“Connections” – A community art exhibition with the UNT CoLab

Connections by Denise Holguin

This canvas is part of the square-d project Community Art Exhibition through the UNT CoLab. To participate, individuals purchased the 12” x 12” canvas and were instructed to apply their artistry in any way they wanted. All participants donate their finished art, which is sold for $25 each during the exhibit. The proceeds from the event benefit the UNT Food Pantry presented by Kroger.

*Note, if the art does not get sold, it becomes discounted… if it doesn’t sell at a discount it will eventually be returned to the artists. I need my piece to sell. Run. Don’t walk. Someone please buy my art.

(Update: before I even had a chance to publish this blog, a friend contacted me to buy my art. She didn’t even know about my concern of becoming a disgraced artist with discounted art that no one wants to buy). THANK YOU, GWENDA! I believe Alana had a hand in this from heaven. Note, the blog itself was written before the purchase.

Artist Statement: No one is insignificant that a connection cannot be made.

Type: Mixed Media

About: The materials used in this piece represent connections to people, places and moments in time.

Wax paper: a gift from my friend Paulette – she knows I’m an artist and is supportive of my efforts. I hand wrote the word “Connections” all over the paper. This is my second art piece (I have a half dozen) that include a handwritten word repeated across a canvas. (I am a writer – I love words).

Textured/decorative paper: This paper is hard to distinguish, but it is on top of the handwritten wax paper. A business associate, Terri, gave me a stack of decorative papers (and 2 large fiberglass horse legs!) when she learned I’m an artist. I was gobsmacked by her generosity and have been determined to use her supplies…but judiciously.

Branch: I love collecting interesting objects in nature while hiking and exploring. I dipped the branch in copper paint.

Spirals: (Tore Bellis renamed them rondells). I saw a similar technique while scrolling social media and immediately needed a hands-on lesson on how to make them. My mother was kind enough to drop everything and teach me. Once I learned, I couldn’t stop making them. They are relaxing to make while watching tv, while a passenger in the car… while winding down after a long day. But they do take FOREVER to make. They are layered and arranged across the canvas to suggest movement.

Forming connections requires movement in one way or another.

Metal heart: My mother made it and knew I’d find a use for it in my art.

Flower: One of many baubles and trinkets I’ve collected from my scrapbooking days. It started out a hideous color but now matches the art piece.

I hope this piece brings joy to others and continues the process of making connections.

Update: To appreciate why / how this piece ended up in the right hands, visit a blog from my archives. We were in the town of Okemah Oklahoma for Just a Day. Gwenda is Alana’s aunt, who I met in Okemah for the funeral.

Connections.

If you’re in the DFW metroplex, stop by the square-d exhibit at the UNT CoLab Gallery in Denton, Texas.

Exhibit Dates: July 7 – July 29, 2023.

Opening reception is July 7 from 6 – 8 pm.

The UNT CoLab Gallery is near Gnome Cones, which I’ve heard from good authority is a tasty place to have a gnome-shaped snow cone, gnomesicle or ice cream. Art and dessert… a winning combination.