Today is the Greatest features artwork by Tranesha Smith-Kilgore, Yolanda Ramirez, and Anne Slater
CE artists Tranesha Smith-Kilgore, Yolanda Ramirez and Anne Slater are featured in Today is the Greatest, an inclusive exhibition featuring artwork by artists with and without disabilities, curated by Quickest Flip. The exhibition features artwork by Bay Area contemporary artists and by artists creating at progressive art studios across the country.
CE Teaching artists Leeza Doreian and Laura Figa are also featured in this fantastic exhibition!
About Tranesha Smith Kilgore:
Tranesha Smith-Kilgore recently joined CE during the pandemic, working virtually with teaching artist Pilar Olabarria. Tranesha recently began making art at the studio and creates beautiful multimedia sculptures using textiles and collected odds and ends. Her sculptures are made up of string, yarn, cut fabric, and ribbons, knotted together with objects like keys, bells, beads, pill bottles, and more. Tranesha ties her fibers quickly in knots, creating chains intersparsed with found objects. At the studio you can find Tranesha singing along to Bob Marley as she works.
When asked about how she was doing and what it’s like being at CE she responded, “Life is good.”
About Yolanda Ramirez:
Yolanda Ramirez is recognized for the passion and intensity she brings to her work. Her drawings radiate energy through bold lines and bright colors.
Ramirez is best known for her vibrant portraits of people together in families and groups, but her figurative pieces range widely from food and needlework to undersea creatures, to scenes from the Mission District. Ramirez also has a love for crochet, creating fashionably long scarves. Ramirez also connects deeply with music – she is well-known in the studio for singing and dancing when in jovial spirits.
About her artistic process, Yolanda Ramirez remarks, “You make something that you make. I paint food because it’s good... I like to draw the belts, scarves, potholders, purse, and wallets because I knitted them.” About her experiences as an artist, and what keeps her engaged and prolific, Ramirez states: “When I make art it makes me feel good because it’s just right... I want my art to make people feel stronger and better.”
About Anne Slater:
Anne Slater is an enthusiastic and profoundly loving presence at Creativity Explored. Slater is always keen to participate in new projects, and learn new techniques – including embroidery, fashion and surface design.
Slater works in many different mediums. In the past she has created fabric sculpture and ceramic forms. Recently, her focus has been on two-dimensional work.
Abstract floral patterning dominates her exuberant and colorful use of oil pastel. A strong sense of design characterizes her figurative work as well. Layered over a vibrant, monochromatic background, sequences of linked, doll-like figures filled with vibrant washes of color cover the picture plane. Often done in marker and watercolor, on paper or wood, Slater’s palette and precise compositions are animated with the movement of dance and the tenderness shown in her connection with others.
About Quickest flip:
Quickest Flip is a magazine and online showcase that promotes inclusion in the arts through an ongoing curation of artwork by artists both with and without disabilities.
About NIAD Art center:
NIAD is a progressive art studio and gallery based in downtown Richmond, California that supports 70 adult artists with disabilities.