It’s a busy Fall season here in Studio Clara. Happy to announce my participation in the upcoming show titled The Space We Exist In. This exhibition is curated by the renowned Ghanaian-American curator, Larry Ossei Mensah. It will be on view at Heather Gaudio Fine Art in Greenwich, CT from November 16 – January 18.
I’m so honored to be included in the show by Larry Ossei Mensah with some amazing artists. The other participating artists in the show are: Patrick Quarm, Deborah Dancy, Patrick Alston, Austin Uzor, Kim Dacres, Shinique Smith.
The works in the exhibition will include mixed-media portraits, oil paintings, my textile portraits, sculptures, calligraphy and collage. It’s sure to be a well-curated exhibition and I can’t wait for you all to see the show. I’ll have two pieces in the show, Ruby and a new piece I can’t wait for you to see.
The Space We Exist In is a group exhibition that serves as a platform for rich dialogue and self-reflection for both the artists and viewers by questioning what it means to ‘Hold Space’ or ‘Exist Within a Space.’ Curated by Ghanaian-American curator Larry Ossei-Mensah, this exhibition at Heather Gaudio Fine Art features a diverse ensemble of visual artists whose practices create visual poetry that invites viewers to engage actively with the artworks. The exhibition fosters a deeper connection between art and the audience by challenging viewers to redefine their perceptions of the world and their place within it.
In the meantime, save the details below:
The Space We Exist In by Larry Ossei – Exhibition Details:
- Exhibition Title: The Space We Exist In
- Dates: November 16 – January 18, 2025
- Location: 382 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
- Opening Reception and Curator talk: November 16, 2024, 4-6 PM
Finally, it’ll mean the world to me if you’ll come see this exhibition. So, please come join me and the other artists plus the curator on November 16. It’s bound to be fun.
I look forward to seeing you.
This past Friday evening, I had a wonderful experience attending the opening of Beyond Face Value at Art Cake in Brooklyn, curated by the talented Lesley Heller. The energy in the gallery was magnetic. There was a wonderful mix of art lovers, fellow artists, and supporters from all walks of life who came to celebrate the work on display.
I arrived at Art Cake a little early and it was quiet. However, it was immediately clear a few minutes later that it would be a special night. People started streaming in steadily. And within 30 minutes or so, the gallery was absolutely packed! At one point, I couldn’t even see the floor—just a sea of people absorbed in the artwork, chatting animatedly, and filling every corner of the space.
The turnout was a testament to the love and support for each artist in the show, and the amazing curator Lesley Heller. Furthermore, the beautiful weather that night seemed to encourage everyone to come out and share this moment with us.
It’s always a privilege to witness the curiosity and engagement that people bring to these events—questions, reflections, and even moments of quiet admiration.
If you missed the opening, there’s still a chance to experience Beyond Face Value with the exhibiting artists. We’ll be hosting an artist panel discussion on November 17, from 3-5 pm, where you’ll be able to hear directly from the artists and dive deeper into the ideas behind our work. Mark your calendar, and I hope to see you there for another special day celebrating art, dialogue, and community.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support Beyond Face Value. Thank you to Lesley Heller for curating such a dynamic show. And to Art Cake for hosting this unforgettable opening of Beyond Face Value.
Save The Date:
Artist Panel Discussion
November 17 from 3-5 pm
Hope to see you.
Best,
Upcoming Group Exhibition in NYC Featuring Clara Nartey
I’m thrilled to share the news about my participation in Beyond Face Value. This is a group exhibition at Art Cake in Brooklyn, New York. Beyond Face Value is curated by Lesley Heller – a former gallery owner and now an art consultant. This exhibition will feature works by an exciting group of artists. Each of these artists explore themes that invite viewers to look beyond initial impressions and confront layers of identity, meaning, and social context. And I’m delighted to be part of this exhibition.
