art Museum - but with a crazy John Waters (Baltimore's own!) twist. The permanent exhibit is beautiful - a gigantic scale model of the Lusitania made with toothpicks, many pieces by Johanna Burke, who is a Bergdorf Goodman holiday window designer (and I remember many of them as I have been visiting BG's windows every Christmas-time for decades) and a really funny mostly beaded Alfred E. Newman bed by Patty Kuzbida.
Installation views at AVAM including artwork by Patty Kuzbida and Johanna Burke. Photos Dennis Buonagura
But I loved two summer exhibits - "The Strength To Be Joyful: Messages from Mary Proctor" - painted works on salvaged materials depicting scenes found deep in the artist's memory, Mary had a vision after suffering from depression after the death of her grandmother in a fire and began creating art to tell family stories. I especially related to the broken plates stories - while my family didn't own Willow Ware (wish they had), I'm not quite sure the broken bits would have been put aside for me to create art with altho the scolding words would have been the same! Interesting how bright and happy they seem under her circumstances.
Artworks by Mary Proctor. Photos Dennis Buonagura
The other exhibit "Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family" is fascinating - I stared at several pieces for long lengths of time trying to imagine the intricate work done by the artist. I attempted needlepoint (once!) and it took me weeks/months to complete a small piece. Esther Krinitz's works are massive and detailed - I can only imagine the hours she spent and what went thru her mind while depicting these scenes telling her horrific story. They are all hand embroidered with (some) fabric collage - tiny stitches - amazing.
The ceterpiece (of the permanent collection) is of course a 10 foot sculpture of Divine (the Baltimore actor who rose to fame in John Water's films) by Andrew Logan. Who doesn't love Divine?
Esther Krinitz, Embroidered artwork on view at AVAM. Photos Dennis Buonagura
My photos don't do the works justice. While photography is permitted in AVAM, for some odd reason the lights are pointed directly at the works that were either behind plexi (Krintz's) or were painted in oils which were kind of reflective (Proctor's) making photos difficult (maybe that was AVAM's intention??).
AND - while we all love a great museum gift shop, AVAM's is totally excellent and wild - it's called Sideshow and even has 'mystery boxes', crazy eyeglasses, costume jewelry, and things for 25 cents!!!!!”
From the West Coast, ART YARD Artist Marilyn August shares two exciting art experiences: “A retrospective of Ruth Asawa’s work is currently on view at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, showcasing over six decades of her artistic practice. The exhibition includes her iconic woven wire sculptures and ceramic masks, as well as an incredible array of paintings, drawings, and lesser-known sculptures. As a Bay Area artist, Asawa’s wire work is familiar—but I had never seen her beautiful drawings and paintings until this expansive show of more than 300 pieces. I also learned she was a mother of six, a dedicated art educator, and the force behind San Francisco’s first public arts high school. I’m sure she would have been a fan of AYB!”
Ruth Asawa's artworks on view at San Francisco Museum of Contemporary Art. Photos by Marilyn J. August
Marilyn also recently visited Happy Hollow Park and Zoo in San Jose, CA, for a different kind of art outing: “Each month in spring through fall, the park hosts a Thursday morning 'Senior Safari,' offering a peaceful, healthy walk before the crowds arrive. The park is both fun and educational, with live animals, rides, and a focus on conservation. Best of all are the whimsical animal sculptures by Tom Otterness that greet you at the entrance—an unexpected delight!”
Tom Otterness sculptures, Black and White Ruffled Lemur, and Marilyn at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Abriel (bob) Gardner, who recently explored The National Galleries of Scotland on the last day of her Scottish travels. Bob reports: “I went to the art museum on my last day and saw some great paintings and sculptures!!”
Antonio Canova, Three Graces (1815–1817) , Waller Hugh Paton, Dunnottar Castle (1867), Samuel John Peploe, Still Life (1913), John Emms, Callum (1895), and Hanna Frank, Dusty Answer (1930)
Bob also shared a delightful piece of public art—a sculpture of Bobby the Skye Terrier, famously loyal to his owner John Grey. The statue’s shiny nose suggests that visitors can’t resist giving it a pat for good luck!
Just back from Florence, AYB Artist Margaret Hardigg shares: “I had the pleasure of visiting the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy this past week. I couldn’t help but take a few photos of my favorite Marys.
