Juanita Bradley and Debbie Rhodes will present an art exhibit at Tarbell’s Coffee Bar in Cumberland through March.
“I have explored various art forms for years now, including the wearable art show, fashion design, music shows, performance art, and fire-spinning,” says Bradley. “The show at Tarbell’s is exploring mostly the medium of collage and some acrylic painting.
“I decided to do the main part of the show around the goddess Sedna, the Inuit goddess of the underworld. As I began to explore her story deeper, I found I needed to divide it into seven story panels. As I continued to research, I found that each panel had a second story about the environment or balance. Each panel has a stunning visual arrangement as well as a piece of Sedna’s story that I have taken the liberty of weaving.
“There are also two songs that I have composed that go with the story that will be available to listen to via a Discman attached to the wall. So bring your own headphones if you wish to hear the songs.”
Bradley asked Rhodes to join her.
“Both of us have experienced traumas and dark journeys,” Bradley says. “Seeking to heal the wounds and the hurt led us to explore art that hunts for and honours the depths of the soul’s experience.”
Rhodes says her interest in art began as a young child.
“I was selling oil paintings at the age of 12. Throughout my school years, I took every art course I could.
“Recently, traumatic events led me to art therapy. These pieces presented, and this art show [comprises] my first paintings in 35 years, and my first exhibit.
“The main subject matter explores healing, our journey into ourselves, and our connections to each other and the universe.”
The opening night is March 1 at Tarbell’s Coffee Bar from 7 to 10 p.m. Besides appies and wine, Tarbell’s will have coffee and assorted goodies for purchase.
The exhibit will run during March.
