nancy blair
of myth and memory

May 16 - June 7, 2009
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 16, 5-8 pm

The Traver Gallery is pleased to exhibit work by artist and author Nancy Blair. Her first solo-exhibition with the gallery, Of Myth and Memory is a continuation of the artist’s Royal Medicine Dog and Golden Retriever Series — narrative works that stem from her lifelong interest in the shamanic healing arts of ancient and indigenous cultures. Blair reconstructs everyday objects in cast glass, ceramics, and paper to create a powerful menagerie of metaphorical figures that demand attention and reverence. Each glass talisman acts as a visual mnemonic of healing.

In addition to Blair’s glass sculptures, Of Myth and Memory features a video entitled “One Minute Meds - Earth, Water, Fire, Air”. One-minute clips show Blair reciting meditations that she has collected over the years. She says, “I’ve traveled extensively and no matter where I am, I am ‘caught’ by a natural phenomenon that, in the middle of chaos, can bring a deep sense of calm and awareness of the connectedness of all things. I assembled the one-minute meditations to once again help us remember that in each moment, there is peace and tranquility.”

Nancy Blair received her BFA from Alfred University in New York and an MFA from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Jersey. She is a recent recipient of the prestigious Hauberg Fellowship at Pilchuck Glass School where she has worked as a Professional Artist in Residence, instructor, scholarship recipient, and teaching assistant. She has been a teaching assistant at The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, and the Creative Glass Center of America at Wheaton Village in Millville, New Jersey. Since 1986 Blair has taught annual “Creativity & Healing” workshops for women — utilizing art making, myth, storytelling and shamanic healing practices as a path of spiritual renewal.

Of Myth and Memory will be on display May 16 - June 7, 2009. Nancy Blair will also be a visiting artist in the hot shop at the Museum of Glass May 20-24.

Traver Gallery - Tacoma
1821 E Dock Street #100
Tacoma, WA 98402
253.383.3685 phone
253.383.3687 fax
tacoma@travergallery.com

Tacoma gallery hours are
Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 6 and
Sunday 12 - 5