December News

The Carole A. Feuerman Sculpture Foundation

Presents

Mixing Medias: 2015

Opening Reception: December 12th at 3:00 P.M to 6:00 P.M. 

Exhibition Dates: December 12, 2015 – January 31, 2016

Exhibition open weekdays between 1:00 to 6:00 pm

Mana Contemporary

888 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, Room 456, Jersey City, NJ

 The Feuerman Sculpture Foundation invites you to Mixing Medias, an exhibition of innovative and creative under represented artists working in a diverse range of media. Artists were selected by a jury consisting of Richard Friswell, Edward Rubin, and Steve Rockwell. The jury will announce winners for the Best in Show and two Runner-ups during the exhibition opening on December 12th. Selected Artists: China Blue, Jiwoong Cheh, Rachel David, Matthew DeSanctis, Donna Dodson, Shelly Fireman, Resi Giardello, Steven Phillip Harris, Charles Hinman, Mary Hrbacek, Richard Humann, Jannis Markopoulos, Jae Yong Kim, Glenn Marlowe, Michael Manjarris, Andy Moerlein, Seungmo Park, Anna Paola Pizzocaro, Maria Pavlovska, Britney Penoulh, Natasha Rodriguez, Dave Rogers, Ekaterina Smirnova, Prospero Vega, Idan Zareski Honorary Artists: Shelly Fireman, Charles Hinman Special Thanks to the sponsors: ESKFF Foundation, and MANA Contemporary. For questions please contact Kara Stitcher at assistant@carolefeuerman.com.

Jannis Markopoulos, Venus 1, 2015, Resin Acrylic Painted

Carole Feuerman is prominently featured at Mana Contemporary where she occupies a studio space on the fourth floor. The Carole A. Feuerman Sculpture Foundation was formed in 2011 in order to generate excitement, interest, and passion for the arts and to inspire and reward deserving artists with exhibition opportunities, visibility, and financial grants. Furthermore, the foundation promotes the exchange of creative expression and strives to support mid-career artists whom contribute a new energy to the artistic community. To learn more about Carole Feuerman and her foundation please visit http://www.carolefeuermanfoundation.org.

Carole Feuerman, Catalina, 1981, Resin and Oil

Carole A. Feuerman is recognized as a pioneering figure in the world of hyper-realistic art. Coined “the reigning doyenne of super-realism” by art historian John T. Spike, she has solidified her place in the rhetoric of art history.  She explores the three-dimensional world of figurative sculpture with her unique vocabulary and continues to push the boundaries of sculpture. Her interest in realism is indicative of her desire to sculpt the human body, forging historical links with the past while revealing her compelling vision for the future. She has had six major museum retrospectives to date, and will have her seventh at the Deland Museum of Florida in 2016. Her work has been showcased in multiple Biennales, winning first prize at three of them, the State Hermitage, the Palazzo Strozzi, the Kunstmuseum Ahlen, the Archeological Museum di Fiesole, and the Circulo de Bellas Artes. Her art work is in numerous collections including that of his majesty the Emperor of Japan, William & Hillary Clinton, Norman Brahman, the Caldic Collection, Ariella Wertheimer, and Malcolm Forbes, to name a few.

I am proud to announce that I will be exhibiting two of my sculptures in this show: Hyena Woman and Mama Warthog alongside many talented and upcoming artists including Andy Moerlein:

"Twice as Good" at the Boston Sculptors Gallery

The Boston Sculptors Gallery’s annual holiday exhibition is twice as good this year, as each member has invited a guest sculptor to showcase work in the show.Each sculptor – member or guest – has created two new pieces, resulting in nearly 150 works, ranging in price from $200-$800. All works will be cash and carry.“We are beyond thrilled to be hosting this show,” said Boston Sculptors Gallery Director Jean Mineo. “It gives our members’ colleagues an opportunity to show their work in one of the city’s premier gallery spaces, doubles the exhibition’s offerings, and generates a spirit of collaboration and community.” The gallery will host an artists’ reception/brunch on New Year’s Day, featuring the live, jazzy sounds of Boston’s High Street Players.

Exhibition Dates: Dec 16, 2015 – Jan 17, 2016
Opening Reception: Friday, Dec 18, 2015, 6-8:30 PM
New Year’s Day Artists’ Reception (brunch & live music): Friday, Jan 1, 2016, 2-5 PM 
SOWA First Friday Reception: Jan 8, 5-8 PM
Gallery Hours: Wed – Sun, 12-6 PM

Pregnant Kangaroo, cast glass,, 6" tall Ed 1/10

I will be exhibiting my small works in this show and I have invited Marty Ulman to join me in the fun!

