Rockport artist Stephanie Cole has opened her first public exhibition at the Cape Ann Museum, My Life in Pieces: Painting with Stuff. The mixed media artist’s sculptural and eclectic collection will be on view through July 7.
Born in Connecticut, Cole studied painting at theCalifornia College of Arts and Crafts and later at the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. By the mid-1960s, she and her husband, Jim, had settled in Rockport where they raised their children, and Cole taught art in the Rockport Elementary School.
By the early 1980s, Cole was moving from painting into experimentation with elaborate mosaic-like sculptures that she calls her “memory sculptures.” Today her sculptures, which fill her Rockport home and studio, are each made of hundreds of pieces—everything from colored glass and ceramic shards to bits of clothing and old typewriter keys.
Many of Cole’s designs are based on feminist and political themes; others are autobiographical, capturing the artist at 10-year intervals throughout her life. Part of her intention has been to record history through her sculpture, her own personal story, and the history of the world around her.
Programming offered in conjunction with this special exhibition will include a gallery talk by Cole on Saturday, June 22, at 11:00 a.m. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information please visit www.capeannmuseum.org.
The Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in Gloucester. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $12 adults, $10 for Cape Ann residents, seniors, and students. Youth (under 18) and Museum members are free. For more information please call 978-283-0455 x10.