Meanwhile, Beyond Face Value provides a platform for each of us to present nuanced perspectives on different themes. We explore identity and societal constructs, urging viewers to look beyond surface-level interpretations. The exhibition showcases eight contemporary artists that challenge traditional assumptions about portraiture. The participating artists are: Nicole Awai, Henry Chung, Nick Ghiz, Clara Nartey, Rigo (José Rigoberto Rodríguez Camacho), Elise Siegel, Kim Weston, and Daniel Wiener. (Click on each artist to learn more about them.)
More than meets the eye in Beyond Face Value, is an exhibition of paintings, sculptures, photographs, works on paper, ceramics, textiles, and mixed-media works. Moving beyond a surface reading, the works on view address themes surrounding belief systems, cultural heritage, and the current political climate along with the realms of fantasy, memory, inner turmoil, and self-expression.
Two of my pieces will be featured, and I’m excited to share them with you in this space in Brooklyn, New York City. I want you to have all; the details at your fingertips. So, here you go:
Beyond Face Value Exhibition Details:
- Exhibition Title: Beyond Face Value
- Dates: November 1 – November 30, 2024
- Location: Art Cake, 214 40th Street, Brooklyn, NY
- Opening Reception: November 1, 6–8 PM
- Artist Panel Discussion: November 17, 3 PM
- Closing Reception: December 1, 3-5 PM
Come see the show. I’ll really love to see you at the opening.
Warmly,
Fabric of Identity Exhibition
As the doors have officially closed on my exhibition, Fabric of Identity, at Bridgewater State University, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey this show has taken. From the overwhelming turnout to the heartwarming feedback I received, this experience has been nothing short of transformative.
During my artist talk, I had the privilege of engaging with an audience who brought so much thought and energy into the conversation. The responses were deeply affirming and reminded me why I continue to create and share my art.
New Ways of Storytelling with Art
Akeem Lloyd, Assistant Director of Intercultural Student Success, shared something that truly struck me. He shared: “I’ve never seen anyone use art in this way.” He said, “Seeing how she used her art to tell stories, to depict the life and the culture of individuals who look like me means so much.” His words remind me that there is a real need for the stories I’m telling. It’s easy to think that there are so many artists in the world and so what one individual has to say doesn’t really matter. Hearing how unique and impactful my approach feels to others has given me the motivation to push forward even harder.
Fabric of Identity: The Most Attended Show
The exhibition itself was well-attended. Jay Block, Associate Director of Collections and Exhibitions, noted that it was “one of the most attended shows in recent memory.” One visitor traveled all the way from Utah just to see the exhibition. She spent hours studying each piece in minute detail. That kind of dedication and appreciation for my work is humbling.
The feedback I received from both students and professionals in the community highlighted how my multimedia approach—combining digital painting, textile design, and embroidery—opened up new ways of thinking about art. Sharon Pitterson Ogaldez, Director of Intercultural Student Success, said, “To see the joy and beauty captured in the work is extremely impressive.” And Jenny Shanahan, an academic administrator at Bridgewater, described my GEMS series in stunning detail. In (Emerald), she saw superhero-like power and shimmering, aquatic energy.
I’m Grateful and Energized for What’s Next
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my work and connect with so many people through Fabric of Identity. As I close this chapter, I am energized and excited to keep pushing boundaries and finding new ways to bring art to audiences. I can’t wait to see where this journey will take me next.
Thank you to everyone who attended the exhibition, the artist talk, and to those who supported me from afar. The exhibition may be closed, but the conversations and inspiration it sparked are far from over.
Warmly,
I’m incredibly excited to share that my work has recently been featured in the media! It feels surreal to see my art being highlighted, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share more about the exhibitions I’ve been working on.
Fabric of Identity – Featured by Bridgewater State University
First up, my current exhibition Fabric of Identity at Bridgewater State University has been the subject of a wonderful write-up. The exhibition centers around themes of identity. For me, fabric has always carried deep symbolic weight. It’s something we interact with daily, and it’s tied to memories, culture, and history. Through this body of work that’s on view at Bridgewater State University, I explored the idea of “Different is Beautiful”.