Martin Ulman, XEBEC, 2004, Mixed Medium.

SAVE THE DATE:

Mermaids

Sculpture by Donna Dodson

January 8- February 5, 2016

Reception: January 24, 2016, 1pm – 2pm

NEW BEDFORD MUSEUM OF ART

Donna Dodson. Octopussy. 2015

Update: Don Wilkinson posted a fabulous review of my first solo museum show, for South Coast Today.

November News

Avian Inspirations: Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein

November 5, 2015 – January 17, 2016  
Showing Concurrently with "The Public Life of Richard Hunt: 21st Century Projects"

Muskegon Museum of Art, Michigan USA

Display by Andy Moerlein

Avian Inspirations is an exhibition of small-scale sculptural work by Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein. Also known as the collaborative team The Myth Makers, Dodson and Moerlein created the monumental Avian Avatars that are sited about downtown Muskegon Michigan. This show is an intimate view into how their individual vocabulary contributes to the larger outdoor pieces.

Donna Dodson’s finely sculpted animal headed goddesses reference ancient archetypes. Her wood sculptures of a vulture, rooster, pea hen, and pheasant each represent unique personality types. These bird-human hybrid figures assume postures of transcendence.  Their forms reference Egyptian canopic vessels and Native American totems, lending them a mythic, timeless quality.

Culture Vulture

Ms. Pea Hen

Prodigal Daughter

Delicate Conversations

Moerlein’s birds, perched on branches and ledges, are a familiar sight, a pause for a creature otherwise seemingly in constant movement. A still bird carries an inherent sense of impending action, but in Moerlein’s work the moment is frozen, and the birds locked in place. They stand as sentries, or settled into rest on twisting, organic structures that are characters themselves. Boulders rest precariously atop narrow branches, or fungal forms hang like decks above spindly legs. And through these, the birds sit, caught in their own narratives, unmoved by the complexity around them, looking outward or to each other alone. 

Unsion by Andy Moerlein

In seeing the individual works of Dodson and Moerlein, the audience can find the genesis of the Avian Avatars, and better understand the inspirations of their form and materials. Dodson’s iconic, stoic figures are writ large, but now are revealed through the twisting and layered complexity of Moerlein’s saplings. Found objects intrude and become part of the form, lending their own character to these giant sentries. A sense of the ancient looms, of figures built for burning in sacred and communal rites. In the blending of two artist’s inspirations, a greater unison is revealed. 

Update: Read all about The Myth Makers in this Maynard Grapevine article by Denishe.

Recently installed at the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury Massachusetts: 

Forest Grace by The Myth Makers: Donna Dodson & Andy Moerlein

If you missed the Boston Sculptors show at Chesterwood this summer... You can still see our piece "Forest Grace" through 2017 on the grounds of the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury.

June/July: Three New Exhibitions!

The Contemporary Art of Nature: Mammals

Francesca Anderson Fine Art, 56 Adams St, Lexington, Mass.

June 13th-July 12th 2015

Opening Reception Saturday June 13th, 3p-5p

Asian Elephant by Donna Dodson

"Ashley Rooney , a well-known Lexington resident, is the author of over 40 fascinating books. Come see paintings and sculptures of horses, cats, dogs, sheep, elephants, and much more from her most recent publication." I am proud to announce that I was invited to contribute the introduction to this beautiful, full-color international anthology of artists who work with animal imagery in their art.

Featuring the work of Sandra Blair, Resa Blatman, Jefffrey Briggs, Don Cadoret, Elli Crocker, Donna Dodson, Gay Freeborn, Ronnie Gould, Peter DeCamp  Haines, Susan Hauser, Chery Hochberg, Susan Jamison, Wendy Klemperer, Morris Norvin,  Shelley Reed, Amy Ross, & Lynnette Shelley.

