BaCA Presents 'Grey Matter, Art That Encourage Positive Thoughts'

Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA) in Pompano Beach presents a solo exhibition featuring recent works by Susan Clifton, an artist-in-residence at the venue. The exhibit will be on view in the Blooming Bean Coffee Roasters/West Gallery from June 7, 2019 through July 27, 2019. There is an opening reception, free to the public, on Friday, June 7 from 6pm to 10pm during Old Town Untapped. For more information www.baileyarts.org.

"We are fortunate to have Susan as an artist-in-resident at BaCA," said Phyllis Korab, Cultural Affairs Director. "Susan's exhibition will expose visitors to subjects that ring true for all individuals looking to live a more positive life, to think more positively and to discard negative thoughts and attitudes. Her artistic wish is to inspire people to live their best life and to embrace gratitude. We are excited to present this inspiring message."

Grey Matter is intended to inspire and promote better self-talk. Clifton's favorite department in any bookstore has always been the self-help section. Her continued interest in that subject combined with her interest in women's issues is a major influence in her current work.

Her creative process is truly unique---fabric mosaic on canvas. She starts with the theme and writes a few quotes on the subject. She then has custom fabric made with the quotes printed in shades of grey. Creating the figures takes hours of cutting and pasting pieces of fabric in just the right shade of grey.

"This high-energy series of graphics, colors, and words paint the whole picture of the self we strive to become," Clifton said. "Viewers are inspired by each figure's thought process that deepens visual experience with a lasting imprint on our psyches."

Clifton was born to be an artist. She grew up loving painting and dance as a child, and then pursued a career in New York. She found success early in her career as an art director working on such campaigns as "Danskin's are not just for Dancing," "When your own initials are enough, Bottega Veneta," and "What becomes a Legend Most, Blackglama."

Jane Trahey, who was the first woman to own her own advertising agency, was Clifton's mentor and the two created great campaigns for Famolare Shoes, Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Adrien Arpel. Susan won awards for "Footloose and Famolare" and was featured in Art Directors Magazine. All this before turning 30.

Other mentors at that time were the great photographers Richard Avedon and Saul Leiter. Working closely with both of them heightened her sense of composition and helped her understand the importance of a unique vision. During this time Susan studied photography at School of Visual Arts. This further honed her skill of composition.

Now based in South Florida, she was honored to have her art be chosen out of hundreds of entries to represent the state in a deck of playing cards called "Art in the Hand, the U.S.A Project." Her fabulous pink flamingo, Zelda, graced the" two of clubs" card and is featured on the box and sold in gift shots and museums across the country.

Bailey Contemporary Arts is located at 41 NE 1st Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.

Open during Blooming Bean Coffee Roasters hours: Tuesday through Friday: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Saturday: 8:00am - 2:00pm Sundays & Mondays: CLOSED

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department
The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance, and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Historic Ali Cultural Arts, Bailey Contemporary Arts, Pompano Beach Amphitheater, and the Blanche Ely House. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

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