The lowdown
︎︎︎our Blog
low·down /ˈlōdoun/ noun:
1. the true facts or relevant information about something.
1. the true facts or relevant information about something.
COLORADO Youth Climate Summit 2025
creative reflection and collaborative mural
The weekend gathering, May 2-3, drew 75 students from across the state. The program fostered critical thinking and leadership through problem-based learning, enabling teens to develop their own climate action plans. CYCS provided access to cutting-edge research, innovation science, connections with industry professionals, and showcased green career opportunities, preparing youth to become climate advocates and leaders.
The Project Shop took over the Social Justice Library in the Third Street Center to provide an open, welcoming environment for students to gather, reflect, collaborate and creatively express themselves.
The Colorado Youth Climate Summit (CYCS) is an educational initiative co-designed and co-led by youth leaders to empower young people to address the impacts of climate change.
The Project Shop took over the Social Justice Library in the Third Street Center to provide an open, welcoming environment for students to gather, reflect, collaborate and creatively express themselves.
The Colorado Youth Climate Summit (CYCS) is an educational initiative co-designed and co-led by youth leaders to empower young people to address the impacts of climate change.
ART DAYS @ BASALT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Typography, Printmaking and Bookmaking.
This program brings local organizations into the school for hands-on, creative experiences that inspire K-4 students while giving teachers valuable planning time. Held on early-release Wednesdays in March and April, it fosters artistic exploration, cultural enrichment, and hands-on learning.
The Project Shop provided an invovative offering combining examination of typography, printmaking and bookmaking. The young students did an incredible job engaging with material and accomplishing a ton of work in each of our 1 hour long sessions.
We started each gathering with a conversation about the book “The Wild Robot” that all of the students had read sparking a dialog about connection and communication. We talked about the different ways to communicate, leading to writing and typography and printmaking as a powerful way to share stories with many people. They practiced an alphabet designed by Bauhaus designer Joseph Albers from 1926 that uses only very simple shapes. Each student created a book for their own stories, successfully hand binding with a complicated 3 hole pamphlet stitch. Using our vintage ‘lil bob’ printing press each student letterpressed the line “FLY LIKE YOU NOT LIKE THEM” from the Wild Robot story on to their covers.
The Project Shop provided an invovative offering combining examination of typography, printmaking and bookmaking. The young students did an incredible job engaging with material and accomplishing a ton of work in each of our 1 hour long sessions.
We started each gathering with a conversation about the book “The Wild Robot” that all of the students had read sparking a dialog about connection and communication. We talked about the different ways to communicate, leading to writing and typography and printmaking as a powerful way to share stories with many people. They practiced an alphabet designed by Bauhaus designer Joseph Albers from 1926 that uses only very simple shapes. Each student created a book for their own stories, successfully hand binding with a complicated 3 hole pamphlet stitch. Using our vintage ‘lil bob’ printing press each student letterpressed the line “FLY LIKE YOU NOT LIKE THEM” from the Wild Robot story on to their covers.
Thank you Andrew Travers at the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies for the invitation to participate in this outstanding program and to all of the volunteers (especially Jennifer Roberts) and organizers that made these days possible.
https://www.basaltedu.org/art-days
This event was made possible with the help of the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies and Basalt Education Foundation’s O/Ex Ed (Outdoor/Experiential Education) programming.
This event was made possible with the help of the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies and Basalt Education Foundation’s O/Ex Ed (Outdoor/Experiential Education) programming.
Bauhaus Postcards
an exploration in collage and printmaking
The Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies reached out to us last year to work with on developing an interactive workshop for groups visiting their recent exhibition.
Bauhaus Typography at 100 explored the school’s unique legacy in graphic design and typography through artifacts of its own making – its books, magazines, course materials, product catalogs, stationery, promotional fliers, and other ephemera — as well as objects created by its many students and teachers before and after the time of the school. The exhibition drew a throughline from the Bauhaus’s iconic style to the shape of typography today.
