Educator Statement
As a Signature Member of the National Association of Women Artists and an educator at the Dartmouth Cultural Center I had the good fortune of participating in this inaugural educational event. The DCC students, Iria DeValles-Vieira, Beth Russo, and Robert Vesprini, accepted the challenge of creating a group artwork. Each of them created two pieces that narrate their interest in the oceans that are part of our everyday life. They started the project in mid-September and completed the work in mid-December. Working in class under my direction and on in their studios as a team. Weekly feedback and critique fuel the process until all were happy with the result. Over the twelve weeks they planned, executed, and delivered these amazing efforts. Each piece uses a construction tube as a substrate that was painted, sanded, decoupaged, and covered with found objects of their choice.
These artists have taken numerous abstract painting classes at the DCC. They are quite familiar with each other’s methods and thought processes. We hope to display the artwork series, Neptune’s Rabbit Hole, in various public venues over the next several months. Given the amount of work each artist dedicated to the project they are to be commended for their excellent work as individuals and as a team. I am delighted to have steered the ship on this Imaginary Playground voyage.
Participants Names & Ages
Beth Russo, over 60
Iria DeValles -Vieira, over 60
Robert Vesprini, over 60
