The Orphanage to Host Land and Place – Metal Sculptures by Joes Artist and Book Reading by Joes Author:
YUMA, COLO – The Orphanage, in downtown Yuma, will host a month-long exhibition, titled Land and Place, of the creations of Joes, Colorado artist Maureen Hearty. The exhibition will open with an artist reception on Saturday, August 31, 2019 from 3-7 p.m., and will run through Monday, September 30, 2019.
Maureen Hearty is a sculptress, gardener, musician, and community organizer. Using art, music, and horticulture as tools for education and community activation is her priority. She incorporates various materials and methods based on the community and space with which she is working; materials include metal, cob, textiles, ceramics, collected natural materials, plastic bottles and other found objects. She also collects audio stories as a tool for social bridge building. As her work develops, Maureen aims to find the intersection of her two loves; a maker of objects and a community-based artist.
Maureen was born in Littleton, Colorado, grew up in Denver and is currently blossoming in Joes, Colorado. Transforming metal waste into sculptures, and inspired by the fluctuating social and physical geography, she explores themes of invention, movement, metamorphosis, and decomposition in her sculpture. Maureen’s primary inspiration for Land and Place has been life on the High Plains: the horizon line, majestic open space, things that grow, things that decay, and, not coincidentally, her husband, Gregory Hill’s, three novels set in northeastern Colorado. Check out her website at mauxheart.com.
Maureen’s husband, Gregory Hill, was raised in Joes, Colorado and the first thing he will tell you is that he has no sense of smell. Since 1995, Greg has performed (guitar, tenor sax & vocals) in various bands, including Six Months to Live and The Orangu-tones. He currently plays in The Super Phoenixes, Manotaur, and The Ad Hoc Rural Roots County Ensemble. He records records in his garage.
Greg has written three novels about northeastern Colorado, East of Denver, The Lonesome Trials of Johnny Riles and most recently, Zebra Skin Shirt, all part of the Strattford County Trilogy. He is working on a new novel which will be about old timey country musicians who channel their dead patriarch for song lyrics. During the opening reception, Greg will hold a book reading and there will be live music featuring Gregory Hill and Daniel Ray. His books will be available for purchase at the Orphanage for the month of September.
The Orphanage is in downtown Yuma at 300 South Main Street. For more information about this exhibit or future shows, please contact Richard Birnie at (970) 630-3360, or visit the website at orphanageyuma.com. Hours for the duration of the show will be 9-5 Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday afternoon, 1-5.
The Orphanage 