Valerie Mann: Fortunes

The first time I saw the exhibit "Fortunes", in 2005 at Flint's Buckham Gallery, I was moved to tears.  This powerful show, by our very talented friend Valerie Mann, is on display at The Side Door Gallery. Not your typical show, this installation consists of many vintage, white baby gowns embroidered with fortunes ranging from hopeful to foreboding.  Valerie shares these thoughts about the "Fortunes"  installation;

"One of the things I am interested in is how people transcends and transform their specific situations. All of us are born into situations that are out of our control for a certain period of time - our fortunes. There comes a point where we can steer clear of our situations, move beyond them. I am interested in how we as parents and adults in society teach the next generations to cope. What do we teach by our actions or inaction? Every one of these fortunes is about someone I know - or myself. Many tines, several of the fortunes apply to one person. How is it that someone can be "orphaned at a young age", "cherished by many people" and "always share {their} wisdom at the right time"?

An opening reception, with Valerie Mann, will be held at the Side Door Galley on Friday July 18 from 7-9pm. Refreshments will be served.