The monOrchid Features Female Artists in May for Mother's Day

PHOENIX - April 25, 2014 - PRLog -- During the month of May 2014 the monOrchid features exhibitions of artwork all by local female artists, in honor of Mother's Day.  In the Shade Gallery is "CONTRAST: Abstract Paintings by Bela Fidel and Stacy Schimke," Bokeh Gallery presents Jennifer Laffoon's photographic "May-December" series, and the monthly local feature in the lobby is Barbara Goldberg's abstract painting "Tumultous."

Many believed and even declared the death of abstraction nearly 40 years ago, but artists like Bela Fidel, Stacie Schimke, and Barbara Goldberg prove that it is alive and flourishing.  "CONTRAST" is a juxtaposition of the abstract works of Fidel and Schimke, who both use abstraction in very different ways.  Fidel explores minimalist painting in the pursuit of a zen-like artistic and personal enlightenment.  Schimke's current work explores the reality of climate change using abstraction to depict our deteriorating landscape.  In both, the importance of abstraction lies in the expressive message, not simply the formal colors, lines, and shapes of abstract's past.

Jennifer Laffoon's "May-December" series depicts the issues surrounding an aging female in a relationship with a much younger man.  The bold photographs express the internal anxieties of the physical body in rapid change, the external scrutiny of the relationship, and the cultural stereotype of the "Cougar."

The exhibitions will be on display May 1 - 31, 2014, with a special preview 7-9pm on May 1st, First Friday Opening Night 6-10pm May 2nd, and Third Friday Collector's Night 6-10pm May 16th.  The monOrchid is located in the heart of the downtown Phoenix arts district at 214 E. Roosevelt St. with the building open daily from 9am - 5pm.  The art galleries at the monOrchid are managed by the nonprofit arts and culture organization Shade Projects.

Originally a Del Webb warehouse constructed in 1937, thirteen years of renovation and invention have morphed the 14,000 square foot building into a unique space for creativity, celebration, and culture. For more information about the exhibition or events please visit www.monorchid.com or contact the art gallery director, Justin Germain, at art@monorchid.com.