I am excited about this solo show opening April 2, 2025 at Axel's Gallery in Waterbury, VT
​Please join us for the opening reception on Friday, April 4 from 6 to 8 pm
Thank you to Mary Gow for her review in the Times Argus
Images of the show can be found HERE
I continue to explore family dynamics and its inherent structure. I am also curious about how some of our human challenges stem from memories we inherit. Genetic studies show that proteins in our DNA are passed down from generation to generation, carrying not only biological traits but also the imprints of emotional experiences (epigenetics.) Our identities are shaped not only by the present but also by our ancestors; their struggles, and histories. Each of my works explores how family can be built, torn apart, and remade. In the process of stitching and using the quarter almond shape (representing an individual), I make connections or don’t. I bring fragments together messily and imperfectly, but always looking for the intrinsic beauty in the ‘dysfunction.’ I transform family letters, photographs, templates, and other studio material in hopes of transcending and perhaps heal unconscious trauma and negative patterns.
Since the election, however, I have felt a strong need to retreat—almost to hide. And I have found myself of the others who need to hide and their struggle. The word "coagulate" came to me for this show and compelled me to focus more on how family is not just a biological construct, but a network of bonds formed by friends, and colleagues. Family is a fluid, ever-evolving entity that constantly shifts and reconfigures. Explore with me what connects us and holds us together.

I am very pleased to have my work on view in The Lorraine B Good Room which is on the 2 floor of BCA - on Church street. It will be on view through May! Thanks to the hard work of the BCA staff - in particular Kate Ashman. The work on view is current work dealing with the theme of family dynamics.
 
My work is inspired by family dynamics, and my collection of 'artifacts', and old artworks. I transform old books, family letters, surgical masks, used clothing, and photographs, rather than preserving them. I see these objects as memories and in some cases, like letters and photographs, they actually are. But, memories do change over time. In light of current scientific findings that show memories are not stored in our brains;  each time you 'recall' a past event you reconstruct or recreate it. I see what I do at the sewing machine and the etching press as recreating, redefining, and transforming stories.

Two shapes that feature in my work: a ‘loop’ and a quarter of an almond shape are used to represent humans. A loop also refers to sewing, which is how I compile my collages, and as a line, that has an inside and an outside. The quarter almond shape I see as a part of something and that intrinsically makes connections.  My interest in family dynamics loops back on itself when I use my family's ephemera. Part of a family's structure is made from memories and stories (told or untold) that have formed each individual. Family relationships are altered and challenged by the introduction of new people through various relationships that include marriage, adoption, divorce, and birth. In my work, as I build 'families', I connect forms (or don’t), and the layers of shapes that ensue speak to the complexity of families and their unique beauty. A family is a constantly evolving form. 

September 14 - November 3, 2024
Opening Reception: September 14, 5 to 7 pm
The Chandler Gallery, Randolph, VT
Images of the show

Kevin and I have been elated about our first collaborative installation at the Julian Scott Memorial Gallery, Johnson VT. The gallery, part of the the Dibden Center for the Arts is curated  by Phil Robertson. Thanks to Vermont State University for making this opportunity
​Thanks to Alice Dodge for a fabulous review in Seven Days.
Thanks to Hieke Chaney for her thoughful review in Basement Medicine

This is our artist statement for the show:
fluid dynamics²  is the first fully collaborative effort of partner-artists Susan Smereka and Kevin Donegan. They have lived together and shared studio space for over 5 years but maintained separate and distinct artistic practices. In this exhibit, personal boundaries are blurred as they actively influence one another and challenge each other in the process.
fluid dynamics² reflects on the way relationships – romantic, familial, and friendly - shape us, and take on a life of their own. Within that framework, Susan and Kevin explore their shared interest in the discarded, repurposed, and abandoned aspects of life, and seek to connect their private experience with something universal.  
Click here for more photos of the show.​

This was an awesome show. Thank you to Maureen O'connor Burgess for her curation of this show - bring these 4 strong printmakers together!. The show was at the Highland Center for the Arts. It ran from June 29 to August 4th.
For images of the show please click here!

Showing our works inspired by the once in a lifetime event in our front yard!
SATURDAY APRIL 6th
Open from 12 to 5 pm with all the other artists on the 2nd floor of 4 Howard St.
Then from 7 to 10 pm we will conclude the day with a party and continued viewing of the special work for a special occasion!  Joins us!
Documentation of the event and the work - CLICK HERE

SPACE gallery is hosting this exhibit is curated by Nikki Laxar.
"The moon pushes and pulls the tides, similar to how art moves us. We experience our own cycles through the orbital glow of the moon and the life giving energy of the sun. How do we feel when they dance together? In this curated exhibition, The Space Gallery invites you to experience celestial creations by seven local Vermont artists. All working in different mediums sharing a theme of the cosmos and the atmosphere we know. "

Images of the show and my work - CLICK HERE
​
Deana Allgaier – @deanaallgaier – watercolor moon/landscapes 
Erin Bundock – @ebundock_arts – character driven moon phases in mixed media/acrylic 
Jen Blount – @valleyroadart – abstract landscapes
Kristin Richland – @sweetenemyart – celestial animal realms
Mike Konrad – @mk______art – repurposed mixed media sculpture
Nikki Laxar – @nikkilaxar – cosmic hand cut collages
Susan Smereka – @smsmereka – abstract mixed media