Happy New Year! and "There, There: Healing Dolls as Solace in an Off Kilter World," Solo Show of Transformative Healing Dolls

Image: Erika Cleveland. "Rhea Shedding the Old". 2018. Sculptural needle felted and mixed media. 20 x 20 x 10 in. 

​WAS gallery
There, There: Healing Dolls as Solace in an Off Kilter World

Erika Cleveland

January 19 - March 2, 2019

Opening Reception on Saturday, January 26, 6.30-8.30pm
 
Artist Erika Cleveland uses the term “doll” in her work because she believes there is something unique about the word doll- humble, simple and yet powerful. Dolls have been around since the beginnings of humankind. They hold considerable power for us; they are our companions and they reflect us back to ourselves. Dolls can heal us physically, spiritually and emotionally.
 
In this solo show at WAS gallery, Cleveland explores various themes through mythology, folk tales, religion, spirituality and her personal dream symbolism. A central theme is the power within the female body, including the way this power is deeply rooted in nature. Darker themes such as loss, sadness and fear alternate with the playfulness of fauns, forest creatures and elves. The dolls express the dualities of life in the way they shape-shift and transform, for example through the medium of the folk art form called flip dolls. Like votives, amulets or talismen throughout history, dolls provide a focal point for healing and meditation.For more information on the artist or the artwork, please contact Joumana Moukarim: [email protected]/ 202.361.5223

WAS gallery
5110 Ridgefield Road, Suite 208, Bethesda, MD 20816
Hours: Saturdays 2-6pm and by appointment

above are photos of the wonderful WAS gallery space during the December 2018 exhibit T.N.T. Text. 

This exhibit was an unexpected gift, as the curator, Joumana Moukarim approached me at the Jackson Art Center Open Studios last month to ask if I would do a solo show at her gallery in January. Moukarim creates a wonderful, enriching environment for the art she exhibits and hosts a stimulating and intimate discussion while the exhibit is in place. I will post more about the discussion and possible workshop that will accompany this show, as details get finalized. 

​I'll be preparing for this show over the next weeks as well as preparing for the workshops at the Halcyon Center in Georgetown-see below. Lots going on! ​

Needle-Felted Guardian Dolls: February 9th
Sacred Feminine Wrap Doll: March 16th
Ancestors and Grandmothers Flip Dolls: April 27th and 28th
Learn more and RSVP here!
 
About the workshops:
This spring, join local artists, Halcyon Arts Lab fellows, and other emerging creatives in the D.C. area for interactive art workshops ranging from textiles, to dance, to jewelry, to basket making and more. Workshops will once again be held at the Arts Lab, with an expanded schedule that promises something for everyone. (You can also gift a workshop experience! Just send an e-mail to [email protected].) View the full lineup here! (Added bonus? Halcyon Arts Lab has ample on-site and off-street parking available so you enjoy your workshop stress-free)!

Above are photos of a major studio reorganization I am doing after the "attic remediation" during which time I had to work from home. It actually looks better now than in these above photos but there is more to do. It is wonderful to have a place for everything in my studio and I look forward to lots of productive creating in this wonderful space in 2019!