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<div>A FEMININE TOUCH</div>
<div>Works by Sarah Burris, Mary Mazzer, Kortney Niewierski & Annie Stimson</div>
<div>Kent State University Downtown Gallery</div>
<div>141 E. Main St., Kent, Ohio</div>
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<div><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">Kent State University’s Downtown Gallery will present “A Feminine Touch,” featuring new work by four School of Art alumnae, from June 24 to July 26. The Downtown Gallery, located at 141 E. Main St. in Kent, Ohio, will also
host an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 26. Both the gallery and the reception are free and open to the public.</font></div>
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<div><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">According to curator and gallery coordinator Lesley Sickle, artists Sarah Burris, Mary Mazzer, Kortney Niewierski and Annie Stimson “explore themes of vulnerability and female identity, focusing on material choices to convey
their message.” In her curator’s statement, Sickle describes the various conceptual and technical strategies of each artist:</font></div>
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<div><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">“Sarah Burris explores the delicate balance between vulnerability and sexuality. Using soft sculptural costumes and performances, she plays with the notion of femininity and examines identity and intimacy. </font></div>
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<div><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">“Mary Mazzer is interested in illustrating the tensions between feminine strength and fragility. She uses drawing, painting and wall assemblages to express how feminine identity adjusts itself within the contemporary arena
of social networking.</font></div>
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<div><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">“Kortney Niewierski creates objects reminiscent of anatomical forms from very tactile materials that intrigue the viewer’s curiosity. She uses soft fabrics, rubber inserts and drawings that provide a reference to childhood
toys, while equally implying adult themes within her work.</font></div>
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<div><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">“Annie Stimson examines patterning and repetition as well as ideas of change and transformation in her sculptural works. Using objects with an unusual purpose and contrasting tactile qualities, she often creates delicate
and sensitive systems and networks.”</font></div>
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<div><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">The Downtown Gallery is open Monday through Wednesday 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday noon - 5 p.m.</font></div>
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<div><font face="Calibri,sans-serif">CONTACT: Lesley Sickle, <a href="mailto:lsickle1@kent.edu">
lsickle1@kent.edu</a>, 330-676-1549<br>
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