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MasksMarch-April 2023S p e c i a l E d i t i o nm o a f c . o r g

WelcomeIn 2023, we are celebrating 19 years of the beloved Masks fundraiser and exhibition at theMuseum of Art Fort Collins. That is an incredibly impressive milestone, especially for a museumfundraiser. Museum events ebb and flow and it is rare to find one that sticks around a decade,much less, almost two! Masks, at its heart, is a vibrant and dynamic community-wide project that taps into our need towork with our hands, make objects and make sense of the world through physical form. I havetried to pin down, over the years, what makes Masks so special, and to me, it is the essentialaspect that anyone can participate in creativity, and you don’t have to call yourself an artist. The expression of ideas is endless, and ranges from our local topography to personal health,global issues, beauty, nature, animals and so much more. This community project resonates somuch as Masks is such a wonderful canvas to explore what has meaning to all of us in thisparticular moment. Eulavon MalloufGwenyth Metcalf Nicole Clemens1

I love to see the random synchronicities that appear each year as different themesthread through the synapses of those searching for their expression. One year it was hotair balloons, then owls, then turtles. This year, geodes have made multiple appearancesas well as flowers, gardens and many tribal inspired Masks. As we have asked the community now for 19 years to give us their creativity with Masks,you have responded with over 3,250 Masks, which has raised over 1.9 million for themuseum! This year, we have 221 Masks for sale from students, multi-generationalprojects, families, artists and everyone who wants to express themselves through thisclay format. This community project could not be executed year after year without our longtime titlesponsor (since 2017), Eye Center of Northern Colorado. Thank you to all of our corporatesponsors and donors who make this fundraiser and exhibition a reality. We also could notmount this intense exhibition and online auction without many dedicated volunteers tophotograph, install, pack, unpack, paint and do the administrative work for 221 Masks! Thank you to the MoA staff and Board for re-envisioning this project throughout theyears, while keeping it fresh and lively. Most of all, thank you to the Masks artists whoinspire us everyday with your boundless creativity and the patrons who celebrate themand the mission of the museum: To boldly explore contemporary society through art–enlightening, educating, and providing arts leadership for our region. We connect art,artists and community. Here’s to another 3,250 Masks!Lisa HatchadoorianExecutive Director2Cover Mask Artists (top to Bottom): Justin & Teddy Frank, Tina Stevens, Amanda Johanson

Masks and the MuseumThe annual Masks exhibition is a crowd favorite that over the past 19 years has raisedmore than $1.9 million dollars to support the museum’s mission. During that time, Masksartists, most of whom live in Northern Colorado, have designed and donated more than3,250 masks. Each year brings new perspectives as the unadorned ceramic forms leavethe museum and return as a creative collection of unique masks. Professional artists,whose creativity is their economic mainstay, and recreational artists, who respond totheir need to express their creativeness with ingenious styles and materials all createover 221 Masks to support the museum and its programming.3

Masks and theCommunity To fully understand what theMasks exhibition is, one must first goback to the beginning. Twenty yearsago, in 2003, founders Gary Hixon,Paula Edwards, and Molly Babcockbrought forth the concept of anexhibition and sale of masks made byNorthern Colorado residents to savethe Museum from impending demise.The first Masks fundraiser was small,with only a few masks under silentauction. In 2009, the auction portion ofthe event was held in an outdoor tentin Oak Street Plaza, with volunteers organizing the entire event. As successes grew, with moreartists participating in the making of amask, so did the communityinvolvement. One of the mostimportant aspects of the Masksexhibition is enabling anyone to createart. This exhibition is only one of manythat MoA displays year-round toshowcase the immense talent inColorado, the Rocky Mountain Westregion and beyond. Throughexperiences and exposure to diversearts forms, MoA’s goal is to inspire it’scommunity to ask more questions,participate in more events, and exploretheir inner artist! Donations and sponsorships aswell as Masks sales from the exhibitionwill support the museum’s mission toboldly explore contemporary societythrough art.4Written by Payton Donahue

