MICAfest 2024 Art for Change The M/others View
Where  M/otherhood and Artistry Unite

May, 2024, all in Northampton, MA

It’s almost here! With 80 artists from all of New England and Beyond.

Expect powerful poetry, thought-provoking dance and theater, and visual art that challenges.

MICAfest The M/others’ View Art Exhibition at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity.

May 2-29, 2024

The visual art exhibit at BOMBYX is featured in the Peacock Gallery.

Visual artists exhibiting at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity

Elena Allee | Christina Balch | S.T. Gately | Robin Griffith | Barbara Hageman Sarvis | Amy Kotel | Sarah Marquesen | Matthew Mattingly | Ellen Pollock  | Alyona Skripka | Jamie Tara | Michelle Vigeant |

May 25, 2024

2pm - 4pm: Art Reception at BOMBYX

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of artistic talent! Join us at the BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity for the MICA Unveiled art reception with our featured artists. Mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, indulge in delicious crudite and wine, and experience MICA artists’ captivating new works.

Embark on a transformative journey where the human spirit’s resilience confronts life’s complexities. Witness bandages metamorphose into a testament to caregiving, and vibrant colors erupt in protest against injustice. As part of the MICAfest exhibition, this powerful exhibit celebrates women’s strength through the multifaceted lens of m/otherhood. Explore a range of artistic mediums, from mixed-media assemblages that breathe new life into everyday materials to evocative paintings that capture the depth of human emotion. Be prepared to have your perceptions challenged and your empathy ignited as these talented female artists share their intimate experiences, universal themes, and unwavering calls for social change.

Location: BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity
130 Pine Street
Florence, MA 01062

12pm - 10pm: MICAfest The M/others’ View Art Exhibtion at NCFA

May 3-31, 2024

The visual art exhibition is featured in the Split Level Gallery at Northampton Center for the Arts 33 Hawley on the ground floor and the Mezzanine.

May 10, 2024

5pm - 8pm: An art reception

The exhibition will be celebrated on Arts Night Out, with featured musical guest MICA artist Elena Ciampa.

Arts Night Out

Celebrate MICA Artists during Arts Night Out Northampton!

Join us for a vibrant evening of art and music celebrating the creativity of MICA artists. In a special reception at Northampton Center for the Arts and Anchor House of Artists, discover diverse and captivating works. Special performance by Elena Ciampa and Friends.

Motherhood Unbound: Navigating Identity, Ambivalence, and Resilience

This exhibition challenges the sanitized image of motherhood, revealing a complex spectrum of emotions, experiences, and transformations. The artists confront themes of loss, self-sacrifice, societal expectations, physical and mental strain, and the struggle to maintain personal identity amidst the all-consuming role of mother.

The artworks range from intimate reflections within a handmade book to bold sculptures exploring the impossible demands of motherhood. We encounter explorations of postpartum mental health, critiques of domesticity, surveillance of mothers, and the blurred boundaries between self and child.

Yet, amidst these challenges, a powerful thread of resilience emerges. Artists find their voices through painting, mixed-media, photography, and installation work. They offer unflinching honesty about motherhood’s complexities, fearlessly exploring the ambivalence that society often silences. Ultimately, they celebrate the creative power that thrives despite, and even because of, the transformative journey of motherhood.

Key Themes:

-Loss and Longing: Artists grapple with loss – loss of self, loss of a past life, and the profound fear that accompanies pregnancy and motherhood.

-Ambivalence and Societal Pressure: The exhibit exposes the conflict between the idealized image of motherhood and the raw, often unspoken, emotions surrounding it.
Physical and Mental Strain: Artworks visualize the toll of pregnancy and postpartum mental health struggles, highlighting the lack of societal support.

-Transformation and Resilience: Despite the challenges, artists assert their creative voices, exploring motherhood as a catalyst for personal growth and defying unrealistic expectations.

-This visual art exhibit features artists from across the United States, including Boston, Springfield, Northampton, Kansas City, and California.

Visual artists exhibiting at Northampton Center for the Arts

Myrrh Brooks | Nancy Bulma Fields | Mayté Castillo | Jill Danenberg | Helen Ellis | Laura Green | Jane Hesser | Lyn Horan| Jane Keddy | Catherine LeComte-Lecce | Lynn Lovell | Isabelle Marantz/IzzyLightScapes| Nilou Moochhala | Emily Mulder | April Powell | Eva Pushkova | Carla E. Reyes | Amber Scoon | Ellen Wetmore | Esther S. White | Cynthia Zeman |

Image: Painting by Cynthia Zeman, Woman on Couch, 52×58, Oil.

Featured Live Music: Elena Ciampa

Experience the soulful sounds of Elena Ciampa, a pillar of the MICA community since the inaugural MICAfest. Her thoughtful songwriting, melodic arrangements, and expressive jazz vocals will transport you on a captivating musical journey.

