SHARON KILFOY

Made during the past two years, the fabric collages or "Fabrications" contain fragments of clothing, hats, purses, belts, slippers, jewelry and other related items that evoke a human presence. Many of these works have been exhibited individually, at the Overture Center for the Arts, the Steenbock Gallery, the Madison Quilt Expo, the Wisconsin Painters and Sculptors Biennial, the Northbrook Public Library and other venues. This is the first public showing of these pieces together.

Made the previous year, the paper collages contain fragments from travels in Mexico and Spain, and are presented in Mexican votive frames which Sharon Kilfoy handpainted.


ABOUT THE ARTIST

Sharon Kilfoy is a multi-talented
community artist whose collages,
assemblages, fabric pieces and
murals are in collections world-
wide. She knew from an early age
that she would be an artist. As a
high school student, she attended
the Junior School of the Art
Institute of Chicago. Further studies
included a bachelor’s degree in
philosophy and a master’s degree in
art, both from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison. Additional
formal training was acquired at
the Instituto de Disenso
y Artesanias in Mexico City.

Sharon has been with the Respite Center, an emergency/crisis center for children in Madison, for 20 years. As the manager of the childcare program for 15 of those years, she has seen first hand the power of art to help children from troubled backgrounds find resiliency. She has developed a curriculum that incorporates art as a tool to unlock children’s feelings.

Recently Sharon founded the Williamson Street Art Center where she offers art classes. She focuses mainly on mixed media, found art, assemblages, collage and murals. Her “Mural Magic Summer Camp” has been especially popular.

Recent community projects include the Wil-mar Neighborhood Center 35th anniversary mural, a Sesquicentennial “Fabrication” project celebrating Madison’s 150th birthday, and her current artist-in-residency mural project at Lakeview Elementary School. Sharon is pleased to work with community groups, schools and/or individuals, helping others to make art, or making special pieces for others. She welcomes your feedback.