Juried into Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore: A Fiber Arts Exhibition

I am so excited to have been juried into the exhibition "Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore: A Fiber Arts Exhibition" starting August 28- October 28th at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park in Historic Charleston, South Carolina. Inspired by the folklore and visual history of the black mermaid archetype,” Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore: A Fiber Arts Exhibition” will be the largest showcase of Mermaid art quilts and art dolls ever assembled. “There could not be a more perfect site for “ Mermaids”, than City Gallery at Waterfront Park, as it over looks Charleston Harbor.” Curator Cookie Washington said enthusiastically. Enslaved Africans, carried across the Atlantic in the slave trade, brought with them their beliefs and practices honoring their ancestral water deities. “Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore: A Fiber Arts Exhibit” celebrates the visual cultures and histories of water goddesses. Today, communities of color have reestablished, revisualized, and revitalized African mermaids in their art. The quilting and doll-making traditions have also undergone a renaissance from utilitarianism to fine crafts. ‘Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore’ is a journey of color and inspiration, a visual feast of imaginative expression. The fine craftsmanship in Mermaids and Merwomen in Black Folklore is griot in nature,” says Curator Cookie Washington. She has brought together both critically acclaimed and emerging fiber artists. “Each piece is a storyteller, using color, texture, form and embellishment to express a narrative.” African-American quilting as a craft-form is hardly recent. Long before the advent of slavery on this continent, civilizations of Africa were weaving the backdrop for African-American quilting as they preserved their aesthetic principles, religious and cultural traditions. Women continued the quilting tradition in the American South. Symbolism and meaning continued as a thread through quilts crafted during slavery. Quilts were made and used in a utilitarian fashion, hand stitching scraps together to keep families warm. In some cases, quilts made by elders were the only legacy a family had, preserving memories and events. In a rare collaboration, the exhibit catalogue pairs profound poetry and fantastic photography that will be a lasting reminder of the relationship between fine craft and soaring poetic verse that speaks of the black mermaid. Dive in to this rich, juicy, Mermaid poetry. This vivid affecting, powerful collection accompanies the artwork sensationally. Taken together, you’ll be baptized into the undersea world of the Merpeople. Opening Reception Sept 8th, 2012 5pm to 8pm

Maji the African Mermaid

I am pleased to show you my latest doll project called Maji, the African Mermaid. This doll was created based upon an imaginary mythic African mermaid called Maji which means ocean or water in Swahili. She has been all around the world including Latin America, Asia and Europe. She brings with her peace and hope for future generations. Her beauty is captivated by the colors of magenta, yellow, and white. She swims to remind us that love is where you find it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Though she is not as well known as other African sea goddesses, she is making her debut and finding her proud place among the sea. Maji reminds women of African descent the false belief system that requires them to find identity and meaning in their lives through their husbands and children. Such a system causes women to completely lose their identity in that of their family. I believe in many cases women today still fall victim by society to have a husband and children in order to be considered completely feminine. Maji represents the total feminine, the emotions and feelings of women today in relation to the various roles they playas business owner, wife, mother, daughter, sister, etc. It's not easy to be all and still be yourself.

July 27th: 6:00 pm Opening Reception and Artist Talk A New Show: #myDeanwood Honoring The Past to Create A Future

Hello all! I am in a new exhibition called #myDeanwood Honoring The Past to Create A Future curated by Kimberly Gaines of DeanwoodxDesign Deanwood is not Maryland, Deanwood is very much in the District of Columbia. A historically African American community in Northeast Washington, DC with a rich history, valued neighbors and beautiful green spaces. But it is so much more. The “more” however is overshadowed by the negative realities of unemployment and crime. The intent of this exhibition is to give honor and praise to history for we know it shapes our future. Highlighting a community with all of its facets not just its negative dimensions. The work displayed looks at process, connections, emotions, perspective and the sweetness of persistance. There is amazing talent woven through these works. It shows that tradition is present even when flipped into new meaning. The future is bright because our foundation is strong. #myDeanwood is wealthy when it comes to tradition and history. The next challenge is giving a new generation wings steeped in tradition and infused with their truth. Kimberly C. Gaines Curator/Creative Director DeanwoodxDesign

The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a Tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages. The curator and the DxD team use the #myDeanwood hashtag to note positive happenings within Deanwood in social media to counter some of the negative media this neighborhood receives. Come meet the artists on Friday, July 27th at 6:00 pm and see their work Zandra Chestnut, Esther Iverem, Amber Robles Gordon, Sherry Burton Ways, Benita Elliot and Aaron Brown Exhibition Location Center for Green Urbanism – Tubman-Mahan Gallery 3938 Benning Road NE Washington DC 20019 Music and Light fare and a whole lot of art!!

