This exhibition showcases exquisitely hand-crafted artworks all made from paper. While aesthetically intriguing and beautiful, they also attempt to explore important social issues of the day such as environmental crisis and social disparity around the globe. Featured artists Jillian Bruschera, Julia Goodman, Reni Gower, Trisha Oralie Martin, Melissa Potter, Marilyn Propp, and Maggie Puckett start simply with a foundation of pulp made from natural fibers. They then employ diverse mediums such as printmaking, letterpress, papercutting, and installation to fashion their works of art. Some of the artists also employ recycled disposable materials, including junk mail, egg cartons, old cotton t-shirts, ripped denim jeans, as well as old bedsheets, beetroot, heirloom plants, and illuminated electroluminescent wires. Along the way, paper is transformed beyond its common function into compelling and thought-provoking works of art.
The show was organized and is being traveled by Reni Gower and Wylie Contemporary, Inc. Image above: Small Divers V by Marilyn Propp.
Exhibition Dates: Saturday, May 21 to Sunday, August 14, 2022
This exhibition was made possible by the Sun House Guild and our Museum Members.
Click PULPED UNDER PRESSURE to read read the June 14, 2022 article from the Ukiah Daily Journal about the exhibition and the curator talk listed below.
Exhibition Programs:
Friday, June 3, 5:00 to 7:30 PM
Opening Reception on First Friday
Enjoy music by the Jazz Dudes and light refreshments as you tour our newest exhibition as part of Ukiah’s First Friday Art Walk.
Thursday, June 26, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Curator Talk
In this virtual program, Reni Gower and Melissa H. Potter, co-curators of Pulped Under Pressure, discuss the rich history of papermaking, as well as the unique backstory behind the exhibition, artwork, and artists.
Saturday, June 18, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Mobile Mill Papermaking Workshop
Stop by anytime during this program to make paper by hand with Jillian Bruschera, an artist featured in the exhibition. In this introductory, no-experience-required workshop, participants will learn the basics of hand-crafted papermaking as they recycle waste fibers into new sheets of handmade paper. Due to the required drying time, visitors will take home paper made a a previous workshop and the their own pieces will be distributed to others at a future Mobile Mill workshop.
Saturday, July 16, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Papermaking Workshop
Two one-hour long workshops will be taught by artist and teacher Jim McKell. You will learn about the process of papermaking while making your own paper to take home. There is a fee of $15 per student. The program is suited for anyone 13 years and older. Reservations required.
Sunday, August 7, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM
Neno Villamor Artist Demonstration
Neno Villamor identifies more as a sculptor than purely as a paper artist. She starts by creating forms in modeling clay, then makes molds from the forms and casts paper using the molds. Following, she embellishes the newly-casted paper with color. Attendees can drop by throughout the program to create their own small piece of casted paper. And also enjoy a pop-up exhibition of Neno’s various artworks.