After the recent Presidential election results, Chicago-based artist and activist Michelle Hartney has temporarily shifted the focus of her work from maternal healthcare activism, to fighting for basic human rights. The goal of her current project MAKE AMERICA LOVE AGAIN, is to focus attention on compassion-and combat the hate that has been stirred up by Donald Trump's campaign, with messages of love.
Recently featured in Ms. Magazine and PREGAME Magazine, the artist's MOTHER'S RIGHTperformance + installation, Birth Words and Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey series, MOM$ and Correcting History projects, and Kimberly Said No performance, are part of Hartney's ongoing work focusing on women's health. Hartney founded the Woman's Health Collective in 2016, an organization dedicated to utilizing creative solutions to address women's health issues by linking artists, designers, writers, musicians, technologists, healthcare providers, and activists to work collaboratively on socially engaged, community based projects.
For those wanting to take part in MAKE AMERICA LOVE AGAIN and spread messages of love, compassion, and acceptance throughout our community, please fill out the form on Hartney'swebsite to receive "Make America Love Again" stickers at no cost to you. If you wish to contribute to the printing cost of the stickers, you may donate on her site as well.
ABOUT MICHELLE HARTNEY
Michelle Hartney's work addresses a broad range of topics-from women's health issues, to the concept of heroes, love, and the cosmos. She works in a variety of materials, including fiber, wood, found objects, and most recently, performance. Her interest in using art to address social issues began during her graduate studies at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she was an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. Hartney's MOTHER'S RIGHT necklaces are available through the artist's website and on the art retail site Art Markit, with limited edition tondos from MOTHER'S RIGHT also available to fund future art + culture iterations of the project in 2017.
(Photo Credit: Michelle Hartney)
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