Boston Sculptors in Concord

The Concord Art Association

June 18—August 12, 2015

Opening Reception: Thursday, June 18, 6—8pm

Joseph Wheelwright, Curator

Participating artists from the Boston Sculptors Gallery: Christopher Abrams, B. Amore, Amy Archambault, Gillian Christy, Murray Dewart, Donna Dodson, Rosalyn Driscoll, Laura Evans, Chris Frost, Peter Haines, David Lang, Susan Lyman, Michelle Lougee, Eric Sealine, Nancy Selvage, Julia Shepley, Jessica Straus, Dennis Svoronos, Margaret Swan, Marilu Swett, Nora Valdez, Joseph Wheelwright, Leslie Wilcox, Dan Wills, Andy Zimmermann.

Elephant Clown by Donna Dodson

Join us for our fascinating programming associated with this exhibit,
BOSTON SCULPTORS in Concord. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Wednesday, June 24, 6:30—7:30pm
LECTURE: Nick Capasso, Director of the Fitchburg Art Museum
Understanding Modern and Contemporary Sculpture

Wednesday, July 8
DAY TOUR: Boston Sculptors Gallery at Chesterwood 2015
Chesterwood is the home, studio and gardens of Daniel Chester French, America's foremost public sculptor and first President of Concord Art's Board of Directors. Stay tuned, more to come soon!

The Chinese Zodiac: An Installation by Donna Dodson

Colo Colo Gallery July 12th-August 2nd 2015

Opening Reception Saturday July 18th, 5p-8p

Warrior Rabbit by Donna Dodson

Update: Don Wilkinson posted this well-researched and very thoughtful review "Sculpture is Counterpoint to Paintings" for South Coast Today, July 23, 2015. John Paul Stapleton posted this concise review on Artscope Magazine's online zine, July 24th, 2015, "Donna Dodson: The Chinese Zodiac Series & William Kendall paintings at Colo Colo Gallery"

May news- Four Upcoming Art Shows!

Chesterwood Opens Daily for Season on May 23

2015 highlights include the exhibition “Boston Sculptors Gallery at Chesterwood 2015”,

Chesterwood, the former summer home, studio and gardens of Daniel Chester French, America’s foremost sculptor of public monuments, announces its 2015 schedule of exhibitions, programs, and events. Chesterwood will open the first three weekends in May for one-hour guided tours only of the studio and residence at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., before opening daily for the season from Saturday, May 23 to Monday, Oct. 12 (Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special Exhibition, May 23 to Oct. 12

“Boston Sculptors Gallery at Chesterwood 2015” features 24 contemporary sculptures by 25 sculptors, which were created specifically for and in response to sources of inspiration discovered at Chesterwood. The exhibition reflects the wide range of sculptural media and styles that represent the members of Boston Sculptors Gallery, which was founded in 1992 to present and promote innovative, challenging sculpture and installations. I will be exhibiting  a contemporary presidential monument: Madam President is a conceptual interpretation, of the first woman president of the USA and homage to Daniel Chester French's Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

Madam President: A Monument to the First Female President of the USA and to the Dream that Every Girl Can Become The President of the USA by Donna Dodson, 13 ft tall, poplar wood, paint 2014 . Courtesy of GTI Properties, Mario Nicosia, V. Lessard & Sons and The Boston Sculptors Gallery.

Saturday Art Programs, June 6 through Sept. 12

Family-friendly art tours, demonstrations and workshops presented by Boston Sculptors Gallery from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free with admission.

Ancient Migration by Andy Moerlein

Join us on June 6th, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free with admission. 

“A Walk in the Woods”. Explore outdoor sculptures in “Boston Sculptors Gallery at Chesterwood 2015” with The Myth Makers: Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, whose individual, solo and collaborative works are in the exhibition. The Myth Makers are exhibiting a new work on site for this exhibition: Forest Grace, based on the iconic stance of the ruffed grouse.

Forest Grace by The Myth Makers

Save the Date: Opening reception on Saturday June 27th 2015 from 4p-7p. $10 members; $20 non-members.

About Chesterwood

Chesterwood, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is the summer home, studio and gardens of America’s foremost sculptor of public monuments, Daniel Chester French (1850-1931). French is best known for his sculptures of the Minute Man (1871-75) and the seated figure of Abraham Lincoln (1911-22) for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.

Situated on 122 acres in the idyllic hamlet of Glendale near Stockbridge, Mass., the property and its buildings were donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation by French’s only child Margaret French Cresson (1889-1973). Chesterwood is recognized as both a National Historic Landmark and a Massachusetts Historic Landmark.

