Curatorial Essay :
'grace (GRAYSS) . a spiritual gift', curated by Gina Fuentes Walker, features artists Stephanie Mulvihill and Janice Taylor whose work offer personal interpretations on shifting cultural and ideological traditions. Taylor's Bridal Helmets are both ornamental and protective. I remember her telling me that they were some of the first works she produced following the September 11 attacks; a time when many artists were inspired to create work that reacted to our new state of uncertainty. Mulvihill's work also responds to global shifts and changes, in her use of delicate media like quilting and collage. While the fragility of the materials whisper and seem fleeting, they are solidly supported by the wood base on which they are mounted. Both artists live and work in Harlem and are participants in artHARLEM's 2nd annual Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour.