Cupid’s Arrow (Love Struck) Accepted into District Arts' "Nostalgia" Exhibition
Cupid’s Arrow (Love Struck), mixed media weaving by Ellis Angel, created from black-and-white nudes from the 1000 Nudes collection, 12 x 12 inches, 2022
I’m excited to announce that my piece, Cupid’s Arrow (Love Struck), has been selected by juror Twig Murray for the Nostalgia Exhibition at District Arts, located in historic downtown Frederick, MD. The exhibition will run from May 3 to May 28, with the opening reception on Saturday, May 6 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see how 27 artists have interpreted the theme of nostalgia through their work, and I’m honored to have my piece included.
About My Accepted Piece: Cupid’s Arrow (Love Struck)
Cupid’s Arrow (Love Struck) is a 12 x 12 mixed media weaving, created from black-and-white images of nudes from the Taschen collection, 1000 Nudes. This piece is part of my black and white women’s series, where I use images of women from historical photography collections to create empowering and reflective weavings.
In Cupid’s Arrow (Love Struck), I explore the theme of love and desire, using imagery that evokes a sense of timeless romance and nostalgia for classic representations of the female form. The images are shredded and reassembled into a woven pattern, creating a collage-like effect that juxtaposes the antiquated beauty of women with modern artistic techniques. Being love struck—that overwhelming, often unexpected, sensation of falling in love—can feel like a jolt that disrupts time and space. This piece invites viewers to reflect on that intense, universal emotion, while considering how the nature of love and attraction has evolved throughout history. The work maintains an intimate, personal tone, asking the audience to ponder not just the idea of romance, but the complexities and surprises that come with being love struck.
About the Nostalgia Exhibition
Nostalgia is a complex and emotional concept—it can bring us joy through memories of the past, but it can also carry a sense of loss or longing. The Nostalgia Exhibition at District Arts highlights this duality, featuring the work of 27 independently juried artists who explore nostalgia in unique and diverse ways.
Curated by Twig Murray, Gallery Director of the Athenaeum Gallery in Alexandria, VA, the exhibition runs from May 3 to May 28, with an opening reception on Saturday, May 6 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The show is free and open to the public, offering a space for viewers to connect with memories and emotions through the art on display.
Opening Reception & Awards
The opening reception will be Saturday, May 6, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, where awards will be presented at 6:00 PM. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the local arts community and engage in conversations about art, memory, and nostalgia.
Visiting District Arts
District Arts is located at 15 North Market Street, Frederick, MD, and provides a beautiful contemporary space for exhibitions. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking works of art that resonate with the community.
Gallery Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For more information on the Nostalgia Exhibition and the opening reception, visit District Arts.
Final Thoughts
I’m excited to share Cupid’s Arrow (Love Struck) as part of the Nostalgia Exhibition at District Arts. This piece, drawn from my black-and-white women’s series, reflects on the timeless and evolving nature of love and desire. It’s an honor to contribute to an exhibition that invites viewers to reflect on the past and explore the personal and emotional power of nostalgia.
If you’re in the Frederick, MD area between May 3 and May 28, I hope you’ll take the time to visit the gallery and see the show.
