On September 6th from 5:00pm-7:00pm, we are thrilled to host a First Fridays Gallery Opening at The Depot featuring artist Charlotte Shristi (she/her)! Join us to welcome Charlotte and view her gallery entitled “The Elephant in the Room”, and to enjoy refreshments and community. RSVP for this event on Facebook here and get to know Charlotte more in her biography below!
*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility needs. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.
Bio:
Charlotte grew up in rural Iowa and studied at Goshen College, IN, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Art and a B.A. in Psychology in 2000. In addition to her studio work as a visual artist, she has taught as an elementary and private art instructor and served as director of a nonprofit arts organization. She explored using art-making as a healing process in different settings, including with unhoused people in D.C. and with survivors of war and other trauma in Colombia and Nepal where she worked in the peacebuilding field for a number of years. Currently, Charlotte lives in the Shenandoah Valley with her husband and two children, working out of her home art studio. Since 2018 she has also worked as a practitioner and teacher of a traditional Native American hot stone massage method called Stone Medicine. Her private practice is called Wild Poppy Healing Arts.
Artist Statement:
Charlotte grew up in rural Iowa and studied at Goshen College, IN, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Art and a B.A. in Psychology in 2000. In addition to her studio work as a visual artist, she has taught as an elementary and private art instructor and served as director of a nonprofit arts organization. She explored using art-making as a healing process in different settings, including with unhoused people in D.C. and with survivors of war and other trauma in Colombia and Nepal where she worked in the peacebuilding field for a number of years. Currently, Charlotte lives in the Shenandoah Valley with her husband and two children, working out of her home art studio. Since 2018 she has also worked as a practitioner and teacher of a traditional Native American hot stone massage method called Stone Medicine. Her private practice is called Wild Poppy Healing Arts.
Brief Description of Work:
My art-making involves various forms of layering. I layer acrylic paint, collage materials and mark-making, using graphite, charcoal, marker, etc. I sometimes sketch onto a painted surface or let marks bleed through the paint from below. The spontaneous marks of children inspire me, and I sometimes incorporate the marks of my own children in my work. I also love to layer abstract brushstrokes with realistic or representational imagery. Inspiration from the natural world includes birds, animals, trees, stones and bones, as well as the human form and face. For me, artistic creation has always been a way to process the world. It’s healing, play, prayer and storytelling. Sometimes I know the story I want to tell, but often the story chooses me, revealing itself in the making or after the work is complete. Much of my work has come out of my struggle to understand our place as humans on this blue planet.
“The Elephant in the Room” Sneak Peek
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This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!
Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!