A MICA Success Story

Elena’s artistic dreams were given wings at the first MICAfest, where she shared the stage with her 8-piece jazz band. Celebrate her continued growth and be inspired by her dedication to her craft as she shares new music from her current collection, “A Wind in the Door.”

Explore Unique Visual Art

Mingle with fellow art enthusiasts as yo

Location: Northampton Center for the Arts
33 Hawley Street
Northampton, MA 01060

1pm - 6pm: MICAfest The M/others’ View Art Exhibtion at AHOA

May 2-29, 2024

-Passway Gallery
-Bumpus Gallery
-Experimental Performance Arena
-The new unnamed hallway gallery

May 10, 2024

5pm - 8pm: Art reception

Celebrate MICA Artists during Arts Night Out Northampton!

(free event)

Celebrate Northampton’s vibrant art scene with MICA! During the Arts Night Out artist reception, immerse yourself in captivating visual art by m/other artists and witness a mesmerizing live performance that will transport you. Join us at both NEVAmuseum at Anchor House and 33 Hawley for this unforgettable evening.

Featured Live Performance by Stefanie Weber

Experience the immersive world of Stefanie Weber and her captivating performance piece, ‘The MOTHERLESSSHIP‘. This interactive work blends physical poetry, movement, and audience participation, inviting you to step aboard and become part of the evolving artistic journey. Perfect for an intimate setting, prepare to be transported and transformed.

Visual artists exhibiting at Anchor House of Artists

Lisa Andrews | Laura Dickstein Thompson | Jasmine Errico | Paulina Fuenzalida-Guzman | Reshma Gorde | Ruby Henry | Juli Kirk | Tony(a) Lemos | Gena Mavuli | Laura Moorehead | Amy Nolan | Elizabeth Menges | Terre Parker | Amber Scoon | Ellen Shattuck Pierce | Mollie Thonneson | Mary Warren Foulk | Ellen Wetmore | Sam Wilde |

Image: Lisa Andrews, A Mother’s Tears, 24” x 36”, Acrylic on Canvas.

Location: Anchor House of Artists
518 Pleasant Street
Northampton, MA 01060

Schedule:

Anchor House of Artists
May 4th, 7:00 pm
Verses & Vibes: Poetry Night
Jasmine Errico, Mary Warren Foulk, Maggie “Sasha” Russell-Ciardi, KC Trommer.

We hope to find a new m/other artists musician for the night! Email us at hello at experience mica dot org.

Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley
M/otherhood in Motion: Dance and Theatre
May 11th, 7:00 pm
Dance and performance

Haile Eshe Cole, Jessica Roseman, Laura Sánchez, Kelly Silliman.

Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley
MICA Mother’s Day Art Bash
May 12th, 4:00 pm
Poetry,  Music, Nosh, Drinks, and Mingle.
***Venue and Ticketing Change***

Jen Jabaily-Blackburn, Roxanne Nieman, Toni Rose, A.H. Weatherman with The Lark Jazz Trio with Lynn Luvell.

Anchor House of Artists
May 17th, 7:00 pm
The Mom-ologues: Unfiltered Stories, Poems & Music Jam

Vanessa Adel, Dorise Heller, Jackie Humphreys, Nancy Carolyn Kwant, Rythea Lee, Liz Reed, Arya Samuelson, Jessica Genia Simon, and Karolina Zapal.

Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley
Perfect Imperfections Behind the Facade: an Evening at the Theatre
May 23rd, 7:00 pm

My Mother Had Two Faces: Reflections on Beauty, Aging, and Acceptance.

A one-woman show by Karin Trachtenberg continues its acclaimed theatrical journey from LA to Edinburgh.

With a staged reading by MICA founder Lyza Fennell.

Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley

MICAfest: The M/otherlode Closing Gala
May 31st, 6:30 pm

Celebrate all the artists at a unique closing fundraising gala with an Artist Conversation with some of our featured artists. The evening will end with musical guest Christa Joy and the Honeybees.

Workshop

Mindful Creativity for M/Others and Allies By Laura Dickstein Thompson, Ed.D.

May 18th, 10 am – 12 pm, virtual.

A 2-hour meditation and art workshop for m/others and alliesAll levels

Join Breathing Space for a virtual 2-hour meditation and art workshop designed for m/others and allies to rejuvenate your self-care and compassion.  Led by Laura Dickstein Thompson, Ed.D., an artist, Kripalu meditation teacher, Kundalini yogi, and founder of breathingspace.art.

Class size is limited to 20 participants.

Learn more and sign up for it here.

This program is being held in honor of the MICAfest Art for Change: The M/others’ View. Thompson has a three part painting in the month-long exhibition in Northampton. This program is also being offered as part of ArtsWeek Berkshires.