In collaboration with Andrew Travers, the Penner Manager of Educational Programs we developed a postcard workshop for groups to explore the diverse solutions to translating an idea with color, shape, composition. Participants explored typography and printmaking to create one of a kind postcards expressing the idea - “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that” - a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Bauhaus Typography at 100 explored the school’s unique legacy in graphic design and typography through artifacts of its own making – its books, magazines, course materials, product catalogs, stationery, promotional fliers, and other ephemera — as well as objects created by its many students and teachers before and after the time of the school. The exhibition drew a throughline from the Bauhaus’s iconic style to the shape of typography today.
In collaboration with Andrew Travers, the Penner Manager of Educational Programs we developed a postcard workshop for groups to explore the diverse solutions to translating an idea with color, shape, composition. Participants explored typography and printmaking to create one of a kind postcards expressing the idea - “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that” - a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thanks to Andrew Travers, and the team of the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies for making these engaging workshop opportunities possible.
Participants included 150 student from Youth Summit Attendees and High School Groups as well as 50 Teachers from Aspen High School .
Creative Community Activation
art in process ‘if only this moment’
Jan 2025
‘art in process’ gallery takeover at The Art Base in Basalt. Tues-Sat 12-5pm til Jan 31st
The fourth installment of ‘art in process’ celebrates creativity as a collective force for a better future. This year’s theme ‘if only this moment’ asks: how do we choose to spend our time and energy? How does context influence perceived value? How do we celebrate the power of collective wellbeing and mutuality? The gallery space is equipped for individual and collaborative creative exploration.
More at reinakatzenberger.com/art-in-process-2025
Follow www.instagram.com/art.in.process.2025
open to all, yes that means you ;)
Exhibition showcasing recent Student-Artist Projects
Showing September 27 - November 1
Carbondale Art Launchpad Gallery
This group exhibition celebrates the work of nine recent student-artists projects, with final artworks, process materials and written reflections. This immersive experience showcases the amazing work by these creative, thoughtful, and brave students.
“Anyone able to go see the exhibition will be able to truly see an honest expression from these students,” Project Shop founder Reina Katzenberger said. “They found the courage to share something that really matters to them, and it’s done in a high-quality way that honors their voices.”
“The exhibition showcases nine student projects, each one focused on a critical issue chosen by the student.
“Each student has expressed a very rejuvenated excitement towards creative expression and art, and remembering what the project meant to them and how it felt,” Katzenberger said.
“The Project Shop’s program is supported by an Arts in Society grant and other donations. Katzenberger expressed how meaningful it was to reconnect with students featured in the exhibition who are now in college.
“It’s incredible to see how their creativity and bravery in expressing themselves have carried over into their lives,” Katzenberger said.”
Oct 3rd. POST INDEPENDENT ARTICLE
“The exhibition showcases nine student projects, each one focused on a critical issue chosen by the student.
“Each student has expressed a very rejuvenated excitement towards creative expression and art, and remembering what the project meant to them and how it felt,” Katzenberger said.
“The Project Shop’s program is supported by an Arts in Society grant and other donations. Katzenberger expressed how meaningful it was to reconnect with students featured in the exhibition who are now in college.
“It’s incredible to see how their creativity and bravery in expressing themselves have carried over into their lives,” Katzenberger said.”
Oct 3rd. POST INDEPENDENT ARTICLE
TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR
or click on image below to read more about each individual project.
Print Projects Talk Starts at 12:40
The Project Shop programs nurture creative expression by empowering youth to artistically address social justice issues, promoting cross-sector collaboration, and facilitating service-learning opportunities. This program engages student-artists to express their voices through design development, printmaking, and production skills with access to equipment and instruction in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
By articulating and celebrating the power of art we encourage students to actively listen, participate, share, and learn collectively. When students see their lives as part of a larger system, they organically convert apathy and anger into expressive action.
The “Community Service Print Projects” program is made possible by cross-sector collaborations, donations, and an Arts in Society grant which supports cross-sector arts projects addressing social justice.
This distinctive programming regards the creative process as a collective force for a better future.
By articulating and celebrating the power of art we encourage students to actively listen, participate, share, and learn collectively. When students see their lives as part of a larger system, they organically convert apathy and anger into expressive action.