Latest Exhibition: Making HerStory 6 Kick Off Reception, Friday, March 4 th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

I will be exhibiting work from my Queen Series- Mixed Media dolls on canvas for The ThickArt Collaborative with Authentic Contemporary Art and The Center For Green Urbanism “Making HerStory 6”, the Annual Celebration of Women in the Arts Exhibition. The Making HerStory 6 series will kick off with a Grand Opening Reception Friday, March 4, 2011, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm at the Center for Green Urbanism, 3938 Benning Road, NE, Washington, DC. This event will feature music mixed by female online syndicated radio DJ, DJ Fusion of Fuse Box Radio and refreshments by the female foodies at Art.Food.Life.

This month will be full of various unifying events celebrating women artists in all genres. The celebration will take place at The Center for Green Urbanism, 3938 Benning Road, NE in Washington, DC’s Ward 7, March 1-31, 2011.

Making HerStory celebrates the vast and diverse forms of creativity offered by women artists. With this being the sixth year of Making HerStory, the creators have found a renewed energy among many of the artists in the Making HerStory family. This year’s theme is The Era of Our Dreams, exemplifying a new energy arising from the ashes of the last decade’s struggles, into a new era. Making HerStory 6 is about collaboration, growth, and sustainability.

Here are the artists participating in Herstory 6:

Jade Andwele
Prudence Bonds
Karen Buster
Anne Cherubim
Zandra Chestnut
Sandra Davis
Carla Jupiter
Bonnie MacAllisterr
Elsa Gebreyesus
Suzanne Nejir Tutu
Anike Robinson
Ann Thompson
Sherry Ways
Shawn Yancy
Heather Schmaedeke

For more information about Making HerStory 6, Please visit the website at http://makingherstoryartseries.blogspot.com/

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: January 7th Reception

Greetings all! It has been some time since I posted. The wintry weather, power outages, etc., really had me going this January. However, before the month is over, I wanted to share with you the photos from the January 7th reception of the art exhibit "The Shape of Things to Come" at the Sandy Spring Museum running through March 27th.

I was happy that I sold one of my dolls "Full Bloom" during the opening reception to the Chair of the Board of Museum. In addition the event got coverage in the Montgomery County Gazette on January 26th.

I have some small dolls, pins and doll cards on sale at the Sandy Spring Museum in celebration of the exhibit. Stop by the museum gift shop.

There is talk that we may take the exhibit on the road. I certainly hope so. It has been a true honor to show my dolls at this wonderful exhibit. Do plan to make a trip out to Sandy Spring Maryland to experience it.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: A Creative Collaboration

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for The Shape of Things to Come: A Creative Collaboration, an art exhibition featuring artists Sharon Keyser- Jackson, Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Desiree Sterbini, Sherry Burton Ways, Lezetta Moyer, Betty Farrell opening January 5, 2011 at the Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring, MD. Please join us for the Opening Reception on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 2PM to 4PM.

Inducted on PeaceXPeace Board of Directors!

Hello All! I know it has been a while since I blogged. However, I just wanted you to know that I have been recently inducted as the newest member into the Board of Peace x Peace. The mission of Peace x Peace, a Washington, DC based, non –profit organization, is to advocate for effective ,sustained policies and programs that support the advancement of women. The organization “Acts as the connection point, which facilitates dialogue and exchange between women in the Arab and Muslim countries and the Western world. It helps reduce misunderstandings and stereotypes”. Created in 2002 by Patricia Smith Melton and six other woman rights advocates, Peace x Peace was established to help bring harmony to women internationally through social networking and other forms of media.

As the newest board member, I will contribute my leadership expertise, help generate new fundraising activities, and use her marketing acumen to bring increased awareness and donations to the organization. My interest in international affairs was generated through my experience working under President Bill Clinton’s women and girls focused Africa education initiative.

Through this organization, I plan to contribute my artwork and build my dollmaking around peace for women all over the world. I hope you join me in this endeavor!


For more information about Peace x Peace, go to www.peacexpeace.org.