Visual Art Exhibition

Visual artists exhibiting at NEVAmuseum at Anchor House of Artists

Lisa Andrews | Laura Dickstein Thompson | Jasmine Errico | Paulina Fuenzalida-Guzman | Reshma Gorde | Ruby Henry | Juli Kirk | Tony(a) Lemos | Gena Mavuli | Laura Moorehead | Amy Nolan | Elizabeth Menges | Terre Parker | Ellen Shattuck Pierce | Mollie Thonneson | Mary Warren Foulk | Ellen Wetmore | Sam Wilde |

Image: Lisa Andrews, A Mother’s Tears, 24” x 36”, Acrylic on Canvas.

Visual artists exhibiting at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity

Elena Allee | Christina Balch | S.T. Gately | Robin Griffith | Barbara Hageman Sarvis | Amy Kotel | Sarah Marquesen | Matthew Mattingly | Ellen Pollock | Alyona Skripka | Jamie Tara | Michelle Vigeant |

Image: Elena Allee, They Felt They Had Been There Before. 48” x 48”, Oil paint and alkyd resin on canvas. 2022.

Visual artists exhibiting at Northampton Center for the Arts

Myrrh Brooks | Nancy Bulma Fields | Mayté Castillo | Jill Danenberg | Helen Ellis | Laura Green | Jane Hesser | Lyn Horan| Jane Keddy | Catherine LeComte-Lecce | Lynn Lovell | Isabelle Marantz/IzzyLightScapes | Nilou Moochhala | Emily Mulder | April Powell | Eva Pushkova | Carla E. Reyes | Amber Scoon | Ellen Wetmore | Esther S. White | Cynthia Zeman |    
          
Image: Painting by Cynthia Zeman, Woman on Couch, 52×58, Oil.

Visual Art Receptions

Artist Reception at NEVAmuseum at Anchor House of Artists

May 10th, 2024, 5:00-8:00 pm

Join us for a vibrant evening of art and performance by Stefani Weber, celebrating the creativity of MICA artists exhibiting at Anchor House of Artists. meet and celebrate the artists, and discover diverse and captivating works.

Visual artists exhibiting at NEVAmuseum at Anchor House of Artists

Lisa Andrews | Laura Dickstein Thompson | Jasmine Errico | Paulina Fuenzalida-Guzman | Reshma Gorde | Ruby Henry | Juli Kirk | Tony(a) Lemos | Gena Mavuli | Laura Moorehead | Amy Nolan | Elizabeth Menges | Terre Parker | Amber Scoon | Ellen Shattuck Pierce | Mollie Thonneson | Mary Warren Foulk | Ellen Wetmore | Sam Wilde |

Image: Motherhood, Gena Muvaldi, 11″ x 5″, Stoneware, local wood-ash glaze.

Artist Reception at Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley

May 10th, 2024, 5:00-8:00 pm

Join us for a vibrant evening of art and performance by Elena Ciampa and Friends, celebrating the creativity of MICA artists exhibiting at Northampton Center for the Arts. Meet and celebrate the artists and discover diverse and captivating works.

Visual artists exhibiting at Northampton Center for the Arts

Myrrh Brooks | Nancy Bulma Fields | Mayté Castillo | Jill Danenberg | Helen Ellis | Laura Green | Jane Hesser | Lyn Horan| Jane Keddy | Catherine LeComte-Lecce | Lynn Lovell | Isabelle Marantz/IzzyLightScapes | Nilou Moochhala | Emily Mulder | April Powell | Eva Pushkova | Carla E. Reyes | Ellen Wetmore | Esther S. White | Cynthia Zeman |               

Image: Painting by Lyn Horan, The Watchers and the Weepers, 35”w x 47″h – watercolor and ink on paper.

Artist Reception at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity

May 25th, 2024, 2:00-4:00 pm

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of artistic talent! Join us at the BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity for the MICA Unveiled art reception with our featured artists. Mingle with fellow art enthusiasts, indulge in delicious crudite and wine, and experience MICA artists’ captivating works.

Visual artists exhibiting at BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity

Elena Allee | Christina Balch | S.T. Gately | Robin Griffith | Barbara Hageman Sarvis | Amy Kotel | Sarah Marquesen | Matthew Mattingly | Ellen Pollock | | Alyona Skripka | Jamie Tara | Michelle Vigeant |

Image: Ellen Pollock, Untitled. 36” x 36, tempura on paper.

Date: May 1-31, 2024

Location:

Anchor House of Artists - 518 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA 01060
BOMBYX Center for Arts and Equity - 130 Pine Street, Florence, MA 01062
Northampton Center for the Arts - 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA 01060

Cost: FREE – $424.00

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