The article details how the exhibition came to be and some of my hopes for this exhibition. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to see how viewers are engaging with the show, and I’d love for you to take a look at the feature here.
If you’re in the area, the exhibition is running till October 21, 2024, and I’d love for you to stop by and experience it in person!
News 12 TV Feature – Preparing for My Upcoming Greenwich Show
On top of that, I’ve also had some exciting news coverage about an upcoming fall show in Greenwich! News 12 recently ran a short segment about my preparations for the exhibition.
I’m hard at work making the pieces for this show and I can’t wait for you to see them.
You can watch the News 12 feature here.
Looking Ahead
I’m beyond grateful for the support and encouragement I’ve received during this journey. And I’m really excited about what’s next. If you’ve been following along, whether it’s through attending the exhibitions, reading these updates, or just sending kind words my way—thank you! Your support keeps me motivated and inspired.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Fabric of Identity, a solo exhibition by Clara Nartey opens at Bridgewater State University this fall from August 19 to October 21.
In this solo presentation, works from my Gem series and my Joy of Living series will be on display. A new piece from the Joy of Living series will be showing for the very first time in this exhibit.
In this exhibition, I present different ways of s people. I challenge our ideas and perceptions of who is human. I pose several questions with this show. What makes a person worthy or valuable? What does it matter if someone’s skin is red, their hair blue, or their lips purple? The portraits on display reflect these questions with their array of varying colors.
After all, beyond looks, our values, experiences, and sense of self are all stitched together into the fabric we call identity. How we see ourselves and others, and our sense of belonging or exclusion, affect our ability to reach our full potential. My works are intricately stitched with so much detail, that it demands of the viewer more than a cursory look. Rather, you’re invited to draw closer to notice and appreciate the details. In a similar way, all humans deserve a chance to be appreciated for more than simply what first meets the eye. I invite viewers to go beyond outward appearances, to draw closer and get to know people they meet in their everyday lives on a deeper level.
Moreover, this exhibition is at an educational institution where 48% of the students are first generation immigrants from different countries. As a result, it was important to me that my presentation reflects that especially being an immigrant myself. The works have been curated with this in mind.
I want the Bridgewater State University community to feel a sense of belonging when they view the works. I hope that when students, staff, and faculty see Fabric of Identity, the artworks will be a reflection of and connection to their own lived experiences.
Fabric of Identity Details
Fabric of Identity opens with an artist reception on
August 24, 2024 from 2-4 pm at
Bridgewater State University
40 School St,
Bridgewater, MA 02325
The exhibit will be on view until October 21, 2024
Hope you can visit.
Warmly,
This past week, I had the pleasure of being the speaker at a vibrant artist talk hosted by Ball and Socket Arts for my solo exhibition – Everyday Stories. The talk was moderated by Ilona Somogyi – the executive director of Ball & Socket Arts. It was a deeply enriching experience for all. The event became a lively forum where conversations about my Ghanaian heritage and the multifaceted role of cloth in my work took center stage.
From the moment the talk started, the atmosphere was filled with curiosity and engagement. Just about 15 minutes into the talk, someone in the audience asked the first question. And that set the tone for the rest of the event. The audience, a diverse mix of art enthusiasts and professionals, people from the community, and curious minds. They were brimming with enthusiasm and thoughtful questions. It quickly became clear that this was going to be more than just a presentation. It turned into a vibrant artist talk where ideas were exchanged and culture was celebrated.
More than Mere Fabrics
I took the audience through an exploration of how Ghanaian textiles are much more than mere fabrics. I explained that they are imbued with deep cultural, historical, and spiritual meanings. From the symbolic patterns of the cloths to its role in personal and collective memory, the conversation highlighted how these textiles are woven with stories and heritage.
I explained how outfits made from traditional cloths are often worn during significant life events—such as births, weddings, and funerals. Thus, beyond fashion, they serve as a tangible connection to one’s ancestry and communal history. The audience was deeply moved by the idea that cloth could act as a living archive, carrying the stories of those who came before us while continuing to weave new narratives.
