The Walter Art Gallery is pleased to present “Revealing Resonance,” a solo show of works by Bela Fidel from Scottsdale, AZ. Fidel’s body of work is inspired by her experiences living in Brazil, Israel, and the United States. Each of these unique cultures can be seen and felt in the rich layering and texturing of her abstract works.

Fidel strives to distill her truest personal expression through constant exploration, venturing into new territories while staying true to her elegant aesthetics. She searches for new mediums to express different aspects of her cultural background, and she turns to oils, encaustics, acrylic, and mixed media to seek innovation.

Fidel says, “My intent is to create authentic work that reflects my true Being and my passion for my art. I seek an evocative language and mediums that distill the essence of self-expression … I want each glance at my paintings to be engaging and enrich the viewer's experience and, hence, life. I hope my work offers delightful discoveries while enticing the viewer to explore and find beauty and joy.”

Bela has been showing her work for several decades at a variety of art venues in California and in Arizona. Throughout the years she has been awarded many prizes and commendations for her work.

The Walter Art Gallery will host a virtual artists’ reception for "Revealing Resonance" on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 starting at 6:30pm on our Facebook page. In addition, we are happy to host small groups and individuals to visit the gallery by appointment. Please wear masks. To make an appointment email us at gallery@thewalterhive.org. “Revealing Resonance” will run through June 18, 2021.

“Prayer for America,” a new work by local artist Saskia Jorda, will be showing at The Walter Art Gallery on November 20, 2021. Prayer for America is the artist’s thoughtful response to the charged political climate of 2020. It intertwines an esteemed patriotic symbol – the American flag – with a religious symbol – the prayer bead. The piece presents a strand of oversized prayer beads, much like a rosary, composed of 50 bound American Flags. For each bead, a flag was carefully gathered and bound with thread. The flags are whole and unblemished, each one gathered and joined to the others to create a new merged object of traditional reverence and hope.

As she binds the flags, Jorda often contemplates the role of the rosary in her Catholic upbringing, and the repetitive, healing action of prayer in many faith traditions. There are layers of meaning in the binding of the flags, for example how citizens are bound to their flag and country, to its ideals, freedoms, trials and faults, as well as to each other. Are these bonds acquired at birth? With citizenship? Are they innate or chosen?

At the moment, some in the U.S., on both sides of the political divide, feel their freedoms are being bound. The act of binding these flags presents a portrait of America that might be in retreat, curled up in a ball against its own force. Simultaneously, however, it is something else: a set of prayer beads, evoking contemplation, penance, and hope for a future great unfurling.

Born in Venezuela, Jorda says, “I did not make the choice to become an American lightly, nor do I take it for granted. Prayer for America is my response to the anxieties and fears I see brewing about the future of our country.” As we all take a deep breath and summon hope for the future of our country, “Prayer for America” reminds us of the privileges of citizenship and the attending challenges and responsibilities to each other and our country.

Saskia Jorda received her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, New York, and her BFA in painting from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. Her work has shown at the Phoenix Art Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the Tucson Museum of Art, dozens of commercial galleries, and Art Basel. She has been featured in numerous publications and has installed public works of art for Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Glendale among others.

Visit her site here: https://www.saskiajorda.com/

Join us for a virtual opening reception of “Prayer for America” on November 20, 2020 6:30pm to 7pm on The Walter Art Gallery Facebook page. The gallery is open for in-person visits by appointment.