The “Community Service Print Projects” program is made possible by cross-sector collaborations, donations, and an Arts in Society grant which supports cross-sector arts projects addressing social justice.
This distinctive programming regards the creative process as a collective force for a better future.
PROYECTOS COMUNITARIOS DE SERVICIO DE ESTAMPADO
EXHIBICÍON DE TRABAJOS DE ESTUDIANTES CON TEMÁTICA DE CUESTIONES SOCIALES CRÍTICAS
La exhibición grupal Proyectos Comunitarios de Servicio de Estampado (“Community Service Print Projects”) celebra el trabajo de estudiantes-artistas en The Project Shop, una asociación sin fines de lucro. La exhibición muestra 9 proyectos recientes que cuentan con un producto final, reflexiones y proceso de materiales. The Project Shop cuenta con programas que nutren la expresión creativa empoderando a jóvenes a tratar temas como la justicia social, promoviendo la colaboración transversal y facilitando oportunidades para el aprendizaje de servicios. El programa busca que los jóvenes-artistas expresen su propia voz a través de el desarrollo del diseño, estampado, y producción con acceso a equipos e intrucciones para lograr un ambiente seguro e inclusivo con gran apoyo.
Articulando y celebrando el poder del arte alentamos a los estudiantes a escuchar activamente, participar, compartir y aprender de forma colectiva. Cuando los estudiantes pueden percibir sus vidas como parte de un sistema mayor, ellos logran convertir, organicamente, su apatía y enojo en una acción expresiva. El programa de Proyectos Comunitarios de Servicio de Estampado (“Community Service Print Projects”) es posible gracias a la contribución de donaciones, colaboraciones y la beca de Arts in Society que apoya proyectos intersectoriales de arte que se refieren a la justicia social.
The Project Shop fue establecido por Reina Katzenberger como una asociación sin fines de lucro en el 2022. Su función es actuar como una incubadora artística, proporcionando educación a través de proyectos de aprendizaje de servicios, empoderando a los estudiantes a compartir su punto de vista con respecto a temas críticos para fomentar la conversación y el compromise de la comunidad.
Este programa único cree que el proceso creativo es una fuerza colectiva esencial para un futuro mejor.
La exhibición grupal Proyectos Comunitarios de Servicio de Estampado (“Community Service Print Projects”) celebra el trabajo de estudiantes-artistas en The Project Shop, una asociación sin fines de lucro. La exhibición muestra 9 proyectos recientes que cuentan con un producto final, reflexiones y proceso de materiales. The Project Shop cuenta con programas que nutren la expresión creativa empoderando a jóvenes a tratar temas como la justicia social, promoviendo la colaboración transversal y facilitando oportunidades para el aprendizaje de servicios. El programa busca que los jóvenes-artistas expresen su propia voz a través de el desarrollo del diseño, estampado, y producción con acceso a equipos e intrucciones para lograr un ambiente seguro e inclusivo con gran apoyo.
Articulando y celebrando el poder del arte alentamos a los estudiantes a escuchar activamente, participar, compartir y aprender de forma colectiva. Cuando los estudiantes pueden percibir sus vidas como parte de un sistema mayor, ellos logran convertir, organicamente, su apatía y enojo en una acción expresiva. El programa de Proyectos Comunitarios de Servicio de Estampado (“Community Service Print Projects”) es posible gracias a la contribución de donaciones, colaboraciones y la beca de Arts in Society que apoya proyectos intersectoriales de arte que se refieren a la justicia social.
The Project Shop fue establecido por Reina Katzenberger como una asociación sin fines de lucro en el 2022. Su función es actuar como una incubadora artística, proporcionando educación a través de proyectos de aprendizaje de servicios, empoderando a los estudiantes a compartir su punto de vista con respecto a temas críticos para fomentar la conversación y el compromise de la comunidad.
Este programa único cree que el proceso creativo es una fuerza colectiva esencial para un futuro mejor.
“The service-based projects not only allow the younger generation to shine light on current issues, but are also bridges of connections between individuals and the wider community.”
—Student-Artist Mandy Lei
This Community Service Project is made possible by a Arts in Society grant supporting cross sector arts projects addressing social justice.
