Valerie Fuqua's Artist Statement and Resume

Artist Statement

As I navigate through the journey of life, I've encountered "speed bumps" and "detours" that have left me feeling
shattered, scattered and scarred. I've come to learn that such events build character, strength and wisdom.
We've all gone through life's trial and tribulations and when we've worked through such events, we come out with
a beautiful new sense of togetherness.

In my art I often use many pieces and textures to form a new "whole". It's not only therapeutic for me, but I hope it
also delivers a message that no matter how broken we feel at times, it is possible to heal, regroup and move
forward.

Resume

Exhibitions

2010
Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Female Form" , Weiss Gallery Oakbrook, IL

2009
"Abstract/Surrealism", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"everyBODY", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Blues Show", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Introducing Studio 7013", Studio 7013, Chicago, IL
"Art Ability/William Penn Satellite Exhibit", William Penn Foundation, Philadelphia, PA
"In the Eye of a Child & Primary!", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Lost & Found: The Art of Making Art After An Extended Interlude, David L. Pierce Center, Aurora, IL
"Life's a Beach! and Nature's Way", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"A Time to Love & RED", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL

2008
"12x12 Show", Chicago Mosaic School, Chicago, IL
"Chicago", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Female Form", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Chicago Art Open", Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL
"Red, Red Wine", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Contemporary Mosaic Art Juried Exhibition", Ciel Gallery, Charlotte, NC
"Relationships & Abstract", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Motion & Form", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"The Blues", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
"Worldly Travel", Karen Solem Gallery, Elmhurst, IL
“Picturing Mary: Contemporary Images of the Madonna", Orleans Street Gallery, St. Charles, IL

2007
"Sum of All Parts: Contemporary Mosaic Art in North America", Walters Cultural Arts Center, Hillsboro, OR
"An Ancient Language - A Modern Translation: An Invitational Exhibit of Mosaic Art", Garland, TX
Art Ability, Malvern, PA
Art Slam , San Francisco, CA
Arts on the Hill, Kansas City, MO

2006
"American Mosaic Project - Pieces of Life", Institute of Mosaic Art, Oakland, CA
"American Mosaic Project - Pieces of Life", High Risk Gallery, Chicago, IL

2005
Small Works Show, The Creative Center Gallery, NY, NY
Masters Mystery Art Show 2005", Miami Beach, FL
Arts on the Hill III, Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, MO
The Human Pixel Project, Joy Street Studios, Boston, MA
The Footwear Project
American Mosaic Project, Eleven-Eleven Gallery, Washington, DC
Downers Grove Artist's Guild Winter Juried Show, Downers Grove Library

2004
"In Pieces" Invitational, TZ Gallery, Chicago, IL
American Mosaic Project, Irving Arts Center Focus Gallery, Irving, TX
"Creative Flow" Juried Show, Freight House Gallery, El Paso, IL
Downers Grove Artist's Guild Summer Juried Show, Downers Grove Library
Downers Grove Museum Summer Art Exhibit
Downers Grove Artist's Guild Winter Juried Show, Downers Grove Library

Honors and Awards

August 2008 - Received the distinction of "Signaled Work" at Ciel Gallery's "Contemporary Mosaic Art Juried Exhibition"
September 2004 - Received Best of Show at "Creative Flow" show, Freight House Gallery, El Paso, IL
August 2004 - Winner of "Reaching New Heights" cover art contest for the Scleroderma Foundation's National Gala
2004 invitation and program

Publications

Awards & Recognition

August 2008 - My mosaic "Gridlock" received the distinction of "Signaled Work" in Ciel Gallery's "Contemporary
Mosaic Art Juried Exhibition"
March 2005 - My AMP square "Forgotten But Not Gone" was chosen as a portion of the cover art for the Society of
American Mosaic Artists' postcard announcing their annual conference.
September 2004 - Received Best of Show at "Creative Flow" show, Freight House Gallery, El Paso, IL
August 2004 - Cover art for the Scleroderma Foundation's National Gala 2004 invitation and program

Professional Affiliations

Society of American Mosaic Artists
VSA of Illinois

Private Collections

Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Regan - Hicksville, NY
Mr. Richard Anderson - Wyandanch, NY
Mr. and Mrs. John Mirabella - Jericho, NY
Mr. and Mrs. Brad Rhynders - Clayton, NC
Mr. and Mrs. S. Mario Salman - Downers Grove, IL
Mr. and Mrs. M. Johnson - Appleton, WI
C. Hartley - Melbourne, Australia
A. Zinchovschiy - Melbourne, Australia
S. Walker - Georgetown, Ontario

Courier Mail of Australia, November 2, 2008
Mosaic: Finding Your Own Voice by Brit Hammer-Dijcks 2008
Reflejos, April 6, 2008
The Daily Herald, March 28, 2008
Mosaic Yearbook 2006, 2007
Horticulture Magazine, September 2006
The Sun Downers Grove, July 22, 2004