Artists Andy Newcom and Marn Jensen have been friends and creative co-workers for over 35 years and share a love for older people. As Hallmark Barbara Marshall Award co-winners in 2018, they were given the opportunity to work on a passion-led project. Together they chose to interview over 200 elders across the country — to gather their wishes for themselves, their families and for the world. Based on those wishes to the world, Newcom and Jensen created artwork in a poignant and memorable way. The event was met with great enthusiasm and success, so they continued their mission to give voice to those who are not always heard.
This exhibit comprises a range of mediums — from photographic to sculptural, textile to encaustic, mixed media to painting — allowing the “wish” to inspire the direction of each art piece. The artists were intentional about the materials used, often incorporating repurposed, found objects that had once been discarded and tossed aside. “Breathing new life into these objects is a perfect metaphor for appreciating the potential and beauty in old things,” they explained.
Experienced in both writing and visual art, Newcom and Jensen bring both aspects to this exhibit. “We have a love for story-telling as well as the visual work. It was important for us both to give each piece a slice of context to set the stage,” Newcom says. The artists’ wish is that this body of work inspires people to reach out and have a conversation with an elder. They promise, “it will not only make their day, but it will make your day, too.”
