Madelon Powers Gallery to Present Wayward Sisters – Rebellion Dogs Our Every Step

Madelon Powers Gallery Colleen Smiley

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on September 24, 2024, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University’s Madelon Powers Gallery will present “Wayward Sisters – Rebellion Dogs Our Every Step” from Wednesday, October 1 – Thursday, October 31. The exhibit will feature textiles by Brooklyn based artist, Colleen Rae Smiley.

Hours for the gallery, located in the university’s Fine and Performing Arts Building, Normal and Marguerite streets, are Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. A reception for the artists will be held Wednesday, October 3 from 4-6 p.m. in the gallery. Both the exhibit and reception are open to the public at no cost. Smiley will also hold a workshop on Friday, October 5 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

In “Wayward Sisters – Rebellion Dogs Our Every Step” Smiley utilizes the intertwined histories of Spiritualism and the Women’s Suffrage crusade for inspiration.

Both movements emerged simultaneously in 1848, in western New York, where the convergence of Spiritualism and the women’s rights movement fostered a powerful synergy both empowering women to challenge societal norms and assert their rights.

As a fiber artist, Colleen Rae Smiley navigates the realm of fine art through textiles, repurposing fabrics gathered from her community and travels to construct layered narratives that resonate with history and emotion.

This series explores the symbolism of Spiritualist Suffragettes, whose intertwined legacies of spiritual and social activism continue to inspire the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. Through vibrant colors, symbolism, and the transformative power of textiles and collage, Smiley invites the viewers to contemplate the intersections of past and present, tradition and experimentation, and to connect with the enduring impact of these trailblazing movements.

On Saturday, October 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Smiley will provide the opportunity to create a personalized banner that will celebrate the accomplishments and empowerment of women. Inspired by the exhibition, the banners will honor any woman—historical, personal, or contemporary—whose courage and resilience have made an impact. The finished banners will be displayed on the gallery mezzanine for the remainder of the exhibition, creating a collective tribute to women’s inspiration and empowerment.

For more information on the exhibit, reception, or workshop email kdevine5@esu.edu  and rdelacruz@esu.edu.