Madd Matters to host new art show, book signing

PALMER — Second Saturday is not to be missed, not only for a Midsummer Garden and Art Fair and wonders at the Palmer Museum, but Madd Matters will host its most exciting opening reception yet.

Madd Matters will feature the work of fourth-generation Palmer resident Ruth Hulbert and Palmer resident, Tlingit sculptor and graphic artist Benjamin Schleifman. And, Warren Troy will sign copies of his new novel “Jester” from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday in conjunction with Fireside Books.

Hulbert’s show “A Sense of Place” features her whimsical cartography and unusual painting style. Her works are better known than the artist. She has been the signage painter for the Alaska State Fair for nine years and also painter of the 2007 and 2009 state fair posters, in some folks’ opinions the best-ever posters. It is her portrait of Fred and Sara Machetanz that graces Machetanz Elementary. And who hasn’t seen her windows at Fireside Books, where she has worked for a number of years.

She is also known for her cartography and has produced maps and educational illustrations for the North Carolina State Parks department. Her cartography is the main theme of the show.

Hulbert is a Palmer High School graduate and has an unusual double major degree in biology and painting from Western Washington University.

Hulbert claims the greatest influence on her artwork was the experience of going to fish camp on Cook Inlet every year, where she explored woods and beaches, drew maps to secret forts, excavated moose bones and helped cut and smoke fish. Fish are also a major component of this grouping of her works.

Schleifman, a Teslin Tlingit now living in Palmer, is an up-and-coming fusion artist and one of the best of his generation. He carves jewelry and does graphical art as well.

Schleifman began his carving at age 5.

“My art is made out of respect for my Tlingit heritage,” he said. “Although I like to extend the boundaries of traditional coastal art in many of my pieces, I consider myself a traditionalist at heart, while using many modern methods to produce my work. Exploring new art forms from traditional methods allows my heritage to thrive and expand with the world around me.”

An artists’ reception for Hulbert and Schleifman is from 6 to 8 p.m., July 14 at Madd Matters, 1088 S. Colony Way, Palmer.

For more information, call 745-6045 or email info@maddmatters.com.