Janice McDonnell

Thumbnail of Featured Art: Sally L.'s Go Bag, Gouache on Whole Foods Grocery Bag, 14" x 19", 2025

Artist Statement: What We Hold Close What would you take with you in an emergency? The idea of a go-bag first became familiar to me in the aftermath of 9/11, when being prepared to leave quickly suddenly felt like a new and very real possibility. Years later, a conversation about climate change brought the idea back. This collaborative series of gouache paintings began as a response to the many uncertainties we face. I asked participants to photograph the contents of their go-bags, which became the subjects of my paintings. Some imagined a serious emergency. Others had a harder time imagining one and responded in more personal, practical, or playful ways. The project explores what we choose to hold onto, how we prepare, and how we find courage and creativity in the face of chaos. I’d love for you to come see the exhibition and spend some time with the work.

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