Join Me on Friday, November 5th for Art, Wine & Conversation at the Tubman Mahan Art Gallery!

Moi chatting with patrons during the grand opening of the Recreate Exhibit.


My mixed media artwork piece using recycled materials. Yang Mama!

Join me and the other artists of ReCREATE for a glass of wine and conversation at the Tubman Mahan Art Gallery at the Center for Green Urbanism on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 6 pm to 8 pm. The Center for Green Urbanism is located at 3938 Benning Road, NE, Washington, DC.

Hear from me and the artists about how we created our artwork using eco-friendly and recyclable materials and tour the Center and learn more about the gallery space and the business incubator program.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Friday, November 5 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm

The Center for Green Urbanism
3938 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC

My HOT FLASH Interview in Pamela Hastings New Book!

I am honored to be included in Pamela Hasting's new book entitled, Hot Flash! A Celebration. Pamela is a wonderful nationally renowned doll maker. Through some informal conversations late last year, she invited me to join some of the most talented and creative doll artists across the country to interpret the meaning through a doll of Hotflash.

Now just so you know, I am not in my menopausal years yet, but know enough about it through watching my mother go through it as I was going through my puberty to teen years!

This book is a seven-year project undertaken by Pam. It is an inspiring collection of stories and images of dolls and paintings, on the wide-ranging theme of HOT FLASH--inspiring stories from women from all walks of life. Once you read this you will want to share this with your friends, and add your own experiences to the mix.

I was asked to fill out a short questionnaire about Hot Flash and what it means to me. Check me out on Page 98-99. Here are a few of my answers:

Question: What does the term HOT FLASH mean to you?
Me: It means the most important time in a woman’s life when she transitions to a mature, accomplished, and meaningful life.

Question: What did you always dream of doing? Have you done it, and if so, would you tell us about how you were able to fulfill your dream? Have you done/accomplished anything since you turned 25/40/60 that has surprised you, surprised your family or other people? If so, how has that achievement changed how you see yourself? Has it changed your remaining aspirations?

Me: I always dreamed of being a musician. A singer, songwriter and producer. I have not done it yet. But some day I will. Bought a guitar some years ago and need to get my lessons. I have started two creative businesses one an interior design firm and the other a mixed media art studio. Both of which have studios outside the home which I am proud of, surprised by me and my family members. This accomplishment has changed my thinking and I have truly been inspired by what one person said to me several years ago “I believe you can be successful at anything you set your mind to.”

Question: What advice at your age now....would you give to yourself at age....? Would the younger you have listened to the older you? How would that have changed the way your life is now?

Me: The best advice I can give someone at my age is not to take yourself too seriously and always follow your dreams. Find what it is you are meant to do on this earth and do it! Knowing how I was when I was younger I probably would not have listened to me. If I had of followed the advice I am giving now, I probably would have had a much happier and meaningful life in my 20’s and 30’s.

To get more of the interview, I invite you to purchase this book. Go to Pam's website and order it here

Enjoy!

My Next Exhibition "RECREATE: The Art of the Recycled!"

Join 20 of the area’s top visual artists for the opening reception of ReCREATE “The Art of the Recycled” from 6 to 8 p.m. October 15 at the grand opening of the Center for Green Urbanism, DC’s new art-infused green business incubator. The Center provides office and event space to small businesses and start-up companies. During the grand opening reception, the in-house Tubman-Mahan Art Gallery, will debut original works created from recyclable and “eco-friendly” material. The center is located at 3938 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC.

Invited guests include Mayor Adrian Fenty; DC Council Chair Vince Gray; Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander; Gloria A. Nauden, Executive Director, DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, and Marvin Bowser, Commissioner (Ward 7), DC Commission on Arts and Humanities.


“ReCREATE is an opportunity to view how 20 local and national artists use everyday items we take for granted or discard to create stunning works of art! Keeping in line with the Center’s “green” theme, the Tubman-Mahan Art Gallery will focus on work created with an environmental eye,” said Curator Sharon Burton, president of Authentic Contemporary Art. “Join us for what will be an evening of art, music and a true fusion of eco-creativity. Live music by Jazz Flutist Arch Thompson, will provide the ideal entertainment to accompany the amazing work on display.”

