Labor
Eva Pushkova, Carla E. Reyes, and Esther S. White
A Group Exhibition in conjunction with new work from Christina Balch
Mothers Institute for Collaboration and Art (MICA) presents a group exhibition of artist mothers about parenting in current times. From paintings and quilts to AI collaborations, this exhibition features work in varying media about the often unseen labor in mothering and parenting.
at Anchor House of Artists
Carla E. Reyes, Showing Up. Image courtesy of the artist.
Artists
Featured Artists
Scale Fail
Carla E. Reyes, 2022; acrylic and mixed media on panel.
I Left the Dishes in the Sink
Esther S White, 2016; cotton, fiber-reactive dye, ink, copy toner; mono-printed, screen-printed, hand dyed, marbled, photocopied, machine-stitched, and quilted.
Influencer Influenza
Eva Pushkova, 2023; tufted wool yarn.
Showing Up
Carla E. Reyes, 2021; acrylic and mixed media on panel.
Learning to Walk #3
Esther S White, 2016; quilt: cotton, fiber-reactive dye; mono-printed, hand-dyed, machine-stitched, and quilted.
Happy Hour / Nap-Time
Carla E. Reyes, 2022; acrylic and mixed media on panel.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Eva Pushkova, 2023; tufted wool yarn.
Shower/Bath (multi-task)
Carla E. Reyes, 2022; acrylic and mixed media on panel.
TikTok Dopamine
Eva Pushkova, 2023; tufted wool yarn.
Laundry (every) Day
Carla E. Reyes, 2023; acrylic and mixed media on panel.
Elena Ciampa, featured musical guest
Mama Data Awake
Christina Balch, Mama Data
Labor: Eva Pushkova, Carla E. Reyes, and Esther S. White
MICA's "Labor" Exhibition Showcases the Impact of Today on ParentingMothers Institute for Collaboration and Art (MICA) proudly presents Labor, a group exhibition highlighting the unseen work of mothers. Parenting today can be complex and challenging due to the fast-paced nature of society. It requires a delicate balance between work, family, and personal life, which can often be a juggling act. Parents face unique challenges, including the pressures of social media, the increased demands of work, the constant need to keep up with the latest parenting trends, and an excess of things. However, parenting also offers new opportunities for growth and learning and a renewed focus on the importance of family and community. Parenting today requires adaptability, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace change. This is precisely where the unique perspective of the mother artist comes in.
The artists featured in Labor use a variety of mediums to express their experiences. From paintings, mixed media works, quilts, and AI, each piece offers a new way of looking at the themes of motherhood and parenting.
In the project #midjourneytomeatspace, Eva Pushkova examines the contrast between modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. The rugs in the exhibition touch on various issues and concerns that all of us, especially parents, face as we navigate the rapidly changing digital landscape. Her distinct viewpoint on the intersection of technology and art makes for an intriguing and stimulating contribution to the showcase.
Carla E. Reyes delves into uncommon moments of self-sufficiency and ambiguous emotional connections with individuals, locations, and items that require the nurturing and commitment of a motherly figure. Through her artistic works, she displays the intricate and fragile encounters of parenthood.
Esther S. White is a skilled textile artist who pushes the boundaries of representation through her work. Through printmaking and craft techniques, she delves into the themes of memory, time, and her identity as both an Artist-Mother and Mother-Artist. Her art beautifully demonstrates the connection between motherhood and creativity.
Christina Balch, co-curator of MICA’s Labor exhibit, is showcasing her exhibition Mama Data. Through this multimedia exhibition, Balch uses data collected during her first year as a parent to create sketches, paintings, and prototypes. The raw data depicts the everyday activities of parenting, while her artwork offers a glimpse into the range of emotions involved in raising a baby, including frustration, exhaustion, love, and humor. Additionally, the exhibition includes a room installation designed for parents and caretakers of young children to relax and rest.
Eva Pushkova, TikTok Dopamine, 2023; tufted wool yarn.
Carla E. Reyes, Potty Party, 2023; acrylic and mixed media on panel.
Arts Night Out Northampton
at Anchor House of Artists
June 9th, 2023, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Join us for the public artist reception as part of Arts Night Out Northampton. on Friday, June 9, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with music by Elena Ciampa. Elena is an award-winning musician, composer, songwriter, arranger, and bandleader with a lifelong passion for music. Her thoughtful writing and melodic expression promise a unique listening experience.
The Anchor House of Artists supports artists with neurodiverse conditions in developing their creative careers and combating societal stigmas. AHoA invites public artists to self-produce shows in their galleries. They did this to demonstrate parity for their artists served by the mission within the public art world, to grow the audience, and to enhance collaboration between Anchor House of Artists and the greater art community.
Founded in 2022, Mothers Institute for Collaboration and Arts (MICA) aims to support artistic mothers by building community. Through festivals, workshops, and support groups, MICA produces opportunities for mothers to create, showcase, and get paid for their creative work. MICA is a mother-led organization committed to responding to the unique needs of mothers and making space for mothers in the arts and cultural ecosystem through systemic change. MICA is fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a New York-based nonprofit devoted to helping artists and arts organizations by providing fundraising tools, education resources, and support.
Exhibition Details
Labor: Eva Pushkova, Carla E. Reyes, and Esther S. White
A group exhibition curated by Christina Balch and Lyza Fennell for MICA (Mothers Institute for Collaboration and Art)
On View: June 6 – 30, 2023
Public artist reception: Friday, June 9, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with music by Elena Ciampa
518 Pleasant Street
Ground Floor
Northampton, MA
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Meet the Artists
Labor: A group exhibition
June 6 – 30, 2023
Public artist reception:
Friday, June 9, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
with music by Elena Ciampa
Anchor House of Artists
518 Pleasant Street
Ground Floor
Northampton, MA
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00 – 6:00 pm