Admission

Adults, $17.50; seniors, $16.50; children ages 13 to 17, $8.75; children under 13, free; Chesterwood members, free; NTHP members, $8.75. Grounds-only admission: adults, $10; children ages 13 to 17, $5. Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more with advance reservations only. For reservations, contact Lisa Reynolds at (413) 298-3579, x2034.

4 Williamsville Rd., Stockbridge, Mass. (413) 298-3579. www.chesterwood.org

Also Opening May 23rd... Seaport Art Walk- Destination New Bedford

Moby Dick, 8' tall, styrofoam, cement 2015

"NEW THIS SUMMER: The New Bedford working waterfront will be transformed with original sculpture created by local artists. Ten to twenty sculptures will be temporarily installed along MacArthur Blvd, the City and State piers, in the city’s Seaport Cultural District. Artists will create new work reflecting this year’s theme – “New Bedford Works,” encouraging unique interpretation of and connection with the past, present and future of New Bedford. Exhibition duration: May – September, 2015." The Exhibition is curated by Jessica Bregoli, Seaport Art Walk Coordinator. I will be exhibiting my sculpture Moby Dick, in honor of the whaling history of this city. "In the 19th Century New Bedford gained worldwide reputation as the greatest whaling port and the richest city per capita in the world. Portuguese and Cape Verdean immigrants formed the backbone of the whaling industry, on the wharves and on the high seas. Herman Melville shipped out aboard the whale ship, Acushnet, in 1841. His experiences inspired him to write “Moby-Dick”."

Please join us for two special events: 
The artist reception on Thursday May 21st from 5p-7p, at Cork, 90 Front St., New Bedford 
The outdoor reception on Saturday May 23rd, 5p-7p at Seastreak, 49 State Pier, New Bedford

New work at Blue Hollomon Gallery, 3555 Arctic Blvd., Anchorage, Alaska

The Happy Hippo, 20" tall, wood, paint 2014

Panda Bear, 16" tall, wood, paint 2010 

Georgia Blue and Gina Hollomon run an exciting contemporary art gallery representing artists from Alaska and worldwide. Visit their Facebook page to keep up to date on their exhibitions and events. I recently shipped two new pieces, Happy Hippo and Panda Bear who I hear are greeting visitors at the gallery. Also on view, Honey Bear, Red Wing Blackbird, Tiger Frog, Walrus Mother.

New work at Rice Polak Gallery, 430 Commercial St., Provincetown, Massachusetts 

Hippo Goddess, 21" tall, locust wood, 2013

Silver Fox, 25" tall, wood, pigment, enamel 2009

Marla Rice is the Director of Rice Polak Gallery- PROVINCETOWN’S PRIMARY VENUE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART. The gallery’s roster of artists includes Elli Crocker, Edward Del Rosario, Deb Goldstein, Julie Levesque, Anne Lilly, Dawn Southworth and many more. The gallery is open Sat/Sun 12-5p through Memorial Day, and then daily throughout the season. "In addition to ongoing group exhibitions the Rice Polak Gallery presents solo exhibitions where the work of mid-career and emerging artists are featured. The gallery looks forward to its continued participation in the vibrant culture of art fairs in Miami, New York, Boston and other prominent cities throughout the country."

Spring News

Friday April 24th- International Sculpture Day 2015!

International Sculpture Day, or IS Day, is an annual celebration event held worldwide on April 24 to further the ISC’s mission of advancing the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique, vital contribution to society. IS Day will include a wide range of events, openings, educational and promotional activities around the world to include, but not limited to open day at museum/sculpture park, open studios tours, demonstrations, workshops, panels, talks, presentations, discussions, parties and openings, sculpture exhibits, shows, tours…

Please join us for our final Artist Talk and Tour in NYC: If you have missed Avian Avatars and the Myth Makers in New York City, this is the last day to meet the artists and discuss the challenges and joys of team art making. Join the dynamic collaborative, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein for the closing events at either 5p or 7p. Walk through with artists followed by tea/coffee and conversation at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, 1412 Broadway @ 39th St.

Sarah Cascone from Artnet and The Huffington Post, recently picked this project as her number one spring public art show in NYC, and the Nashua Telegraph published a great write up on April 2nd about our story. Dr. Jill Kiefer also posted a nice write up on her blog April 1st, What about art? Lydia Warren posted a feature story ... "...went bird-watching on Broadway" on her blog, Today's the Day I.