*ReCREATE will be on display through November 13. Artists, include:*

Chuck Baxter

Sandra Davis

Jim Duckworth

Chava Evans

Erica Fallin

Magaly Gaza

Christopher Golden

Gints Grinbergs

Rania Hassan

Sean Hennessey

Roxanne Jarrett

Guru Sangat Khalsa

Gloria Kirk

Marla Mclean

Rose Mosner

Jordan Quintero

Wendy Rabinowitz

Kathy Turner

Ja'Ski Watkins

Sherry Ways


The ReCREATE opening reception will culminate a day-long grand opening celebration for the new Center for Green Urbanism, which begins at 2 pm with a ribbon cutting and press conference and continues with center tours, and eco-interior design discussions.

RSVP to Natasha Brown of Think Brown INK, Natasha@thinkbrownink.com or
240-304-6354.

*About the Center for Green Urbanism *

The mission of the Center for Green Urbanism is to create a business-friendly environment that provides startups with affordable office space and business services in a sustainable and energy-efficient green demonstration facility. We are located in downtown Ward 7, Washington, DC. Meeting spaces are available and Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the facility. The Center is a design model for a “living green business” in an urban setting, by decreasing carbon footprint – promoting home gardening, using energy efficient lighting and appliances, solar shade window treatments, a purified drinking water system, water saving devices and the recycling of trash and waste. *Learn more at
**http://www.centerforgreenurbanism.org*

*About Authentic Contemporary Art (ACA)*

ReCREATE Curator Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art will provide curatorial services and management of contemporary art exhibitions in the Center’s Tubman-Mahan Gallery; ACA was founded in 2005 and now serves as an alternative source for emerging and contemporary art. Based in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area, ACA creates opportunities for art collectors and emerging contemporary artists to connect through exhibitions and other events. *Learn more at www.authenticartonline.com

Imperfect Mama- A Mother's Day Tribute

Hi just was fooling around in my studio today. Taking a quiet meditative break and celebrating in my own way the life of my mother Eleanor Simmons Burton who transitioned in April of 1998. I put together the makings of another mixed media art doll on canvas to be part of a collection I am putting together for a fall show. This one is called "Imperfect Mama". It celebrates that while mothers including mine work for the best of for their children, we often place them on pedal stools expecting them to be perfect in every way. I learned as an adult that this is not always so.

Note the stitching on this piece is irregular and imperfect.

Inspiration Please No. 2: Getting Back to Art for Arts Sake!

Bought this beautiful yarn from And Sew It Goes in Savage, Maryland. Oh the trouble I can get into with this!


Check out the beginnings of a mixed media assemblage I am working on!


Working through my materials to create a large mixed media art doll piece.

Hello all! Sorry I have not blogged in a minute. Just wanted to share with you my foolings around in the art studio. I am in the process of getting some new work done. Mostly at this time, I am working on my mixed media art dolls for some shows later this year. I don't know about you but sometimes I get what I call creativity block. I have been on a block for several months trying to get my mojo back. I think it is slowly coming but I don't know. I just was excited to find some beautiful yarn at a quilting shop at in the Savage Mill in Savage, Maryland called And Sew It Goes. This yarn and vibrant colors jump started me into thinking of some cool ideas for some mixed media art dolls.

At this time, I am purposely not applying for any new shows and such. I feel like I want to go deeper with my art and emerge next year with some really cool stuff. Oh that does not mean that I will not be in any shows this year, I am just not focusing my work to compete with any other artists at this time. Recently while talking with fellow studio artist there emerged this treadmill theme that we felt we were both on: creating art in a rush to be able to participate in shows just to be in them. We found that we were creating art without meaning. Just fitting a theme. This artist made a profound statement about his mission is to "get back to art for art sake." I truly believe this as well. We both agreed that art and the process for doing it should be an enjoyable experience.

So I am in a cocoon waiting for the moment the butterfly will arise and fly through the sky in all its beautiful splendor

Happy Easter!

Highlights of the La Femme Exhibition, March 20th, Vivant Collection, Philadelphia, PA

Moi with Barbara Whiteman of the Philadelphia Doll Museum
Moi with one of my newest mixed media collectors!
Florcy Morisset, Director and Owner of Vivant Collection



What a beautiful Saturday evening it was for the curated La Femme Mystique, A Tribute to Women's History Month exhibition, at The Vivant Art Collection in Philadelphia's gallery row!

The Special Artist Reception was yesterday! I truly enjoyed meeting and talking to the many wonderful artists and guests who attended. I also equally enjoyed the artist talk featuring all of the outstanding women artists in the show!