In conclusion, thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this meaningful discussion and vibrant artist talk. Your engagement and insights have made this experience truly memorable. Furthermore, I look forward to more conversations about the ways in which art and culture intersect and enrich our lives.
Warmly,
“Everyday Stories: by Clara Nartey” has been on view at Ball and Socket Arts for a few weeks. The feedback so far has been really enthusiastic and positive. The next programming event is going to be an Artist Talk at Ball & Socket Arts.
This talk will be moderated by Illona Somogyi, theca-founder and executive director of Ball & Socket Arts. Ilona is a faculty member in the design department at the Yale School of Drama. She has worked as a professional costume designer at regional and commercial theaters in New York City, around the country, and in Europe.
I’ll be in conversation with Illona about my art practice and the exhibition Everyday Stories. I can’t wait to hear the questions she has for me and for us to chat about my practice, inspiration and work. Having used fabrics her entire career and also taught on the subject, it’s going to be a fun talk. We’ll make time at the end of the artist talk for your questions as well.
So, please come join me in conversation with Ilona Somogyi for this artist talk at Ball & Socket Arts on July 20, 2024 at 1 pm.
Ball & Socket Arts
493 W. Main Street
Building 3
Cheshire, CT 06410
Hope to see you there.
Warmly,
Everyday Stories – a solo exhibition – had a fantastic opening in the Workshop Gallery at Ball & Socket Arts in Cheshire, CT.
Ball and Socket Arts is an arts complex that is being developed by restoring an old and abandoned button factory. The vision for this arts complex is to have art galleries, a performance venue, art education center, and so much more.
It is against this background that the Workshop Gallery was completed in one of the buildings of the factory – Building 3. Everyday Stories by Clara Nartey is one of the first few exhibitions that has opened in the new Workshop Gallery.
To be among the first, is an honor. The team at Ball and Socket Arts is dedicated to its mission. And it’s an absolute joy to work with them to bring this exhibition to life. The community support for the project is unbelievable. The support was very obvious in how they showed up for the opening of Everyday Stories.
Moreover, I always say that it never gets old seeing my work through the eyes of viewers. The level of appreciation of the work by viewers is humbling. Indeed, to see people connect with the work and be moved to tears is something I can never get used to.
Overall, we had a beautiful opening of Everyday Stories at Ball & Socket Arts. Particularly, I want to thank all of you who came to the opening. It wouldn’t have been a success without you. If you missed the opening, below are more opportunities for you to experience the work.
The exhibition runs until August 18, 2024. (Regular Gallery Hours are Fridays to Sundays 12-4 pm)
Artist Talk: July 20, 2024 at 1 pm
Finally, I hope you’ll take the time to see this exhibition.
Warmest Regards,
Everyday Stories highlights the stories of everyday people through textile portraits. I want to tell the stories of spirituality, identity, joy, excellence, hard work and struggle; which are as old as humanity itself.
For example in this exhibit, there’s the story of Sissieretta Jones who was so excellent as a musician she received numerous accolades but died in poverty. And there’s the story of the African American woman beautifully adorned and dressed up for church on Sunday morning briefly leaving behind the struggles and difficulties of the prior week.
Our stories are multifaceted. They’re not all roses. And they’re not all thorns. They’re more like rosebushes – beautiful and thorny at the same time. Those are the stories I tell in my work and that’s what you’ll see when you visit this exhibition at
Ball and Socket Arts
Building 3
493 West Main Street,
Cheshire, CT 06410
Ball and Socket Arts Website
Save the Dates for Everyday Stories at Ball and Socket Arts
Opening Reception: June 28, 2024; 4-7 pm
Artist Talk: July 20, 2024 at 1 pm
Exhibition runs June 28 – August 18, 2024.
Regular Gallery Hours are Fridays to Sundays 12-4 pm
Please plan a visit to see the exhibit. You can catch me at the opening reception as well as at the artist talk. Hope to see you.
Check out my exhibition page to find other exhibits you can visit to see my work.