The shopping cart is the most iconic image of our consumer-based culture. The “Cartrageous” furniture series originally intended to visually challenge the viewer to question and assess individual ideas about consumerism, power, and privilege. After the first pieces were shown, friends and strangers began bringing me abandoned carts. I’ve enjoyed the design challenge of taking one object and continually asking what else it could be. Repurposed materials are frequently used to add to the FUNctionality of each piece. Audiences are encouraged to interact with and sit in each work.
Deanna began exhibiting her work in 1985. An east coast transplant from the Midwest, Deanna has a BS in Art Therapy from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, and an MA and MAT from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She has the highest level of certification from the National Yoga Alliance for whom she is also a continuing education provider. Deanna worked several years as an art therapist in state mental hospitals and for over two decades as a public school art educator
She has won numerous awards and has been granted many opportunities both nationally and internationally, including her acceptance as one of five Americans to participate in the First Artist Exchange with the Union of Artists of St. Petersburg, Russia. An insatiable thirst to learn new skills while working with a variety of media sustains her never-ending inspiration to create. Studying people of other places and cultures has greatly influenced her approach to looking at life with an ever-fresh perspective.
1995
M.A./M.A.T. Art Education, The University of The Arts Research Project: "Listen To My Drawing" Incorporating Art Therapy Methods In The Classroom
Art Certifications: Pennsylvania K-12, New Jersey K-12
1985
B.S. Art Therapy, Cognate: Psychology, Bowling Green State University. Bowling Green, Ohio.
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL & TEACHING EXPERIENCES
1996
"Russian Waterways" Art Educator/Delegate: People To People Int'l
1993
"First Ceramic Artist Exchange and Symposium with the Union of Artist of St. Petersburg, Russia.": One of five American participants
2008-2017, 2003-2006
Teaching Grant: “Just For The Kids Foundation.” Bensalem, PA
1999-2001
Service Learning Community Service Grant, School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
1996
Clyde McGeary Scholarship Grant for Research in Art Education, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
1995
People To People International Educational Program; ”Russian Waterways”
1993
Ohio Arts Council, Division of International Affairs, “Ceramic Artist Exchange”
Orton Cone Foundation, Support of Ceramic Research
1984
James W.Strong Community Service Award for Art Therapy, BGSU. Bowling Green, OH
1984-1985
Fine Arts Department Talent Scholarship Award. BGSU, Bowling Green, OH
2014-present
Thomas M. Miles, Sculptor
Philadelphia, PA
1989-93
Jane Parshall, Narikomi Technique, Stoneware
Mifflin, OH
1993
The Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation. "The First Ceramics Symposium With The Union of Artists of St. Petersburg, Russia and the USA." Firing Line a publication of the Orton Firing Institute.
InLiquid
Nextfab
Philadelphia Sculptors Group
National Museum of Women in the Arts
MoMA
Whitney Museum of Art