Among the guests at the show: Pamela Brown and Beverly Dawson owners of the nationally known African American gallery, Art Jazz and Barbara Whiteman, Director of the famous Philadelphia Doll Museum.

The evening was filled with wonderful music, food, and lively discussion about African American women and their artwork.

The art in this show reflects my personal journey as African American artist. In particular my observation, exploration and daily reflection on metaphysics, spirituality, race relations, gender, and African American folk traditions and how these factors influence the views of society.

The show is currently showing through March 30th. For more information contact the gallery at 215.922.6584

New York Doll Collecting Examiner Interviews Moi!

Happy New Year everyone! One of the major surprises of the new year is the posting of my two part interview with none other than Elizabeth de Almeida, the New York Doll Collecting Examiner in a three part series entitled "The Soul of Creativity In Doll Making". Her first article of the same title introduces the reader into the art and soul of doll making. Her second article One of a kind art soul dolls – interview with doll artist, Sherry Ways-Part 1 discusses my emergence as a doll artist and inspirations. The third article Sherry Ways and spirtual challenges as a doll artist- interview part 2 delves a little more about my personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences being a doll artist.

I hope you enjoy this interview and let me know your thoughts on it. Peace!

New Doll Work

Hello All. Check out my latest dolls. Two of which are already spoken for. Thought I would share before the holidays...

Second Year in a Row Listed in Uptown DC Magazine!

I was recently listed in Uptown Magazine's "H" List in the LOCAL Washington, DC October/November 2009 edition. I have not physically seen the magazine edition, however, a close source and reliable colleague just informed me. This is the second year in a row I have been listed. Thanks Uptown!

ICAD Holiday Gift Show and Sale-Historic Savage Mill

International Center For Artistic Development, Inc. presents its 5th Annual Holiday Gift Show and Sale at Historic Savage Mill on December 4 through 31, 2009. The Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 2PM to 4PM in the ICAD Art Studio & Gallery on the Mezzanine level of the New Weave building. On display in the gallery will be beautiful and unique one of a kind works of art by be Sherry Burton Ways, Eljay McBride, and Michelle Lisenbee. These artists will be talking about their artwork during the reception. The public is invited to attend.

SHERRY BURTON WAYS is a doll artist who enjoys working intuitively creating one of a kind cloth art dolls and mixed media art on canvas. Her inspirations come from her travels to other countries and her work as a professional interior designer.

ELJAY MCBRIDE is an illustrator and fine art painter who is well known for his enjoyable social and cultural ethnic commentary paintings. He has won numerous awards for his paintings of musicians and everyday people and has participated in numerous exhibitions.

MICHELLE LISENBEE is a mixed media collage artist who creates highly textured colorful collages grounded in American heritage and memorabilia. Her artworks make lovely framed wall displays that will embellish any space.

The ICAD gallery hours are Wednesdays through Sundays from 12 Noon to 6PM. Other hours are available by appointment. For further information visit the ICAD website at: http://www.icadev.org or call 301-604-4484. Individuals and tour groups are welcome to visit the gallery and see the show as well as other works on display by ICAD artists.

Sankofa Studio holds Open House @ Passageways Open Studios, November 22, 2009!

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Passageway Artist Studios, 6001 - 66th Avenue #201, Riverdale, MD 20737


Join Sankofa Studio at Passageways Artist Studios for our first open studio for the holidays. Purchase doll pins, mixed media art, and of course, DOLLS! Come visit the studio where it all happens and meet the artist, Sherry Burton Ways. It is the holiday season! You will find something unusual, unique and fun!

For more information call: (301) 459-8038 or emailinfo@PassagewaysStudio.com!

Meet the Artists: Food, Fun & Friends w/Liberated Muse: A Celebration of Freedom Art Exhibit event

Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Location:
The Potter's House
Street:
1658 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC

Come to the OFFICIAL opening of the art exhibit "Celebration of Freedom" @ the Potter's House. Liberated Muse Productions presents an art exhibit showcasing the talent of DC visual artists featured in the book Liberated Muse Volume I: How I Freed My Soul and the arts community. Featured artists include:

Prudence Bonds
Shan'ta Monroe
Sherry Burton-Ways
James Terrell
Jade Andwele
Sharon Burton
Choke
Stephan Cox
Marshetta Davis
Keisha Carroll
Khadijah Ali-Coleman

Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art curated the exhibited.

Refreshments served and live entertainment. See you there!