Monday April 27th- Launch Day of the Avian Avatars at The Muskegon Museum of Art in Michigan

Avian Avatars by The Myth Makers: Donna Dodson & Andy Moerlein

April 27, 2015 – May 1, 2016 in Muskegon MI

Avatar: a deliberate descent of a deity to Earth, an "appearance" or a "manifestation". ~Wikipedia

Since the beginning of human history cultures have identified birds as mythic and transformational. Their seasonal plumage has indicated change, signaled migration and foretold impending weather events. The Phoenix, Garuda, Horus, Ra, Thunderbird and angel iconography all address transcendence and rebirth. The world’s most symbolic birds – the Raptor, Owl, Crow, Pigeon, and Falcon - are flocking to Muskegon, Michigan, to consider our changing world.

The Muskegon Museum of Art is proud to announce that The Avian Avatars will be here on April 27, 2015, and they will reside in downtown Muskegon for a full year. Update: M-Live covered this event.

Support for this project is provided by Hooker DeJong Architects and Engineers, the Hines Corporation, Eagle Alloy, Nichols, Alcoa Corporation, Annoesjka and Alan Steinman, Jan and Chris Deur, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, and The Cheese Lady. Additional support provided by Verplank Truck Company and the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor/Third Street Grill. This project has been organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art.

Each monumental bird has something to say. They speak in different voices and from unique perspectives, but this gathering of Avian Avatars raises an alarm, speaking to modern humans who should heed their varied stories about the current human impact on their changing natural world.

Get to know The Realist, The Great Spirit, The Scold, The Tourist, and the Tastemaker this year in Muskegon! Update: Brandon Champion posted a preview on M-Live April 5, 2015. The Holland Sentinel posted a preview on April 8, 2015.

Tuesday April 28th- Book release day for The Contemporary Art of Nature- Mammals by Ashley Rooney

Ashley Rooney has assembled a comprehensive international survey of contemporary artists who use animal imagery in their art work. Featuring stellar artists such as Lori Field, Amy Ross, Shelley Reed, Wendy Klemperer, Peter DeCamp Haines, Susan Jamison, Resa Blatman and Elli Crocker this anthology represents the cutting edge of painting, sculpture and drawing being made today. I was honored to be asked to contribute the introduction, and even more pleased to receive an advanced copy. This gorgeous 9"x12" full color hardcover book is a must have for all the animal lovers and art aficionados out there! Get your copy today and look for an announcement about our upcoming group show at Francesca Anderson Fine Art in Lexington with a selection of artists from the book in June.

From the Press Release: Donna Dodson is featured in Contemporary Art of Nature MAMMALS, a collection of work by 98 international artists, displaying the range of animal art created today. The book reflects the continuing dialogue artists are having with animals worldwide and increases our awareness of the natural world and its functioning. The 450 color images show traditional works to atavistic totemic approaches to the cutting edge. Materials include ceramic, bronze, textiles, paint, wood, leather, and clay, as well as 3D digital techniques. Two renowned artists introduce the book. Donna Dodson, and Carel P. Brest van Kampen.

“Love Birds”, The Exhibition! will be on view at Harlow's in NYC through March 2015

On January 9, 2015, the Garment District Alliance unveiled Avian Avatars, a group of five enormous sculptures, each symbolizing a unique, mythical bird. Designed by The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, the exhibit will occupy the neighborhood’s pedestrian space on Broadway from 36th to 41st Streets in the Garment District through April 24, 2015.

“Avian Avatars is a spectacular installation that not only intrigues passersby with its impeccable structure, it also tells fascinating stories that embody the imaginative and creative culture of the Garment District,” said Barbara Blair Randall, president of the Garment District Alliance. “We are delighted to showcase the Myth Makers, and we are confident these imposing sculptures will be the most popular public art installation in New York City this winter.”


Crafted from maple saplings, wire ties and found objects, the sculptures stand from 18 to 26 feet tall, with each bird sharing a unique myth. Avian Avatars is meant to indicate transformation, encouraging the public to heed to the stories about current human impact on the changing natural world.

To celebrate this momentous flocking of Avian Avatars in New York City, Harlow is proud to share “Love Birds” Paired Sculptors: The Myth Makers | Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein.

The Myth Makers are each showing their uniquely individual works in the main dining room at Harlow through the end of March. This show of fine woodcarving will present stories of grand relationships and tender moments.


If you have not seen the Avian Avatars on public view along Broadway – please do! And once you have, come to Harlow and enjoy the intimate work Dodson and Moerlein individually create in their studios.

