In the Gallery

Suzi Morrison + Ann Klingensmith

Third Act

Exhibition: 9.26.24-10.25.24

Artist Reception: Fri, 10.4 // 5-8pm

Ann Klingensmith

So what is the 3rd Act?
Based on demographic trends we are experiencing more years in our lives. This beyond 60 is often referred to as the “Third Act” and I’m there. I’m at a point where previous big roles that helped identify who I am have changed: daughter, wife, mother, professor of art, and even artist. Many of those roles have shifted and have continued to shift. Being an artist is not something you can separate yourself from but it is something that grows and changes. Sometimes my expectations can make the creation experience stressful - And what it boils down to is, am I good enough?

My best art was probably created pre-11 years old. I didn’t have expectations. When I tap into that mode, the art changes and is full of - dare I say, play?

The work here has been done in the last year(ish) and slowly I am letting go of those “expectations” and I’m starting to rediscover playfulness. Around the gallery are some of the many thoughts and quotes that Suzi and I have collected. They are really reminders, prompts and positive voices.

This particular quote has stuck with me. It’s by Neil Gaiman and was part of a 2012 commencement address and eventual book: Make Good Art.

“I’m serious. Husband runs off with a politician? Make good art. Leg crushed and then eaten by mutated boa constrictor? Make good art. IRS on your trail? Make good art. Cat exploded? Make good art. Someone on the Internet thinks what you’re doing is stupid or evil or it’s all been done before? Make good art. Probably things will work out somehow, and eventually time will take the sting away, but that doesn’t matter. Do what only you can do best. Make good art.

Make it on the bad days. Make it on the good days too.

And fifthly, while you are at it, make your art. Do the stuff that only you can do.”

Ann Klingensmith, 2024


Up Next:

Itty Bitty Bits of Art
Show + Sale

Exhibition Dates: 10.31.24-11.26.24
Artist Reception: Friday, 11.1.24 // 5-8PM

A small art exhibition. All pieces are less than 12" in any direction. Lots of affordable art, making great holiday gifts ideas!

Call for Artists


Mini Gallery

A smaller, more intimate extension of our Main Gallery showcasing local, emerging artists.

October 2024

Richard Beckman

Burlington, The City I have Known and Loved

Up Next:

November 2024

In the Mini Gallery


2024 Gallery Schedule

Get the kids involved with our Gallery Scavenger Hunt!

Giving kids an appreciation for art encourages exploration, self expression, logical thinking, self-esteem, imagination, and creativity. We’ve made up a fun little scavenger hunt for your family to do together at the Art Center! Just stop by the front desk anytime for the scavenger hunt. 

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