Anne Farley Gaines

Tea With Eleanor (2014)
watercolor
28 x 22 in.

“At this time in history I have never felt more the ‘weight of responsibility.’ The ‘educator’ in me has felt the necessity of producing a watercolor series about strong women like Eleanor Roosevelt, Benazir Bhutto, and Madeleine Albright. The quotations of theirs written pristinely at the top are meant to make the portraits more informative. These women are solid leader types who strove to make a difference for their countries in times of peace and of turmoil. Beginning this series is helping me ‘dream bigger,’ be a more courageous, proactive artist, and to inspire other women to make a difference.”

Anne Farley Gaines was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her early interest in art was inspired by her great-uncle, Lynn Bogue Hunt, noted wildlife artist. She received her BA in Studio Art from Principia College, Elsah, Illinois and her MFA in Painting from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Gaines lives in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago where she owns a Victorian home where she works. An extremely versatile artist, her ‘signature work’ is her mixed-media folding screens, shaped wall pieces and 3-d murals in ceramic, paint and mosaic. Recently, Gaines designed and produced a mural with participants in Wichita Falls, Texas through a grant from the Priddy Foundation. A literature aficionado, Gaines originated and curated a travelling exhibition, “Chicago Artists Interpret Shakespeare,” shown in 10 venues in Chicago and in the Midwest including Bowling Green State University in Ohio and the Guild Gallery at the Elmhurst Art Museum.

For more information visit: http://annefarleygaines.com

© Anne Farley Gaines