LA MIRADA, CALIF. —A final piece of artwork is as significant as the process it took to create the work. In honor of Women’s History Month, an unprecedented artist exhibition featuring women artists of all ages and backgrounds, titled “Process,” will highlight just that — the process and inspiration in a women’s life to create a piece of art.

With nearly twenty artists from diverse backgrounds and works ranging in mediums from photography and painting to ceramics and sculpture, the first-ever all women artist exhibition focusing on the artists’ process will display the discipline each woman took when creating the work, revealing the progression of the piece and artist.

“This piece moves away from a traditional photo-representational image to a more whole picture of what has made me into who/what I am,” said alumnus Bonnie Mancini (’04) of her “Untitled (self-portrait)”, which will appear in the show. She currently lives and works in New York, employed by the fashion designer, Vera Wang.

Curated by photographer and 2009 alumnus Shannon Leith, “Process” is rooted in the idea that an artist must discipline herself in the practice of making art, and the product will flow out of that commitment. Artist Renee Bolinger’s (’09) piece, “Catte St.,” oil painting on canvas, easily demonstrates the thought behind “Process.”

“These pieces are about commuting; I worked on them everyday after biking that route, laying in the colors and relationships from memory,” said Bolinger, 2009 Biola alumnus.

The unique art exhibit is a key element in Biola’s series of events themed, “Pearls in Process,” celebrating the creativity of women and how life events shape who a woman is and becomes.

“At the core of each piece in this show is a dedicated practice in art making, whether it be with paint or teabags, twigs or clay,” said Leith. “I am interested in the way an artist’s life process is connected to her artistic practice, and the pieces in this show all explore those connections.”

The art exhibit displaying art from Biola alumni, staff and faculty will be unveiled on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 7 p.m. on the main floor of the Biola University library alongside activities that fully emerge attendees in “Process” and the celebration of National Women’s History Month. Poetry will be read inspired by women and a special Heritage Room exhibit honoring women throughout Biola’s history will be revealed as well. With interactive art stations, live music and free vanilla lattes and iced mochas, the unveiling of “Process” will fully engage attendees.

About Shannon Leith

Shannon Leith is an artist who loves exploring the world with her camera. She is a proud Canadian citizen who moved to California at age 13.  She received her BFA in photography from Biola University in 2009 and enjoys living and working in her pink vintage house in South Pasadena, California. Visit her website: shannonleith.com.