—Student-Artist Mandy Lei
This Community Service Project is made possible by a Arts in Society grant supporting cross sector arts projects addressing social justice.
ABOUT THE GRANT
This Community Service Project is made possible in part by the 2022/2023 Arts in Society grant supporting cross sector arts projects that illustrate artistic excellence, broaden the understanding of the role arts play in society, demonstrate cross-sector work, exhibit cultural relevancy, foster community engagement, and present opportunities for shared learning.
Support our Programs
Your support allows us to empower these young, emerging and curious artists to share their voices through high-quality limited edition print goods.
{19-1392} service project Reflection
UPDATE on safeguarding reproductive healthcare.
Hi Everyone, I want to start by thanking you all for the support on project 19-1392: safe access for Women’s Healthcare. As of June 28th, we’ve successfully raised $630 for Glenwood’s Planned Parenthood, and we hope to continue supporting reproductive clinics in the Rocky Mountains!!! In light of recent events, we’ve decided to do round-two of printing for additional orders!!
Since June 24th, I have been mourning the death of women’s autonomy, the death of women’s access to protected healthcare, and the death of America’s promise to liberty and the right to privacy. The SCOTUS decision to gut the protections set forth by Roe not only enable 26 states to restrict abortion access, but also 25 states to completely ban abortion proceedures. Yet public interests contest our legislation reality– “about six-in-ten Americans say abortion should be legal in some or all cases” (Pew Research Center).
Today, as a young woman in America, I am angered, saddened, and disappointed in our legislation system. Yet though it can feel like our hands are tied, we must remind ourselves that our legislators are meant to serve us and laws are supposed to represent our interests! Upon interviewing Rebecca Binion (Glenwood Planned Parenthood director), she pointed out a few ways for us to continuing the safeguard of aboriton access in CO: listen to people’s stories, use your voice to talk about health equity, support the organizations that are advocating for reproductive rights and justice, and most importantly, VOTE! (I encourage you all to go to read the rest of my interview with rebecca!)
Since June 24th, I have been mourning the death of women’s autonomy, the death of women’s access to protected healthcare, and the death of America’s promise to liberty and the right to privacy. The SCOTUS decision to gut the protections set forth by Roe not only enable 26 states to restrict abortion access, but also 25 states to completely ban abortion proceedures. Yet public interests contest our legislation reality– “about six-in-ten Americans say abortion should be legal in some or all cases” (Pew Research Center).
Today, as a young woman in America, I am angered, saddened, and disappointed in our legislation system. Yet though it can feel like our hands are tied, we must remind ourselves that our legislators are meant to serve us and laws are supposed to represent our interests! Upon interviewing Rebecca Binion (Glenwood Planned Parenthood director), she pointed out a few ways for us to continuing the safeguard of aboriton access in CO: listen to people’s stories, use your voice to talk about health equity, support the organizations that are advocating for reproductive rights and justice, and most importantly, VOTE! (I encourage you all to go to read the rest of my interview with rebecca!)
Heavyweight Sweatshirt
- 50% US Cotton / 50% Polyester
- 100% of our fabric cutting scraps are recycled into fiber and used in new products
- 33% of the energy used to manufacture our products comes from renewable resources
- 8.0 ounce
Eco/organic T-shirt
This tee is carbon neutral!
- 50% polyester from recycled plastic bottles.
- 25% organic cotton.
- 25% Tencel™ Modal.
- 4.2 ounce
Eco/organic Totebag
8 oz. Organic Cotton Twill Everyday Tote
Limited Edition Print 11” x 15”
Original print on paper made from recycled t-shirts.
More About the Design
Medusa:
In Greek Mythology, Medusa is painted as a monster that turns men into stone. Yet deeply misunderstood is the sexual assault written in her origin story and protection her snakes offer. In the design, I chose the allusion to Medusa’s story as a metaphor for the villanization and criminalization of a woman’s decision to get an abortion. Societal values and expectations force women to carry the enormous weight of guilt. But I’m a firm believer that we should remove this stigma of shaming women for making a decision relative to their lives. Everyone deserves kindness, love, and respect, even if their decisions don’t align with another’s beliefs.
