2008 Woodie Awards
UC's Barrett Gallery Presents Murtagh Prints
Maria Fruci
Issue date: 10/19/05 Section: Entertainment
The Edith Langley Barrett Art Gallery will display the work of a creative artist renowned for producing bright, abstract prints, collages and paintings at an open reception Sunday, Oct. 23 from 3 to 5 p.m.
The exhibit will present over 30 prints by artist Betty Murtagh, 79.
Murtagh was known for ignoring the accepted social role of women during her time.
She did not want to be just a housewife and as a result, she has a bachelor's of Fine Arts from Syracuse University, fashion illustrations that appeared in Vogue and Harper Bazaar magazines, 75 Christmas card designs and over 100 serigraph editions.
Murtagh's serigraphs are images that were transferred by ink passing through a stencil or opening. A separate screen is created for every color that exists in the original art. Murtagh used her homes as a work studio to produce such prints, as well as raise five children with her husband Gil Murtagh.
"She found a way to manage both a family and career," said Carolynne Whitefeather, assistant professor of fine arts. "She would not be beaten by the commercial world."
Murtagh's daughter Gina Murtagh, also an artist and photographer, has helped in organizing the print's sale and exhibition.
Gina said her mother's childhood on the New Jersey shore describes her love for the ocean, color and pattern, which are all reflected in her works.
According to Gina, one thing to notice at the exhibit is the style change in the serigraphs.
"The prints started with simple, basic shapes and over time showed more transparency of different colors and shapes overlapping," said Gina.
One thing that never changed was her ambition and strong personality.
"The exhibit focuses on one artist's work and displays a form of art that some people may not be familiar with," said Lisa Saccoia, assistant to the art gallery director. "It's exciting to have something new and different in the gallery,"
Educational information about serigraphy will be included at the student-run reception, where free food and refreshments will also be offered. The exhibit will last until Saturday, Dec. 3.
The Barrett Art Gallery is open Monday-Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.
The exhibit will present over 30 prints by artist Betty Murtagh, 79.
Murtagh was known for ignoring the accepted social role of women during her time.
She did not want to be just a housewife and as a result, she has a bachelor's of Fine Arts from Syracuse University, fashion illustrations that appeared in Vogue and Harper Bazaar magazines, 75 Christmas card designs and over 100 serigraph editions.
Murtagh's serigraphs are images that were transferred by ink passing through a stencil or opening. A separate screen is created for every color that exists in the original art. Murtagh used her homes as a work studio to produce such prints, as well as raise five children with her husband Gil Murtagh.
"She found a way to manage both a family and career," said Carolynne Whitefeather, assistant professor of fine arts. "She would not be beaten by the commercial world."
Murtagh's daughter Gina Murtagh, also an artist and photographer, has helped in organizing the print's sale and exhibition.
Gina said her mother's childhood on the New Jersey shore describes her love for the ocean, color and pattern, which are all reflected in her works.
According to Gina, one thing to notice at the exhibit is the style change in the serigraphs.
"The prints started with simple, basic shapes and over time showed more transparency of different colors and shapes overlapping," said Gina.
One thing that never changed was her ambition and strong personality.
"The exhibit focuses on one artist's work and displays a form of art that some people may not be familiar with," said Lisa Saccoia, assistant to the art gallery director. "It's exciting to have something new and different in the gallery,"
Educational information about serigraphy will be included at the student-run reception, where free food and refreshments will also be offered. The exhibit will last until Saturday, Dec. 3.
The Barrett Art Gallery is open Monday-Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.