In Simone Martini’s “Annunciation with St. Maxima and St. Ansanus” (1333), Mary’s brow is furrowed. She appears confused and wary. She turns away in disbelief, shielding herself with her veil. I love Annunciation paintings, the range of how each artist captures Mary's reaction to the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement is fascinating to me. The angel’s message is embossed on the painting, a 3-D element that feels avant-garde for the early Renaissance. A fun fact about this piece is that its current frame is not the original. If you look at the angel’s wings, the tips are obscured because this frame is too small.
Simone Martini, Annunciation with St. Maxima and St. Ansanus, (details) Photos by Margaret Hardigg
This next photo is a zoomed in picture of Filippo Lippi’s “Adoration of the Christ Child” (1463). I was struck by Mary’s serene expression and how she appears effused in light. Gold leaf accents her halo, attire, and jewelry. The time jump from Simone Martini to over a century later showcases how much more realism there is in Filippo Lippi’s paintings.
I also adore the way Filippo Lippi painted Mary’s hair in the “Madonna and Child with Two Angels” (1460 - 1465). There is such detail in the pearls and how the gauzy veil is layered in her bun before falling down over her neck. Her downcast eyes feel like they could be based off of someone the painter knew. It was fashionable at the time to depict women with blonde hair and fair skin, but something about her eyes feels personal. In contrast, the faces of the angels and Christ seem like a second thought. They are comical and almost gnome-like to me.
I junk journaled throughout the trip, saving anything from tickets to food wrappers. Here is one of the pages containing a gelato stamp card, photo strip, cafe napkin, sugar packet, a rug store advertisement, and stickers.
What We Are Reading
I (Meridith) recently checked out The Art of the Occult: A Visual Sourcebook for the Modern Mystic by S. Elizabeth (White Lion Publishing, 2020) from the Brooklyn Public Library, and even in digital format, the imagery is extraordinary. This visually rich book gathers artists who engage with spiritual belief, magical practice, and the mysteries of the unseen world.
S. Elizabeth’s writing is conversational yet exhibits a broad knowledge of their subject, making the book a pleasure to explore. I was immediately pulled in by artists I hadn’t encountered before—M. K. Čiurlionis’s The Sun is Passing the Sign of Virgo (1906) is a standout—and thrilled to discover unfamiliar works by Surrealists Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo. It was also meaningful to see the luminous presence of Odilon Redon, a favorite of my mother’s.
Book cover and M. K. Čiurlionis, The Sun is Passing the Sign of Virgo, 1906
William Blake, whose work I’ve been thinking about lately—especially after reading William Blake and the Sea Monsters of Love last week—figures prominently here. His visionary imagery continues to resonate powerfully within the context of occult and mystical art.
Among the contemporary voices, I was especially struck by Brooklyn-based photographer Shannon Taggart, whose 2019 book Séance (Fulgur Press) captures the spectral and spiritual with eerie beauty.
Organized into themes like the Cosmos, Higher Beings, and Practitioners, the book offers a thoughtful and often surprising look at how artists have long used mysticism as a language of resistance, revelation, and transformation. I think this book will spark the interest of many AYB artists!
Margaret Hardigg recommends two books: “I’ve started reading Claire Keegan’s Walk the Blue Fields (Grove Press, Black Cat, 2008) a collection of short stories which is a quietly powerful collection of stories set in rural Ireland.
Book covers
My older brother gifted this book to me, and the last book he gave me was also a collection of short stories that I loved: Etgar Keret’s Fly Already (Riverhead Books, 2019) a wild ride through surreal, absurd, and poignant snapshots of life, brimming with imagination and humor. Known for his ultra-short stories, Keret’s work feels like Kafka with a comedic twist.”
Please join many of us tomorrow Saturday, September 6, 1–3PM for the opening of The Banned Books Trading Card Project at Valley Cottage Library, Valley Cottage, NY.
AYB Artists included in the project are: Assata Benoit, Travis Pereira, Leah Eliopulos, Lila Green, Abriel (bob) Gardner, Candy Heiland, Free Inside, Meridith McNeal, Jacob Rath, and Marie Roberts.
Banned Book images by Meridith McNeal, Leah Eliopulos and Travis Periera
Reminder AYB Advanced Studio resumes on Monday! Look forward to seeing everyone and making art together!
💖💚🩵🧡♥️💜
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