ADDRESS:
109 E 56th St.New York, NY 10022

PHONE:
212.935.6600

EMAIL:
info@harlownyc.com

WEB:

http://harlownyc.com

For up to date press coverage: As Muge blog covered this story on January 21, 2015 and February 16th published a follow up post. Chun M. published a great review on Yelp, February 1st. This story was featured on January 29th, on Free Events in NYC. Kimberly Mossel posted some great shots on flickr. Mark Rifkin posted some great shots on flickr. Laurentiu Garofeanu posted some great shots on Getty Images for the Garment District Alliance. Professional Artist Magazine covered this story in their April/May 2015 Issue. “Avian Avatars” was selected for publication in CODAmagazine’s March issue, Art for Social Change. Sarah Cascione from Artnet picked this project as its number one spring public art show in NYC.

Avian Avatars

Colossal Birds Fly to Garment District for the Winter

Flock of Massive Sculptures by the Myth Makers is the Next

Public Art Installation on the Garment District Plazas

NEW YORK, January 9, 2015 – The Garment District Alliance  will unveil Avian Avatars, a group of five enormous sculptures, each symbolizing a unique, mythical bird that will captivate New Yorkers and visitors on Broadway’s Garment District Plazas this winter.

Designed by the Myth Makers, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein, the exhibit will occupy the neighborhood’s pedestrian space on Broadway from 36^th to 41^st Streets in the Garment District through April.

“Avian Avatars is a spectacular installation that not only intrigues passersby with its impeccable structure, it also tells fascinating stories that embody the imaginative and creative culture of the Garment District,” said Barbara Blair Randall, president of the Garment District Alliance. “We are delighted to showcase the Myth Makers, and we are confident these imposing sculptures will be the most popular public art installation in New York City this winter.”

Crafted from maple saplings, wire ties and found objects, the sculptures stand from 18 to 26 feet tall, with each bird sharing a unique myth. Avian Avatars is meant to indicate transformation, encouraging the public to heed to the stories about current human impact on the changing natural world.

The Tourist : A Victoria Crowned Pigeon. @ Broadway between 36th and 37th.

 Visitors drawn to the vibrant city shape culture with their impulsive consumer behavior.

“Who we are cannot be separated from where we're from.”

-Malcolm Gladwell

The Realist: A Red-Tailed Hawk. @ Broadway between 37th and 38th

Everyone has a killer instinct, a desire to fly and an ambition to achieve their fifteen minutes of fame.

“When it comes to luck, you make your own.” -Bruce Springstein

The Taste Maker : A Falcon. @ Broadway between 38th and 39th.

An uncompromising harbinger of taste, the critic is not a populist.

“The truth is not for all ... but only for those who seek it.” -Ayn Rand

The Great Spirit : An Owl. @ Broadway between 39th and 40th.

A humble leader embraces the strengths and weaknesses of humanity, 

and inspires from a spiritual perspective.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can [each] do small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa

The Scold : A Crow, @ Broadway between 40th and 41st

A raucous chatterbox has an opinion on everything.

“I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life...”

-Henry David Thoreau

In addition to the art work on the plaza, The Myth Makers are working in conjunction with the Garment District Alliance to bring some very exciting public programs to the plaza this winter. Please join them for the following events:

Saturday January 10th @ noon. Join the Myth Makers for a crisp winter adventure! Be some of the first to see these commissioned sculptures along Broadway in the historic Garment District. Walk with the artists and talk about their ambitions for these major pieces, the materials they employ and how the partnership between two independently successful artists contributes to a teamed concept.

Saturday Feb 14th @ 3p- Valentine's Day Sculpture, Chocolate and Roses. Join the Myth Makers for a midwinter excursion onto Broadway. Come as a couple or come alone but there will be roses and chocolate for all who RSVP! Chat with Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein as you study the work. Stroll glove in glove and enjoy the heartwarming attributes of well sited sculptures in a wintery city scape. ALL romantic souls are invited to hear the Myths of the Avian Avatars. Both artists will be present to share your impressions and their chocolate!

Saturday March 7th @ 10am- If you are in town for the Armory Week Art Fairs – or you have never been – you SHOULD! The Myth Makers will be presenting an early morning tour of the Avian Avatars on Broadway. Start the most exciting weekend in NYC arts with a burst of monumental outdoor sculpture. Meet The Myth Makers in person at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at 10am dressed for the weather.