Lady Justice:
The crown and scale of Lady Justice are sympathetic to the injustices imposed upon a woman’s autonomy over her physical and mental health due to the lack of safe medical resources. The paradox of the issue lies within the personal freedom protection offered by the 14th Amendment and the lack of “right to privacy” for women when it comes to reproductive health care. Additionally, extreme policies regarding abortion access does not accurately represent voters interests in red or blue states. And beyond our flawed legislative system, the symbols of Lady Justice also unveils the gray area between the planes of justice and morality.
19-1392:
19-1392 is the doc number assigned to the underlying case: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, whcih was filed 3/19/2018 regarding the constitutionality of a Mississippi law that banned abortions after 15 weeks of preganacy.
Inspo:
Passionate about the sociological crossroads of policy and society, I am always eager to learn about the relations between historical relevance and current events. And as a young women in America today, abortion legislations directly impacts my body, my mental health, and the trajectary of my life. Growing up in a conservative family, I am always forced to wrestle with the morality behind the weight of such decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this art piece is not only a method of advocating for my rights, but also a bridge between the gaps of my parents’ and I’s worldviews.
Artist Statement
Bio
About the Process
As a young women in America today, abortion legislations directly impacts my body, my mental health, and the trajectary of my life. And growing up in a conservative family, I am always forced to wrestle with the morality behind the weight of such decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this art piece not only advocates for my rights, but also bridges the gap between my parents’ and my worldviews.
Bio
Growing up in the metropolis of Shanghai, China and making the odyssey to Cleveland, and then again to the Rocky Mountains, Mandy’s entire life is governed by movement and the excitement that accompanies exploration of the new. Taking art lessons since the age of 7, her art mainly revolved around traditional styles and mediums of acrylics and pencil. Driven by her personal identity as an Asian American and her involvement within the outdoor community, Mandy’s artistic style has evolved to integrate issues of racial and enviornmental justice. She is also experimenting with new mediums and styles such as: textiles, pointillism, ink, and now print-making at the Project Shop. Recently graduated from Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Mandy is taking a Gap Year to travel, before attending Pitzer College, where she is excited to participate in Claremont’s local art clubs and to explore Pitzer’s muralistic art scene.
About the Process
Holding myself accountable to give the project an informed foundation, I dedicated time to researching abortion rights and interviewed Rebecca Binion, director of the Planned Parenthood in Glenwood Springs. I distilled the web of information into one precise message: access to abortion is about providing safe health care for women, which should be an issue between a woman and her doctor.
Finally, I went back to the drawing board, drifting into my imaginative space and away from the logos and overthinking. Through the act of losing myself in creativity, I was able to weave meaningful elements into the design (which you can read more about at TheProjectShop.org). And, most importantly, I was able to see my designs come to life on sweatshirts, totes, tees and posters. The experience of carefully printing each piece of cloth, and knowing that 100% of my dedication to the project will be donated to Planned Parenthood, is truly rewarding.
Funding:
100% of profits made from the products will be donated to supporting @PlannedParenthood. Having reproductive healthcare facilities are important as it pertains to providing safe, accessible contraceptives, sex-ed, STI testings and treatments, and abortions. Additionally, to supplement the art project, I have contacted Rebecca Binion, the director of the Glenwood Planned Parenthood, for an interview regarding access to reproductive health care in the valley and how the potential overturn of Roe may impact our local community. You can check out the article @soprissun.
{19-1392} Interview with Planned parenthood Executive director
Mandy Lei & Rebecca Binion
Do you think reproductive health care is widely accessible to most women in the valley?
The Glenwood Spring Health Center is the only Planned Parenthood west of the Denver area in mid-Utah. We serve a wide geographic region, not only the Roaring Fork Valley. We are proud to offer comprehensive reproductive health care and that includes abortion care.
Health disparities that impact too many people, and the Roaring Fork Valley is not immune to that. Many patients that we serve lack any form of insurance, indicating that patients can’t afford, or don’t qualify for coverage.
Do you notice any disparities between abortion/reproductive health care access for women in the valley? (whether that is in terms of class, race, etc.)
What is the most common demographic make-up for women seeking abortion access in the valley?
