Working with textiles and painting, I explore the longing for a physical realm that may no longer exist in the current world, and how these places can be reimagined through creation. Nostalgic colors and childlike patterns bring my works to life as they capture the tranquility & security experienced in my early childhood. Continuously experimenting with scale, I emphasize fragility, specifically the preciousness of memories. The idea of association, exploring how everyday elements accumulate meaning over time to build identity and personality, plays a heavy role in my thought process. I invite viewers to reconnect with their pasts and explore the emotional power of memory, nostalgia, and reflection.
Artist Statement:
Ellen Zentera is a Bachelor of Fine Arts candidate in Studio Art at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan, with a minor in Art History and a certificate in Graphic Design. As an aspiring Curator and Gallery Director, she actively pursues her career goals through her role as Adrian College's Assistant Gallery Director, following her previous role as Gallery Graphic Designer.
She has solo curatorial and museum preparation experience attributed to her involvement with Defiance College in overseeing and executing their 175th Anniversary exhibition and timeline, as well as the Carlos Tobar: Visual Narratives exhibition. Ellen is also a practicing artist. Her work has been featured in several exhibitions, including Think Small at the Lawrence Street Gallery in Ferndale, Michigan, where she received Honorable Mention, and the International Nuditas Virtual Exhibition.
Her leadership extends beyond the gallery and studio. Ellen has served multiple terms as President of the Adrian College Art & Design Club, is an active member of the Adrian Center of the Arts & the National Society of Leadership and Success, and served as an Artalicious Board Member in 2024. She is currently expanding her professional reach throughout the Midwest, pursuing opportunities with galleries across the region.
Biography:
Photo: @GGCMedia on Instagram