Wednesday March 25th TWO exceptional events:
3p The Myth Makers will provide a behind the scenes conversation about the staging and presentation of their Avian Avatars along Broadway’s Garment District.
6p-8pm The iconic Artists Talk on Art (ATOA) panel at the Jefferson Public Library (6th Ave & 9th St.) in New York City. Join us at a panel discussion on Temporary Public art projects (followed by Q&A)

Friday April 24th- International Sculpture Day 2015!
Artist Talk and Tour

If you have missed Avian Avatars and the Myth Makers in New York City, this is the last day to meet the artists and discuss the challenges and joys of team art making. Join the dynamic collaborative, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein for the closing events at either 5p or 7p. Walk through with artists followed by tea/coffee and conversation at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

All walks meet at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 1412 Broadway, New York, NY and leave promptly. DRESS for being outdoors for 45 minutes! In severe weather you can keep up to date with these events, by reaching out to The Myth Makers on email, themythmakersblog@gmail.com or by finding The Myth Makers on facebook.

About the Myth Makers:

The collaboration between Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein is born from a mutual love of the wild, taking inspiration from events in the natural world and the mysterious nature of animals. Both artists have presented public work throughout the world in unusual locations and familiar haunts, and their affection for site specificity and working with an audience is evident in this series of monumental sculptures.

With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College, Donna has been honored with solo shows nationwide. She regularly contributes articles to newspapers, magazines and blogs that demonstrate the economic impact and global reach of the arts sector. Donna has participated in various exhibitions including the Verbier 3D Foundation’s Artist Residency and Sculpture Park in the Swiss Alps, the Fountain Art Fair NYC in the historic 69^th Regiment Armory Building, a residency in Cusco Peru at the Escuela de Bellas Artes, and she has been invited back to Qorikancha in Cusco Peru to participate in a residency with Andy Moerlein as the Myth Makers this year.

An arts advocate, gallery director and educator for over 30 years, Andy’s work has been displayed in art museums, sculpture gardens and private galleries from Alaska to New York. He has participated in various exhibitions including the Verbier 3D Foundation’s Artist Residency and Sculpture Park in the Swiss Alps, he was the Artist in Residence at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts, and he worked in residence in Cusco Peru and produced work for exhibitions at the Qorikancha Museum. With a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Cornell University, Andy has been a teacher and gallery director at the Derryfield School in Manchester, New Hampshire, for 20 years.

Avian Avatars is the latest in the ongoing Garment District Art on the Plazas series of public art installations, which has also included Sidewalk Catwalk, Tour de Fashion, Figurations, Broadway Green, Five Elements and, most recently, The Sentinels.

Garment District Art on the Plazas is made possible through Arterventions, part of the Department of Transportation’s Art Program. The Garment District Alliance and DOT work closely to coordinate the exhibit and install the pieces, which enhance the public plazas and make them even more welcoming to New Yorkers and visitors alike.

The Garment District is home to thousands of people working in the "creative economy,” including fine and performing artists, designers, architects, photographers and more than a hundred theaters, galleries, performance spaces and studios.

Please direct media inquiries to Jennifer Passaretti of The Marino Organization at 212-889-0808 or Jennifer@themarino.org. For more information on the Garment District Space for Public Art, please visit http://www.garmentdistrictnyc.com.

About the Garment District Alliance

The Garment District Alliance (www.garmentdistrictnyc.com), formerly the Fashion Center BID, is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1993 to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Manhattan’s Garment District. Through programs in the areas of streetscape improvements, sanitation and public safety, marketing and promotions, economic development, and community service, the Garment District Alliance supports the neighborhood’s transformation into a modern, 24/7 destination for dining, nightlife, hotels and unique office space.  For more information on the Garment District Alliance’s many art initiatives, please visit http://www.garmentdistrictnyc.com.

Update: Paula Ogier featured the story of this project on her blog, Boston Artist on January 5, 2015. Luciana Iten covered the story on her blog, Jan 6, 2015. Art Daily covered this story on January 8, 2015. Brian Goslow covered this story in the current issue of Artscope Magazine. WWD, DNA Info and Fox News covered this story on January 9, 2015. Artlog covered this story on January 16, 2015. As Muge blog covered this story on January 21, 2015. This Week in New York covered this story on February 10th. The Hippo Press covered this story on February 12, 2015.