Bringing Masks to Life With Chris Wanner Before artists can begin creating their masks for the Museum of Art Fort Collins’ (MoA)annual Masks Fundraiser and Exhibition, the mask base must be designed and formed. Chris Wanner, a functional and sculptural ceramic artist, has taken on this challengefor the last 5 years. As Wanner explained in an interview, the design for the mask isprovided by Molly Babcock, but viewing the design is only the first step of the mask-making process. Even though the exhibition opens in early spring every year, Wanner must startcreating the masks much earlier. In early June, Wanner begins the process by makingmolds of the mask design. Then, using ceramic clay, Wanner presses each mask intoits mold. A back slab is attached to the mask so it can be hung and displayed perfectlyand the masks are then baked in a kiln at 1832°F. According to Wanner, in June of2022, he created 225 masks for the 2023 Masks Fundraiser and Exhibition. Wanner does not only make all of the masks for the event, but he also has a mask thatwill be displayed in this year’s event! As Wanner explained, he has enjoyed hisposition in making this event possible, but this is not all Wanner creates, artistically. Wanner has designed and written a comic series, which he is currently creating asculpture series to accompany the comic. Chris Wanner is an artist that encouragescommunity with the effort and time he has given to MoA in support of one of themuseums goals: to encourage community through art. 5Written by Payton Donahue

Learn moreabout TheMaking ofthe Masks! 6VIDEOChris Wanner, The Mask is A Vessel, 2023

For the 19th Annual Masks Fundraiser & Exhibition in 2023, the Museum of Art Fort Collinschallenged student photographers from Colorado State University to go behind the scenes withsome of the featured artists working for the project in order to UnMask the Mask. PhotographersCasey Abashian, Reiley Costa, Jenn Dawson, Payton Donahue, Kyra Klay, Samantha Nordstrom,and Grace Weintrob each followed one artist throughout the entire mask-making process,documenting both the physical and emotional components that went into making a completelyunique, artistic mask for this beloved community project. This year’s decision to include photographers from the university in the exhibition processhighlights the museum’s overarching goal to be local and community-forward. Photographerswere able to meet their artist neighbors, and vice versa, and collaborate in a multimediaapproach. As a result, the biggest takeaway was the broadening of our understanding of art, andthe limitlessness of its mediums. The translation between physical art, such as painting orsculpting, and the digital art of photography, is an example of the ever-changing world of art andtechnology. How do we exist in digital spaces while making physical art? How do we engage withphysical art through the use of technology? This collaboration served to explore these questionsin depth, and strengthen relationships within the local community in the process. This opportunity also broadens the perspective of the viewer of these masks. When we walk intoa museum and peer at the various art pieces, perhaps we forget the process of how things aremade – we only see the perfect lines, the smooth edges, and the unmarred finished product.These photographers went behind the scenes to document the hours of work that goes intoeach mask, as well as the emotions that guided the vision. Through this blend of mediums,patrons are able to catch a hidden view of the work normally shielded from the public eye. UNMASKED PROJECTARTIST PHOTOGRAPHER COLLABORATIONWritten by Jessie Shepard7

This exhibition is a generation-bendingevent, where young adults connect, mosttimes, with older members of theircommunity. With the rise of technology inthe past few generations, the difference ofexperience seems to yawn wider and wider;young adults and older generations find thattheir common ground is shrinkingexponentially. Yet, these differences providethe best catalyst for stronger understanding,more unique perspectives, and invaluableinter-generational connections. The youngergeneration these student photographersrepresent has had an overwhelmingly onlineupbringing, yet this does not necessarilymean a negative connotation. The youngphotographers created a multimedia story,transforming the physical into somethingdigital, and making the digital feel physical. This collaboration also serves as an exampleof Colorado State University’s commitmentto foster the transition from student toprofessional through a community-basedgoal. These students experienced a greatleap in their journey into a professionalcareer by learning how to be a compellingstoryteller in a self-guided way. Students were able to connect withtheir community not as a student, butas a working photographer ready tohighlight a creative person with astory that needed to be told. Throughthis project, they found their stride.There were stories that needed to beshared, and it was up to them todemonstrate the best way to share it.This engagement with the communityin a career-focused context is apowerful example of the university’sability to foster great students, andcreate future professionals whilehighlighting and partnering with along standing community institution.Community Partnership8Click here to see all photo essays in the Umasked Project

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Unmask ProjectAt first, I was nervous to meet Lorri. In my research before meeting, I found that she not onlyhas made art for numerous public spaces and museums in Northern Colorado, but her workhas been featured around the world!Lorri Acott is, as detailed on her website, an impressionistic figurative sculptor. She usespaper clay, metal rods, and fired metal to create expressive sculptures that symbolize herinner thoughts and emotions, which speak to people in a multitude of ways. Before I get intothe impact Acott’s work has on those who interact with it, I want to tell you a bit more aboutwho Lorri is. Lorri was 30 when she began her exploration in art. She was unsure of what medium spoke toher but had no fear in finding out. After many workshops and projects in a variety ofmediums, Acott found her passion in sculpting -- yet she never stopped exploring. The moreyou learn about Lorri, the more you see her love for self-exploration and creativity. In 2020,while the world was in lockdown, Acott began her collection entitled “The Year of Isolation”(2020), which showcases acrylic paintings she created while in quarantine. Her hope for thecollection being, as stated on her website, “… [becoming] a means to get glimpses into myown subconscious.” Each piece in this collection is accompanied by a quote that vocalizes theemotions of the paintings, while the figures, colors, shapes, and textures express thosesentiments. Meet Lorri AcottWritten and Photographed by Payton Donahue10

811While every piece Acott createsholds personal meaning andsignificance, she still greatlyvalues others’ interpretations.One specific time Acott recalls aviewer’s interpretation was whilethey were observing a sculpturetitled, “Missing Pieces,” whichdepicts a human figure with longlegs, holding an arm-full of blocksthat appear tumbling to theground. Acott explained the figurewas to represent her father andhelp her understand hisdeveloping dementia. She used this piece as a form ofhealing and self-reflection of heremotions on the situation. Theobserver, admiring the pieceundoubtedly still, saw somethingelse. They detailed their stress toAcott, explaining how they havebeen holding too much recently.Acott’s sculpture brought a senseof relief to her viewer, as itreminded them that blocks willfall on the floor sometimes. In telling this story, Acott smiled inremembrance, showing hergratitude for otherinterpretations. Lorri Acott is anartist that wears her heart on hersleeve but gives the space for herviewers to do the same. In discussion with Acott, it isapparent that she valuessearching for a betterunderstanding of her emotionsand the world around her. Whenasked for advice for young andnew artists, Acott proclaimed, “Tryalmost everything you can.” Thereis no right or wrong way to makeart; all anyone needs is a littlemotivation and some courage totry new things. Art has nolimitations -- giving space tocreate with love, passion, pain,sorrow, or a combination of all.Acott creates community throughself-expression and gives othersthe opportunity to do the same.

12“So, we are all connected, right?” Acott begins,“No one wants to feel alone, but we can upliftand support one another in community.”Through her words and actions, Acott showswhat it means ‘to be in community’ – which iswhere self-reflection and openness meet,creating an environment where people canexpress freely while learning with and aboutothers. In creating art, Acott inspires many,including myself, to venture within and expressourselves in community with those new, old, andacquainted. See Payton Donahue's UnMasked Photo Essay https://simplebooklet.com/lorri_acott_payton_donahue

I've entered several times before and alwaysenjoyed the process. Working with the blank maskpushes me to think about the surface and materialsin a new way. This particular year is significant forme as I enter into a new "phase" of life. What do you wish people knew about you as anartist when they see your mask? My hope is that the viewer will read the artiststatement, which alludes to the link between form andcontent. In the past I've enjoyed exploring thevisual...this year I've enjoyed tying every visual elementto the message I'm trying to share.What are some of the pros of participating in an eventlike this? Some of the cons? Pros: challenging the artist to work within specificparameters. Cons - none that I can think of.Why are the materials that artist chooseimportant to the overall piece? Materials are essential for both the viewer andartist. In this piece, I didn't want the materials todistract the viewer, I wanted them to reinforce myideas and invite the viewer to look closer. I thoughtlong and hard about restricting the materials to justpaint - but in the end it forced me to attend toevery detail, because every detail was within mycontrol. This mask is the most personal one I'vedone, and was truly a labor of love. Q&A with Natalie Barnes- Featured ArtistWhy did you decide to participate in the MoA Masks Exhibition? 13See Casey Abashian UnMasked Photo Essayhttps://simplebooklet.com/natalie_barnes_casey_abashian

