Loren Luise Dann
Biography
Mixed media artist Loren Dann’s work explores intersectionality by exposing the difficult questions and unraveling the tangle of answers surrounding this multi-dimensional topic. Loren’s multi-disciplinary approach gives a voice to those who feel distorted and encourages viewers to identify their own roles in forming society’s aesthetic expectations. Her work has been exhibited internationally and most extensively in New York, Philadelphia, and New Jersey. Her freelance work makes appearances on material cultural items from album covers to upholstery to handbags creating a strong and recognizable presence. Loren’s skill as an art educator has allowed her to work with all ages, genders, and races to explore art as a creative and therapeutic outlet for both emotional and physical well-being. Loren also uses her art to encourage diverse communities where all forms of art and expression are encouraged and valued.
Artist Statement
I am a multi-disciplined fine artist, painter, studying in mixed media and oil, unraveling layers of questions and attempts at answers. My goal is to inspire intersectionality and unity to artists and women. To create, to teach and listen to those who feel distorted by society’s aesthetics and expectations.
Education
- 2000 Moore College of Art and Design, Philadelphia, PA
- 1999 Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, Philadelphia, PA
Professional
- 2020-Present: Founder Director of South Jersey Artist Collective a 501c3
- 2014-Present: Freelance Art and Independent Art Education,
- 2014-Present: Working with Gilbert and Leona, http://www.gilbertandleona.com
- Creating paintings on the fabric as unique and random as the bags themselves.
- 2013-2018: Founder and teacher at ACC of Deptford (Academic
Cooperative Community) http://articles.philly.com/2013-10-14/news/42995659_1_co-op-ethics-lesson-home-school - 2008-Present: Private art instructor.
- Offering lessons in painting, drawing, portfolio presentation, as well as offering therapy for children with disabilities, and the elderly.
Exhibitions
- February 2022 “Rapid Response Collection” Rowan College at Gloucester County (curator, and artist)
- March 2022 “Soul Shots” Victims of gun Violence at Monmouth
- January 2022 “Soul Shots” Victims of gun Violence at Rowan College at Millville
- December 2021 “Soul Shots” Victims of gun Violence at Rowan College at Gloucester County
- September 2021 “Addiction” DEA of New Jersey
- August 2021 “Don’t Shut Up” Newhouse Gallery Staten Island
- May 2021 “Wish You Were Here” A.I.R. New York
- January 2020-September 2020 Art in Covid a limited engagement art show, RCSJ
- March 2020 “Woman 100” group exhibition Eilandarts, Merchantville, NJ
- January 2020 “Changes” group exhibition Rowan at Gloucester County College.
- April 2019 “Iconic” solo portrait show at Deja 42, Philadelphia, PA
- September 2018 “Presence” Rowan College GC, NJ
https://www.rcgc.edu/News/Releases/Pages/Paul-Stankards-Art-Donation-Highlight-Of-Rcgc-Gallery-Opening-.aspx
https://patch.com/new-jersey/westdeptford/paul-stankard-s-art-donation-shines-rcgc-gallery-opening - August 2018 “Say Nice Things About Woodbury” A collaborative project between my homeschooled daughters and I, in an effort to spread positivity in, and about our community. We raised funds for stickers, postcards and T-shirts.
- May 2018 “Let’s Connect: Philly Artists Take on the Barnes” Barnes Museum Philadelphia PA
- March 2018 “Women” MADE Gallery, Woodbury, NJ
- March 2018 “Don’t Shut Up” Ceres Gallery NY
- February 2018 “Besos” The Eyes Gallery Philadelphia, PA
- September 2017 “Warrior Women” The Hive Gallery, Chester, NJ
- January 2017 “Nasty Women” Knockdown Center, NY
- http://nastywomenexhibition.org/
- http://www.artnews.com/2017/01/18/nasty-women-an-exhibition-in-queens-takes-on-trump/
- https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2017/jan/13/nasty-women-knockdown-center-queens-art-show
- https://milk.xyz/articles/5-art-exhibits-to-see-this-month-in-nyc/
https://artefuse.com/2017/01/16/nasty-women-fight-back-knockdown-center-124906/ - https://www.google.com/search?q=Nasty+Women+Knockdown+center&client=safari&channel=iphone_bm&ei=-CL0W57EI6LI_Qao4IN4&start=10&sa=N&ved=0ahUKEwieoPbUn-PeAhUiZN8KHSjwAA8Q8tMDCHs&biw=1324&bih=939
- January 2017 “Women under Siege” Ceres Gallery NY Women who have been deceived and disrespected by our justice system.
