"Masks, Art, Protection, and Politics"

About the Series: "The Art of Masks"

Since April 2020, the U.S. Center for Disease Control has asked for people to wear face masks in public to curb the spread of COVID19. This shift has given rise to a mass movement of cloth mask making. Artists leapt into action to produce masks for healthcare and frontline workers or as an alternative economy for lost income, while others customize masks to communicate identity, beliefs, or concerns. Further, mask making has raised questions about the future of fashion with regards to health and sustainability. 

Through a series of conversations with the museum’s curator of contemporary art, Caroline Kipp, experts from a range of disciplines will discuss various issues and questions raised by the proliferation of mask making and wearing. Join us on Zoom or Facebook Live for the special lunchtime series July 7-8, July 15-16, and July 20 at 12pm. 

About the Speaker:

Kate Kretz is a 2020 Renwick Society Distinguished Artist whose practice spans textiles and other media. Her artistic practice generally focuses on creating time-intensive, intricate work telling difficult truths. After working as an Associate Professor and BFA Director at Florida International University for ten years, she now works in her studio and teaches part-time, while giving workshops and lectures at various universities. She is a frequent contributor to Hyperallergic and Medium, and is currently at work on a book, a step-by-step guide to finding visual voice.