1 in 3 people will have an abortion in their lifetime, of all backgrounds. Abortion is a very common part of health care.
What is one of the most difficult discussions you have had on the topic of abortion rights?
I have had the honor of working with PPRM for 20 years. Supporting patient access and advocating for my team is of the utmost importance to me. Nothing compares to what is happening right now in Texas, Oklahoma, and at the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the most difficult. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be a person in Texas needing and abortion, and what it will soon be for so many more people across our country.
How are you feeling regarding the recent leaked SCOTUS opinion regarding the overturn of Roe?
I am outraged and saddened that instead of progress, we are going back. I am proud to be an abortion provider and I will continue to do whatever we need to help our patients get the care they need. I worry about the folx that won’t get the care they need.
If Roe is overturned, how do you foresee the consequences will impact the valley/our local community?
How do you foresee the decision impacting Colorado as a whole? It seems that our legislators will move to safeguard abortion access, but could the upcoming mid-term election potentially alter that outcome? And how do you forsee the restrictive access to abortion in neighboring states, such as New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, will impact the avaliablilites of clinics in CO?
Our health center is already seeing patients from our neighboring states. The unfortunate reality is that people are being forced out of their communities, must wait longer times, and travel further and further distances to access abortion care.
What do you forsee the direction of the abortions rights movement moving towards in the future? Is there hope?
The majority of people in our country support abortion access.
Lastly, how can we (especially the younger generation and as a community), help protect abortion rights and the access to safe health care for women?
The Glenwood Spring Health Center is the only Planned Parenthood west of the Denver area in mid-Utah. We serve a wide geographic region, not only the Roaring Fork Valley. We are proud to offer comprehensive reproductive health care and that includes abortion care.
Health disparities that impact too many people, and the Roaring Fork Valley is not immune to that. Many patients that we serve lack any form of insurance, indicating that patients can’t afford, or don’t qualify for coverage.
Do you notice any disparities between abortion/reproductive health care access for women in the valley? (whether that is in terms of class, race, etc.)
- Only some many providers accept Medicaid
- Over 30% of the patients we serve speak only Spanish.
- We care for all patients, and every patient is offered financial support if needed.
What is the most common demographic make-up for women seeking abortion access in the valley?
1 in 3 people will have an abortion in their lifetime, of all backgrounds. Abortion is a very common part of health care.
What is one of the most difficult discussions you have had on the topic of abortion rights?
I have had the honor of working with PPRM for 20 years. Supporting patient access and advocating for my team is of the utmost importance to me. Nothing compares to what is happening right now in Texas, Oklahoma, and at the U.S. Supreme Court. This is the most difficult. I cannot imagine what it must feel like to be a person in Texas needing and abortion, and what it will soon be for so many more people across our country.
How are you feeling regarding the recent leaked SCOTUS opinion regarding the overturn of Roe?
I am outraged and saddened that instead of progress, we are going back. I am proud to be an abortion provider and I will continue to do whatever we need to help our patients get the care they need. I worry about the folx that won’t get the care they need.
If Roe is overturned, how do you foresee the consequences will impact the valley/our local community?
- Colorado is a safe haven state. We expect a surge in patient volume, we have already seen this since SB8 in Texas.
- We already see patients from other states because of restricting laws
- We are expanding Telehealth care and examining our processes to accommodate a higher patient volume.
How do you foresee the decision impacting Colorado as a whole? It seems that our legislators will move to safeguard abortion access, but could the upcoming mid-term election potentially alter that outcome? And how do you forsee the restrictive access to abortion in neighboring states, such as New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona, will impact the avaliablilites of clinics in CO?
Our health center is already seeing patients from our neighboring states. The unfortunate reality is that people are being forced out of their communities, must wait longer times, and travel further and further distances to access abortion care.
What do you forsee the direction of the abortions rights movement moving towards in the future? Is there hope?
The majority of people in our country support abortion access.
Lastly, how can we (especially the younger generation and as a community), help protect abortion rights and the access to safe health care for women?
- Vote
- Listen to people’s stories, tell yours, and keeping talking about health equity that includes abortion care
- Support the organizations that are advocating for reproductive rights and justice
{19-1392} Mandy Lei service project
safeguarding women’s healthcare.
