Past Exhibition: BEHIND THE WELDING MASK: The Art of Women Welders

Past Exhibition: BEHIND THE WELDING MASK: The Art of Women Welders

This original exhibition was conceived by curators Janet Rutkowski and Karen Kettering Dimit. The show had a successful run at Culture Lab LIC in May - April celebrating women’s history month. It was featured on PIX 11 News along with articles in many online publications. This can be attributed to the incredible lineup of talented women who work in metal, not only welding but forging and casting.

It is a misconception that there are few women welders in the arts. Artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Barbara Hepworth, Beverly Pepper, Deborah Butterfield and Lin Emery have accomplished great strides in metal sculpture. These women transformed perceptions of welding as a male-dominated field. These exhibitions highlight the contributions and creativity of women in welding.

Two native Staten Islanders were featured in this collective of women.

Janet Rutkowski was born in Tompkinsville and traveled by ferry to the High School of Art & Design in NYC. She is not only an exhibiting artist but also the co-curator. “Prophecy” poses the question of what is next after uncertain times.

Embellished with welds in circular patterns along with use of rusted steel this piece creates an aura of an ancient message.“The “Order of Disorder” 2024 will be unveiled at this exhibition. From her series “Megalithic Structures”. Here we see the disruption of structure. Her new series are models for monumental public works.

Nancy Quin was also born on Staten Island. Her studio is at MakerSpace NYC in Stapleton. Nancy has a public piece on Front Street entitled “Coasting”inspired by the coast of Staten Island. She will be exhibiting "Nature vs Nurture" and “Charmed” both are wall pieces of stainless steel. The fluidity of Nancy's work accentuates the softer side of steel. Strong into soft creates a strong sculpture.

Participating Artists:
Sheila Berger, Caroline Bergonzi, Katee Boyle, Imogen Brent, Vivien Abrams Collens, Regina Corritore, Bruna d’Alessandro, Karen Kettering Dimit, Iulia Filipov-Serediuc, Christine Galvez, Janet Goldner, Gaelle Hinzy Marcel, Wendy Kaplan Friend, Pema Kongpo, Alexandra Limpert, Patricia Talbot, Marsha Pels, Marsha Powell, Nancy Quin, Janet Rutkowski, Fara’h Salehi, Corrina Sephora, Chiva Soriano, Anne Stanner, Natsuki Takauji, Masha Volkova, Judith Weller and Rebecca Welz.