Prize Recognizes Artist’s Work on Climate Change
A West Hurley, NY artist, Mary Jane Piccuirro, won the “Honoring the Future® Sustainability Award” at the prestigious 2018 Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC. The national award, which comes with a $1,000 prize, recognizes an artist whose work educates the public about climate change or inspires or models a sustainable response to climate change. Lloyd Herman, founding director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, judged the entries.
The winning artist creates mixed media masks from recycled paper, ornamented with varied materials such as birch bark found on the forest floor – and even an abandoned hornet’s nest.
“ORANGUTAN” mask and “MANDRIL” mask by Mary Jane Piccuirro. © Piccuirro, 2018. Courtesy of the artist.
A self-taught artist, Piccuirro explains her process: “I start with an idea, and the idea takes me where it wants to go. I rarely preconceive or draw out a design, rather I work in the moment. My masks, which vary in shape, scale, and subject, are made with paper mache that I sculpt much as one works with clay. When dry, the masks are sanded, primed, and painted black. I love working on black. I stare at the mask for hours before I see what has to be done. Then the fun begins. I paint the mask and embellish it to create the look it wants, often evolving into elaborate ornamentation with a keen attention to detail. I hope you enjoy my masks – they are my passion.”
Some of Piccuirro’s masks highlight specific species – the Sumatran Orangutan and Mandril – which are threatened as rain forests are cut down. “Spirit of the Forest mask is a tribute to all animals that are losing their homes to natural disasters due to climate change,” notes Piccuirro.
“SPIRIT OF THE FOREST” mask by Mary Jane Piccuirro. © Piccuirro, 2018. Courtesy of the artist.
“This award showcases art that captures our attention and makes us think – about why we need action on climate change and how we can achieve it,” observes Fran Dubrowski, Director of Honoring the Future. “Piccuirro’s stunningly beautiful masks invite us to reflect more deeply upon the destiny of the animals she depicts,” Dubrowski adds.
The Sustainability Award is the result of a partnership between Honoring the Future and the Smithsonian Women’s Committee, a volunteer grant making organization dedicated to advancing the Smithsonian’s mission to increase and diffuse knowledge. The Smithsonian Women’s Committee produces the Smithsonian Craft Show to generate funds for grants to support education, outreach and research at the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and galleries, nine research facilities, 20 libraries, and the National Zoo.