- May 2016 “Art for the Cash Poor” hosted by InLiquid in Philadelphia, PA
Domestic Anomalies displayed - September 2015 “Our Bodies Our Blood” A Project about periods, cultural shame and our stories Nova Scotia, CA
- https://www.menstruationresearch.org/2015/09/08/our-bodies-our-blood-group-art-show-halifax-ns/
http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/our-bodies-our-blood/33841 - https://www.thecoast.ca/halifax/show-with-the-flow/Content?oid=4904223https://globalnews.ca/news/2215160/period-art-show-aims-to-shock-open-up-dialogue-about-menstruation/
- https://www.menstruationresearch.org/2015/09/08/our-bodies-our-blood-group-art-show-halifax-ns/
- September 2015 “Talking about Feminism”
- May 2015 “Maternal Narration” A female centered art show focusing on the connection to femme and “Motherhood”
- September 2015 Hatchfund. Funding request to try to improve my artistic opportunities. So that I may be able to work on my craft without the stress of wondering how I can get more supplies.
- July-August 2013 “Women in Charge”
- November 2013 “Loren Covers the Greats” An audience participation show in which friends, acquaintances, and strangers request a piece of art to be copied in a combination of the artist style and my own. This series was incredibly educational for me as I learned to paint and try so many different styles.
- January 2013 “Found Objects” An audience participation show in which local friends and residents dropped anonymous objects in a box out front of my home. I painted them in a still life, trying to change my practice and work small.
Awards
- March 2022 Grant from GCCHC for South Jersey Artist Collective, “Everyone is an artist” a program to encourage adults in underserved to communities to pursue and engage in the arts.
- January 2021 Grant from GCCHC for Gloucester County Animal Shelter Mural, and images to be placed on county vehicles.
- September 2020 Grant from the NJEA to teach classes at the Woodbury Public Library, while helping to fund supplies and books about art and artist. With a focus on female, LGBTQ, and people of color.
- February 2020 Second place in Brave 100: Art by American Women Visionaries
This show featured over 50 artists, and celebrates women who have inspired us as artists. - December 2019 with WORC (Woodbury Old Restoration Committee)
- Grant from Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission ($4750)
“Eliza B Duffy: Woodbury’s First Femme” This is a research and art project exploring the local historical figure Mrs. Duffy, who was an artist, feminist, author, and librarian. Book is published and has started touring local school and libraries.
- Grant from Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission ($4750)
- December 2019 with Woodbury Public Library Grant from Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission ($4500)
- “Say Nice Things About Woodbury”
This is a community art project in which residents will paint a large mural on the side of a local building which borders Woodbury’s Lot 323, which is used by Woodbury’s FAF (Fall Arts Fest) for pop-up block parties throughout the summer. This project will involve local students from Woodbury and from Mural Arts Philadelphia. The students and I completed the mural on June 20, 2019.
- “Say Nice Things About Woodbury”
- November 2018 Grant from Gloucester County Cultural & Heritage Commission ($900)
- “Starry Night Over Woodbury”
At Woodbury’s Family Court, in the supervised play area, a large white board will be installed for children and parents to color, encouraging co-playing, creativity, and positive family experiences.
- “Starry Night Over Woodbury”
- September 2018 Finalist for Barbara Deming Memorial Fund
- October 2017 Grant from Women’s Convention ($1250 and attendance at 3-day convention)