All proceeds donated to Planned Parenthood.
First run sold out.
Read update
More About the Design
Medusa:
In Greek Mythology, Medusa is painted as a monster that turns men into stone. Yet deeply misunderstood is the sexual assault written in her origin story and protection her snakes offer. In the design, I chose the allusion to Medusa’s story as a metaphor for the villanization and criminalization of a woman’s decision to get an abortion. Societal values and expectations force women to carry the enormous weight of guilt. But I’m a firm believer that we should remove this stigma of shaming women for making a decision relative to their lives. Everyone deserves kindness, love, and respect, even if their decisions don’t align with another’s beliefs.
Lady Justice:
The crown and scale of Lady Justice are sympathetic to the injustices imposed upon a woman’s autonomy over her physical and mental health due to the lack of safe medical resources. The paradox of the issue lies within the personal freedom protection offered by the 14th Amendment and the lack of “right to privacy” for women when it comes to reproductive health care. Additionally, extreme policies regarding abortion access does not accurately represent voters interests in red or blue states. And beyond our flawed legislative system, the symbols of Lady Justice also unveils the gray area between the planes of justice and morality.
19-1392:
19-1392 is the doc number assigned to the underlying case: Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, whcih was filed 3/19/2018 regarding the constitutionality of a Mississippi law that banned abortions after 15 weeks of preganacy.
Inspo:
Passionate about the sociological crossroads of policy and society, I am always eager to learn about the relations between historical relevance and current events. And as a young women in America today, abortion legislations directly impacts my body, my mental health, and the trajectary of my life. Growing up in a conservative family, I am always forced to wrestle with the morality behind the weight of such decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this art piece is not only a method of advocating for my rights, but also a bridge between the gaps of my parents’ and I’s worldviews.
Artist Statement
Bio
About the Process
As a young women in America today, abortion legislations directly impacts my body, my mental health, and the trajectary of my life. And growing up in a conservative family, I am always forced to wrestle with the morality behind the weight of such decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this art piece not only advocates for my rights, but also bridges the gap between my parents’ and my worldviews.
Bio
Growing up in the metropolis of Shanghai, China and making the odyssey to Cleveland, and then again to the Rocky Mountains, Mandy’s entire life is governed by movement and the excitement that accompanies exploration of the new. Taking art lessons since the age of 7, her art mainly revolved around traditional styles and mediums of acrylics and pencil. Driven by her personal identity as an Asian American and her involvement within the outdoor community, Mandy’s artistic style has evolved to integrate issues of racial and enviornmental justice. She is also experimenting with new mediums and styles such as: textiles, pointillism, ink, and now print-making at the Project Shop. Recently graduated from Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Mandy is taking a Gap Year to travel, before attending Pitzer College, where she is excited to participate in Claremont’s local art clubs and to explore Pitzer’s muralistic art scene.
About the Process
Holding myself accountable to give the project an informed foundation, I dedicated time to researching abortion rights and interviewed Rebecca Binion, director of the Planned Parenthood in Glenwood Springs. I distilled the web of information into one precise message: access to abortion is about providing safe health care for women, which should be an issue between a woman and her doctor.
Finally, I went back to the drawing board, drifting into my imaginative space and away from the logos and overthinking. Through the act of losing myself in creativity, I was able to weave meaningful elements into the design (which you can read more about at TheProjectShop.org). And, most importantly, I was able to see my designs come to life on sweatshirts, totes, tees and posters. The experience of carefully printing each piece of cloth, and knowing that 100% of my dedication to the project will be donated to Planned Parenthood, is truly rewarding.
Funding:
100% of profits made from the products will be donated to supporting @PlannedParenthood. Having reproductive healthcare facilities are important as it pertains to providing safe, accessible contraceptives, sex-ed, STI testings and treatments, and abortions. Additionally, to supplement the art project, I have contacted Rebecca Binion, the director of the Glenwood Planned Parenthood, for an interview regarding access to reproductive health care in the valley and how the potential overturn of Roe may impact our local community. You can check out the article @soprissun.