Maryellen Munger
Back to Book | Back to 2nd Book
Artist Statement (June 2007)
My work evolves from the belief that “Life is much too serious not to laugh at it.” My work becomes satire as I respond to our social and political times. It can be fun, whimsical, and at the same time have a serious message, depending on the viewer. I believe that my work can be enjoyed on many different levels.
Al Hirshfeld, a cartoonist for the New Yorker magazine once said that “sculpture was only a line stumbled over in the dark.” In the progression of my work -- drawing, painting to sculpture -- lines are always first and foremost in my mind. The line takes form in my drawing, and later I execute it into a sculpture. Sculpture is a natural transition for me from the two-dimensional plane to the three-dimensional form.
I like to view my art as a metaphor to convey an attitude or idea. The use of the metaphor extends meaning beyond the obvious.
About the Artist
Education
Kansas State University--Art Major
Invitational Exhibits
“Group Show," 2006, Michael Cross Gallery, Kansas City , MO
Strecker Nelson Gallery Group Show, September 15-October 28, 2006, Manhattan, KS
Strecker-Nelson Gallery Group Show, November 2004, Manhattan, KS
“Holiday Show," 2002, Michael Cross Gallery, Kansas City, MO
“New Sculpture," 2001, Maryellen Munger, Michael Cross Gallery, Kansas City, MO
“Go Figure," 2001, Kansas City Artist Coalition, Kansas City, MO
Artist Books, 2000, “Visual Literary Expressions,” Invitational International Exhibit, Northcutt Steele Gallery, Montana State University Billings,; curator: Connie M. Landis. Purchased by Montana State University Library Special Collections
“Beyond The Bookends,” 1998, Michael Cross Gallery, Kansas City, MO
“Sculpture, 1997, Mabel Gallery, Culver Stockton College, Canton, MO
“Political Satire in 3-D,” 1996, 4th Street Gallery, Kansas City, MO
“New Works, Old Friends,” 1996, 4th Street Gallery, Kansas City, MO
“Angels,” 1995, Muse Gallery, Kansas City, MO
Group Show, 1995, 4th Street Gallery, Kansas City, MO
“Relationships,” 1995, Muse Gallery, Kansas City, MO
Juried Exhibitions
“River Market Regional Exhibition”, 2007, Kansas City Artists Coalition, Kansas City, Missouri, Curator: Elizabeth Dunbar, Art house at the Jones Center, Austin, TX
“KS/MO Women Artists”, 2006, Carter Art Center, Penn Valley Community College, Kansas City, MO; curators: Philomena Bennett, Mary Beth Moley, Ellen Goheen
“Re: Members”, 2004, Kansas City Artist Coalition, Kansas City, Missouri, Jan Shall Sanders, Curator of Modern Art & Contemporary Art, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO
“Re: Members”, 1999, Kansas City Artist Coalition, Kansas City, MO,
Juror: Dana Self, The Kemper Museum of Art
“Sculpture by Maryellen Munger,” 1998, Companella Gallery, Park University, Parksville, MO
“Works of Whimsy,”1996, Columbia Art League, Columbia, MO, * Honorable Mention Award
“Fred Wells 19," 1995, Nebraska Wesley University, Lincoln, NE; juror: Gwen Chanzit, Associate Curator, Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO
“Eleventh Celebration,” 1993, Sacks Fifth Avenue, Kansas City Artist Coalition, Kansas City, MO, Curator: Leigh Rosenberg Earnest
“Assemblages,” Kaw Valley Arts & Humanities, 1991, Kansas City Hall Lobby, Kansas City, KS
“League for Innovation,” 1990, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS; juror: Phillip Pearlstein; * Special Merit Award
“Constructs,” 1990, Kansas City Artist Coalition, Kansas City, MO,
Juror: Beej Nierengarten, Director: Laumeier Sculpture Park, St Louis, MO
One Person Exhibitions
“Sculpture & Painting,” 1997, Central Exchange, Kansas City, MO
“Tongue in Cheek,” 1993, Hays Art Council, Hays, KS
Professional Membership
Kansas City Artist Coalition, Board Of Directors, Membership Chairperson, 1992-
1994; Vice-President, 1994-1995, President, 1995-1996
Teaching Experiences
Teacher in the Creative Arts Center, 1994-2000, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO
“Memories in the Making,” 2003-2005, Watercolor instructor, Alzheimer’s Association, Overland Park, KS