Jill McLennan‘s show Transformation reflects observations of Oakland as the city evolves by way of construction, human impact, and renewal. Her fascination with construction sites has become an in-depth investigation of the form, function, and symbolic representation of earth-moving machines. The artist states that, “The machines, caterpillars by brand, seem determined to transform our deteriorating industrial wastelands into shining new condos and landscaped gardens. As we transform the earth to fit our standards of comfort we destroy nature’s immeasurable beauty.” Nature’s creatures appear in her exhibition as symbols of hope that species may survive and thrive within our urban environment. The artist explores her theme in drawing, printmaking, painting, and wood and cardboard constructions.
Jill McLennan grew up in Providence, RI, an industrial city, and attended Hampshire College on a farm in Massachusetts. She has lived in the Bay Area for 15 years working as an Arts Educator and a professional artist. She teaches at the DeYoung Museum, Sequoia Elementary School, and Spectrum Centers. She works for the Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA), and has started her own business “JMAC, Jill McLennan Arts and Community” to encourage creativity and community outreach with youth. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Bay Area and New England and she has been showing with Mercury 20 Gallery for 7 years. She received the Arts Leadership Award from Alameda County in 2013. She has worked on many public art projects with her neighborhood Jingletown Arts and Business Community and her work is featured in public spaces in Oakland.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Saturday, Oct 17, Artist Talk, 5pm / Reception, 6-9 pm
Third Thursday on 25th Street: Oct 15, 6-8pm
Art Murmur First Friday: Oct 2, 6-9pm