“Frida” paintings by Roseanne Burke at The Alexander Gallery
The “Frida” exhibit features Roseanne Burke’s portraits of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. In March 2016, the National Museum of Women launched a social media campaign (#5 Women Artists) for Women’s History Month. The purpose was to raise awareness about female artists and to address the gender imbalance in the presentation of art.
Ms. Burke was inspired by the campaign and posted the work of a woman artist on her Facebook page each day. Her first post was a work by Frida Kahlo, and that became her inspiration to create a series of portraits of Kahlo. Roseanne painted several portraits of the artist while continuing her research about Kahlo’s rich life and work. It is her hope that this show will inspire others to explore the important place women hold in both the historical and contemporary art world.
Gallery owner Franceska Alexander says, “I love the sensitive portrayal of women Roseanne Burke captures in her paintings. Frida Kahlo was a tremendous force in the world as a woman and an artist, and it is a privilege for us to exhibit this collection of Roseanne’s unique paintings of Frida Kahlo.”
The exhibition will also include historical items from the personal collection of Josefa del Valle de Forster, one of the original matriarchs of early California. Her great grandchildren, Suzie Daggett and John Weisenberg, reside in Nevada City.
Her grandfather, Antonio del Valle was a Spanish soldier from Nayarit, Mexico who arrived in California in 1817. Josefa was born in 1861 in Los Angeles and helped run the family ranch (Rancho Camulos – now the Rancho Camulos Museum) in Ventura County. Items on display include her wedding portrait (painted by Alexander F. Harmer and dated October 10, 1887) and many other artifacts such as clothing, furniture, household items and paintings.
This event is a celebration of Frida Kahlo, Josefa del Valle de Forster, women in art, the melding of cultures, and art in our community. It is free and open to the public.
KNOW & GO:
What: Opening Reception for “Frida”, paintings by Roseanne Burke
When: Saturday, October 29th, 2016, from 5 – 7pm
Where: The Alexander Gallery, 225 Broad Street Street, Nevada City
Who: This event is hosted by The Alexander Gallery
Admission: Free
Information: Call Franceska Alexander at (530) 265.4682 or email her at info@thealexandergallery.net
(Text and paintings by Roseanne Burke)