FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 15th, 2021

DELILAH BLUE FLYNN & MAGDALENA TRUCHAN
ON PINS AND NEEDLES:
Accessible Burlesque & the Art of Adornment

BUILDING 35
Opening Reception: Saturday, December 18th 3PM to 7PM

GARNER ARTS CENTER AND INTERNATIONAL NONPROFIT GLOBAL HEALTHY LIVING FOUNDATION PRESENT A GROUNDBREAKING EXHIBITION ON DISABILITY AND REDEFINING BEAUTY STANDARDS, SEEN THROUGH THE LENS OF MID-TWENTIETH CENTURY PINUP AESTHETIC

Opening Reception: Saturday, December 18th 3PM to 7PM

Gallery Hours: Saturdays, 3pm to 7pm | January 8th to February 5th
(Closed Dec. 25th & Jan. 1st)

Drop in or Make a Timed-entry Reservation

By Appointment Only All Other Days and Times
For appointments: (845) 947-7108 / info@garnerartscenter.org

About the Exhibition:
GARNER Arts Center and the Global Healthy Living Foundation with their patient community CreakyJoints will present an exhibition of works by Illustrator Delilah Blue Flynn and Graphic Designer and knitter Magdalena Truchan, On Pins and Needles: Accessible Burlesque & the Art of Adornment. On Pins and Needles aims to spotlight and redefine the beauty standard with an exploration of disability, seen through the lens of the aesthetic of mid-twentieth century pin-up illustration and the capabilities of those we categorize as disabled. The exaggerated sexuality of pin-up illustration makes it an ideal medium to explore society’s discomfort with merging stereotypical images of beauty with disability.

Twenty (13x19”) ink and marker on paper illustrations will highlight women with a broad-spectrum of disabilities including autism, blindness and depression. Delilah Blue Flynn describes the initial idea behind this exhibition: “Magdalena wondered why there are not any interesting and modern representations of disabled people in art? She wanted to see women portrayed as people who are not only sexually desirable, but stylish, much like the mid-twentieth century pinups she collects. So, I chose to depict her as a modern-day pinup on wheels.”

The two quickly realized that this was an artistic expression that touched people and made an impact. Magdalena and Delilah decided to expand upon this thereby creating a series that would showcase those with disabilities who are not defined by limitations.

“It is important to celebrate disability and showcase the multifaceted nature of people with both invisible and visible disabilities. This exhibit provides a space to explore sexuality and sensuality while dispelling beauty myths that negatively impact people who don’t fit into society’s ‘beauty standard.’” said Joseph M. Coe, MPA Director of Education and Digital Strategy for the Global Healthy Living Foundation.

Magdalena's love and interest in fashion led her to the direction of knitting. She wanted to design one-of-a-kind stylish pieces which were also adaptive for people with limited mobility. Her hand knitted wraps are an expression of her keen fashion eye and her love of fiber crafts. Influenced by Japanese and Italian designers as well as the textiles themselves, these wraps are not only utilitarian but also works of art. Magdalena will showcase eight hand knit wraps on hand painted, full-size mannequins designed by local artists.

Over 60 million Americans have a disability of some sort. This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how and where these folks, women especially, can be represented. One would not expect the forms of pin-up art and adaptive fashion to be intertwined, yet these two artists have done it with a style and grace that speaks to their distinct sensibilities. It is thrilling to see Magda and Delilah team up to present these vital pieces.
-Jesse Heffler, Director of Programs and Operations, GARNER Arts Center

About the Artists:
Delilah Blue Flynn graduated from NYC’s School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Illustration, where her art was featured in the 2015 Junior thesis show. Her work has appeared in various galleries throughout NYC and the Hudson Valley and she has illustrated several children’s books, including Bradley, What Are You Doing? and King O’ The Cats. She currently resides in the Hudson Valley with her two excitable Australian Shepherds. Her work can be found at www.blueflynn.com

Magdalena Truchan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Painting from Purchase College State University of New York. In 2013, she created a fashion and lifestyle blog Prettycripple.com. In addition, she creates humorous videos about a variety of topics, sits on the board of the nonprofit arts organization Haverstraw Riverwide Arts and seeks trying to find a filter for her no-holds-barred sense of humor. She currently resides in Rockland County, NY.

Delilah Blue Flynn: https://blueflynn.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/blueflynn/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/blueflynn

Magdalena Truchan: www.prettycripple.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/prettycripple/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Prettycripple
Twitter: twitter.com/PrettyCripple

Optional Reservations and Covid Safety:
Reservations are encouraged, but during gallery hours, visitors without a reservation are welcome. If capacity is reached, visitors can wait to be admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Masks are required. GARNER Arts Center follows NY State COVID Safety Protocols for our visitors and staff. Thank you for understanding and helping us keep safe.

Exhibition details and Press:
GARNER Arts Center is located at 55 West Railroad Avenue, Garnerville, NY 10923.
Contact: (845) 947-7108 info@garnerartscenter.org - https://garnerartscenter.org/onpinsandneedles
In-person opening reception is on Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 3-7pm in Building 35. The exhibit is free and will be open on Saturdays from 3-7pm until February 5, 2022. (Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.) Otherwise viewings are available by appointment by contacting GARNER Arts Center.

GARNER Arts Center is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and by Rockland County’s Office of Tourism and Economic Development.

For more images and info please contact:
Director of Programs and Operations, Jesse Heffler
(845) 947-7108 | info@garnerartscenter.org

GARNER Arts Center – Social Media:
Facebook: @GarnerArtsCenter
Instagram: @garnerartscenter

Logos:

Photos:

Thanks & Sponsors:

Special Thanks to the Village of West Haverstraw, NY

Mannequins on loan from the Daniel and Trudy Regan Foundation