Sharon M. Dundee, Rusted Roots: Exploring Our Connection

For Sharon M. Dundee, there is a certain commonality of experience for those, like her, who were raised in the Midwest “Rust Belt” during the 60s, 70s, and 80s - a connection to other people who grew up in similar circumstances, with similar cultural influences. When telling stories, their narratives weave a familiar picture. With Rusted Roots, she presents her visual interpretation of this connection through her art, interspersed with quotes from others who shared these experiences, as wall text to create a unified installation. Dundee’s work often reflects the grit and tenacity of that “Rust Belt” environment. Mining a wealth of discarded cardboard, newsprint, photos, books, etc., she seeks to repurpose them in her collages, mixed media paintings, and assemblages.
 

RUSTED ROOTS: Exploring Our Connectionis made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. 
 

Laura Garvin, Sketches & Storyline: An Illustrator's Creative Process

Laura Garvin aims to evoke nostalgia in adults and spark a sense of possibility in kids. A designer and illustrator, she is a devoted daydreamer whose work is inspired by color, books, museums, history, early 2000s nostalgia, her cat Blueberry, and digital tools that echo traditional media. Garvin has illustrated several children’s books, including Bean Loves Blankies, The Chip on My Shoulder,and Chocolate Spaghetti for Breakfast,as well as editorial illustrations for Ladybug Magazineand the Pittsburgh City Paper. Her illustration practice is rooted in curiosity, warmth, and a love of storytelling across both kid lit and editorial spaces. The designs for Sketches & Storyline: An Illustrator’s Creative Processcollection is a look behind the curtain of her creative process. These sketches, color tests, thumbnails, and doodles show the process and exploration she goes through to develop her art style and final artwork and illustrations.