Portraits in Refuge

Virtual 360 Degree Exhibition) 

July 22 - September 8, 2020 

Curated by Karen Smigliani

Unbound Visual Arts (UVA) is pleased to present a virtual 360 degree exhibition Portraits in Refuge from July 22  -  September 8, 2020.  This curated exhibit can be seen and experienced in the Unbound Visual Arts Virtual Exhibition Gallery 24 hours a day at https://www.unboundvisualarts.org/portraits-in-refuge-virtual-exhibit

This exhibition showcases 34 works by 15 UVA member artists.  Curator Karen Smigliani states that the  “...artists share expressions of isolation, anxiety, peace, beauty and optimism during our pandemic.”  Here is a sampling of statements from six of the artists:

Nancer Ballard:  “Most of all, this time has reaffirmed my conviction that there is no room for “othering” in “us;” we are all in this together.”

Anita Helen Cohen: “Even though [my] paintings represent 'shelter and calm', there is also movement and chaos in the water.”

April Jakubec:  “[My] portraits with hidden eyes take on extra meaning during this time of isolation and fighting for equality, representing feelings of being “unseen”.

Madeline Lee:  “With the inability to go many places aside from where I live, I've found myself paying more attention to the spaces I inhabit, noticing my surroundings.”

Niki Li:  “By immersing myself in art making and contemplation, I managed to find the light and power within myself.”

Cesar Rodrigues:  “[My] paintings may seem chaotic at first glance, like the times we are in, but when you really sit back and look you begin to see the beauty.”

The 15 artists include Nancer Ballard, Linda Clave, Anita Helen Cohen, Robin Dawkins, Gary Deuhr, Sara Gately, Bob Greene, April Jakubec, Madeline Lee, Niki Li, Pauline Lim, Elisandra Lopes, Ruth Rieffanaugh, Cesar Rodrigues, and Diane Sheridan. The exhibition coordinator is John Quatrale, Executive Director of Unbound VIsual Arts and exhibition assistance from Sofija Chroneos, Rachel Hargraves, Julia Marcantonio, Sequoya Molzan, and Cynthia Bryndis Schilling.

Karen Smigliani, of Newton, Massachusetts, is a Founding Member of Unbound Visual Arts (UVA) and member of the Council of Advisors. She has curated several group and solo exhibits with UVA.    Karen has worked in Graphic Design and Advertising with recent experience as an Account Executive. She holds a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She is an experienced business and sales manager for major corporations, including Bloomingdales, Office Depot and Staples.

Unbound Visual Arts​ (UVA) is a 7-year-old local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of artists and art enthusiasts based in Allston-Brighton. UVA enriches the community with educational and inspiring art exhibitions and programs. UVA has completed over 70 curated educational art exhibitions in 11 locations across 8 communities and has over 200 members and supporters. To learn more, visit www.UnboundVisualArts.org or call 617.657.4278.   This is UVA’s 3rd 360 degree virtual exhibition.