The next exhibit at the Kershner Gallery in the Fairfield Library will be a solo show, "The Spirit of the Artist" -- the paintings, monoprints and sculptures of Suzanne Benton. It will run from September 8 to October 25, with a reception on September 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. At 5:30 pm, the artist will talk about her work and open her mixed media sculpture, the Spirit of Hope Secret Future Work. Locked in it are messages and or symbolic objects about universal hopes, dreams and earned wisdom.placed inside since 2003 by people from many countries. The messages will be read by Suzanne with input from the attendees. For more information, visit www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3155.
Benton has exhibited for more than thirty years in over 150 solo shows. Her work has been represented in museums and private collections worldwide. She is a highly recognized metal mask maker and mask performance artist, printmaker, painter, lecturer, and workshop leader.
Locally, Suzanne has exhibited in galleries in Westport, New Canaan, Kent, Ridgefield, and Norwalk. Her home and studio is in Ridgefield. She is a trans-culturalist and feminist pioneer, a former Fulbright Scholar (India), and the recipient of many grants and artist residencies hosted by the cultural arm of US Embassies. These have taken her to 29 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia, often to villages in remote areas.
She says, "Believing the purpose of art is to explore humanity, and that art comes alive when it relates to people's lives, I'm drawn to multicultural themes and oftentimes engage participation. Working with themes steeped in myth, ritual, and archetype, I've shared and created my artwork throughout the world. A journeying artist with a capacity for affective attunement, I have honed an ability to respond with sensitivity and compassion, and to filter the treasures of newness, of sharing, spectacle, friendship and insight and ever transform my art anew."