Q&A with Liz KampschroederWhy did you decide to participate in Masks? I purchased Florentina last year which was designed byJill Mott. I loved her work and had never heard of theMasks project. I have participated in auctions beforemaking designs so wanted to be a part.What are some of the pros of participating in anevent like this? The opportunity to pay it forward creating somethingunique with a purpose.What do you wish people knew about you as anartist when they see your mask? I started rhinestoning 20 years ago when my girls weresmall dancers. I loved seeing their costumes come to lifeand seeing them dance on stage. Rhinestoning is likerelaxing therapy with the end result something uniqueand beautiful.What were the main materialsthat you used in your mask? Black gesso, gold leaf paint,preciosa rhinestones.Did you have a vision of whatyou wanted your mask tolook like before you started? Yes I wanted to explore theJapanese kintsugi repairmethod.Why are the materials that you choose importantto the overall piece? I have used rhinestones for over 20 years on costumesand art pieces and I love the effect of crystal abs withlight so wanted to create something that would catchthe light. "It's wonderful to have a creative outlet in a new way,with the mask as a base but then being given the freedomto decide what to do."14 See Kyra Klay's UnMasked Photo Essay https://simplebooklet.com/theartofkintusgi

I decided to participate in Masks because I know it is a popular event in Fort Collins andraises funds for the museum. I love a challenge, and I also love using my abilities togive back to the community, especially the art community. The length of time it took to complete the mask was much longer than I expected. Had Ireally given it a great deal of thought, I probably would have come to that conclusion,but I just jumped in and knew I could figure it out. I was using mediums I had neverworked with before. It was a lot of trial and error. I made many samples first and trieddifferent techniques before finalizing my choice or mastering the skill. I am not asculptor and I ended up spending so much time sculpting! I started to keep track of thehours but then gave up. It took over 150 hours and a large discard pile!When the viewers see my mask, I hope they recognize that my passion is textiles,texture, color, and nature.Q&A with Fran Saplis- Featured ArtistWhy did you decide to participate in the MoA Masks Exhibition? 15

The main materials used were fabric, sculpting foam and sculpting clay. In my research for sculpting materialI found EVA foam and foam clay used for Hollywood props. I knew I would be able to get the detail of the legsand antennae with the carving method of sculpting and the EVA products were lightweight, easy to use, andafforded me this technique.I knew before I even picked up the mask that I would be making a Stink Bug (Pentatomidae). The shield shapebody lends itself to the mask shape. I knew I would not be keeping it in mask form but rather use the mask asthe foundation for my bug. I also knew I wanted it mounted away from the wall so the legs could have somebend in them. I used a cleat hanger to achieve this. It turned out exactly as I had pictured due to the factthere was a large discard pile of bug parts that didn’t make the cut!The most challenging material to work with was the EVA foam and foam clay. This was used in the legs,antennae, and eyeball sockets. I had to learn how it would behave and what Dremel tool tips liked it anddidn’t like it. Then there was the issue of symmetry between the parts on the left and right of the body. Iwould get one leg looking great then try to duplicate for the other side and not come close so I would startover. They would join the other discarded bug parts in the heap!I wanted to portray a living object in expressive colors. The fabric was carefully selected after hundreds ofauditions of fabric from my stash. I photograph the fabric in grey scale which allows me to have the colorvalues necessary to create the life like piece. I created dimension, texture and interest with the fabric byusing thread painting, Texture Magic, and Angelina Fiber. Anything related to fabric was not a problem as thatis the focus of my passion and work. The box presented its own challenges. With the directives thataccidents happen and it may be dropped, it took another 12 hours to build the box so Pete, after all the hoursinvested, would travel safely. I enjoyed the box building challenge as well. The overall process was great! It stretched my abilities and opened the door to new skills. I will admit therewere days when I awoke to the dread of making more legs. There was self talk about “nailing it today” whichwas successful some of the time. While I have no interest in diving into the sculpting world, I am confident Icould do some minor sculpting as I did for Pete for another mask. Next year? Stay tuned!Photos by Jenn DawsonProcess/Materials:See Jenn Dawson's UnMasked Photo Essay https://simplebooklet.com/fran_saplis_jenn_dawson16

