Artist's Statement

I believe that the message is in the medium of art, and I strive to use recycled/repurposed materials. I want you to think not just about aesthetic level, but additionally about where it came from. I repurposed fabric from donated/used bras to create a fabric collage portrait. Often when I think of the suffrage movement, I am inspired when I think of everything they accomplished while wearing restrictive corsets. The suffrage movement represents a breaking of bondage, I believe the shift from corsets to bras also represents that breakage from bondage. While it seems taboo to highlight bras, undergarments are generally something very personal, yet is also very universal. Voting is the same; very personal, yet universal at the same time. We all know a bra is there for support, and I believe that through the medium of bras, viewers could reflect on what it means to support women to participate in politics.  Social change takes the work of many people. As a Minnesotan, I’m proud that the the first woman nominated to run for Senate is from Minnesota. I hope my unusual bra art helps you remember the name Anna Dickie Olson and gives you a reason to bring her up in conversation. We stand on the shoulders of women who came before us.

I believe that through the medium of bras, viewers could reflect on what it means to support women to participate in politics.

Bras donated by Molly Cummins, Mary Kunesh-Podein and others.

Artist's Bio

Sadie Ward is a local artist, you may have seen some of her scenic and prop design work at Park Square, Theatre in the Round, Theatre Unbound, Theatre Pro Rata, The Phipps, Stages Theatre Company, Lyric Arts and Minnesota Opera. In our disposable modern world, she tries to incorporated recycled and upcycled elements into her theatre designs and art work. She recently won the Habitat for Humanity Upcycle challenge. She was also a judge on the 2019 Les Farrington Best 100 Juried Art Show. Sadie has also worked as a paint instructor at Wine and Canvas.