As soon as people saw my latest painting,"Self-portrait as a Cupcake Decoration," the questions began. The first was from a quick-witted sophisticate who asked if I was gluten free. Other people inquired whether I was sweetened with corn syrup (possibly that was a reference to my sense of humor, but I can't say for sure). Someone worried that I was preserved with sulphur dioxide, since I look so young in the painting. It's just a matter of time before I get asked about GMOs, soy content, fair trade and sustainable farming.
I'm the first to agree that my friends and fans are irreverent jokesters. That's why I adore them! But beneath their guffawings lies an undercurrent of seriousness. People are rightfully concerned about what they put into their bodies. Some have food allergies or sensitivities. Others worry about cancer and autoimmune disorders. There's growing awareness about the animal suffering humans cause in our pursuit of food and recreation. And then there's the piece about how greed and confusion is destroying the world as we know it.
If you're looking for better ways to be a good citizen of the planet, you might want to stop by Instinct Gallery for one or both of the following events:
On Saturday February 6 from 2-3 p.m., Instinct Art Gallery is hosting an event, "Claim Humane Talking Circle". After viewing the art of Sue Coe, the international animal rights activist sharing Instinct's walls with me during Unfiltered, AmyLeo Barankovich of Claim Humane will lead a talking-circle about how Coe's images affect us.
To find out more about the Claim Humane Event event click HERE
To find out more about Claim Humane, click HERE
On Saturday, February 20 from 4-6 p.m., Instinct Gallery is hosting an Animal Rights Coalition Social Event. There will be violin music, hors d'oeuvres, and a chance to meet the people behind ARC.
To find out more about the Animal Rights Coalition event, click HERE.
Instinct Art Gallery is located at 940 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis MN 55403. Their phone number is 612-208-0696