Grayson Reed Mask PhotograherMuseum InsiderAfter two days of looking through a lens andover 221 Masks later, Grayson Reed finally putsdown his camera and examines his work. Eachand every mask for the 2023 Masks Exhibitionput on by the Museum of Art Fort Collins nowhas a beautiful portrait and detail shots tocommemorate their delicate creation. It tooklong hours from both Reed and Museumvolunteers, much maneuvering, and meticulousplanning, but Reed admits he would not tradethis experience for the world.Reed took on the important task ofphotographing each and every mask that was tobe displayed in the exhibition. In the end, thejob was one of the most rewarding for Reed. Herecalls a moment in his career when he wastaking portraits, and a client called Reed toshare that their mother had cried upon seeingthe photos because of the personality that wascaptured. Grayson Reed is a freelance photographercurrently earning a degree at Colorado StateUniversity. He owns his own company,Grayborders, where he specializes in landscape,concert, portrait, and product photography.Reed’s first introduction into photography wasin the military, where he was a Ranger in the75th Ranger Regiment and tasked with filmingvarious missions while deployed in Afghanistan.This passion for photography was renewed withReed’s education at Colorado State University,and he now works as a photojournalist for theCollegian, the university’s independentnewspaper. written by Jessie Shepard17

“Going through the museum and beingable to capture everybody’s Masks waskind of that same feeling. It felt so greatbecause I got to meet some of theartists, talk with them, and photograph[their work] how they wanted it,” hesays. “I got to see the community ofFort Collins, because these people areyour neighbors, and I was bringing outthe best in other people’s expressionand art.. So I wanted to make their coolstuff look even cooler.”The original plan was to follow aspecific artist through the entireprocess, a project that many of Reed’speers were participating in. However,Reed wanted to practice his productphotography and add a new skill to hisbelt, so he asked if he could shoot thepromotional material for the exhibition.The entire process took a lot oforganization and patience.18

“It’s pretty cool to have a lot of my photos put on a big poster in front of themuseum. I’m going to go down there later with my girlfriend, just to get a photo infront of it,” Reed says. “I’m just super excited for the Masks event.”Reed thanks the Museum of Art Fort Collins for giving him the opportunity, andhopes to work with them again in the future. He recounts how amazing thevolunteers were, the challenge of staying organized, but most of all, the touchingexpressions on over 221 masks that he captured with his camera. He is incrediblygrateful to be part of a local effort, and emphasizes that his work is also locally-based. Reed loves to combine his love of concerts and his passion for portraits, andencourages any Fort Collins based musician or band to reach out to him for a shoot. The Masks Exhibition will open to the public on March 3rd at the Museum of Art FortCollins, and will run through to May 5th. Masks will go on online auction where bidscan be placed online, starting at $50. Donations can also be made to the museumthrough their website to help ensure Fort Collins has a thriving community ofculture, art, and connection. “I took like a week or two before the shoot just to practice, and send [the Museum]updates on how I’m going to do things,” says Reed. “I’m really glad I practicedbeforehand and did all the preparation for that, because it definitely helped.” For More Information about Grayson Reed and his work19

Want to Bid on a Mask? If you want to bid or donate follow theinstructions below. Point your mobile phone camera tothe QR code to access the onlineauction site or go tohttps://fly.causepilot.com/moafc/masks2023 then register for an account tostart bidding. The online auction endsMay 5 at 9:00pm!Pick up of Masks by winning bidderswill start Wednesday, May 10 at theMuseum of Art Fort Collins, 201 SCollege Ave. 970-482-2787. Weekdays only from 10-5pm.Kaity Doyle20

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Admission$10.00 Adults$8.00 Students/SeniorsFREE Under 18CSU/Front Range Students FREE with IDPSD Students FREEMilitary/Veterans FREE with IDMuseum Members & Leadership Circle members are always FREEMuseum HoursMon.-Tues. ClosedWed.-Thur. 10AM-5PMFriday 10AM- 7PMSat. 10AM-5PMSun. 12PM- 5PMJennifer Holmes John Marcella Bethany Economos23

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QR code for auction siteBID NOW!25

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