About the artist

RHONDA URDANG is an independent studio artist working across multiple disciplines. Since founding Flagstaff Feminist Art Studio, she has worked primarily in femmage, book art, collage, digital manipulation, assemblage, film, painting & satire. Her thought-provoking artworks have been shown extensively in regional, national, and international group shows in 42 states. Rhonda received her BFA with an emphasis in painting from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and later worked as a journeyman color separation artist in Phoenix, retouching high-fashion catalogs for Anne Klein, Ann Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Bonwit Teller, Estee Lauder, and Neiman Marcus. 

The Celtic Tree month of Holly begins July 8--Ogham Letter (Old Irish):  Tinne (T), with symbolic meaning--the holly represents optimism, protection, leadership, nobility, masculine energy, and strength.  The well respected Holly Tree rules the eighth moon.  It is a symbol of peace and goodwill and it rules through the winter months with beauty & grace.  Holly repels lightning so it is often planted around dwellings as a protective measure against it.   

The Full Thunder moon in Capricorn (earth sign) on July 10, marks a time of creative closure and potential breakthroughs, signifying the culmination of efforts and recognition of achievements, particularly in projects, relationships, or personal identities.  This lunar phase encourages us to acknowledge the progress we've made and celebrate the beauty in our journey, all the while acknowledging our imperfections.  Let's use this moment to reflect on what we've built, what needs to be released, and what deserves our continued attention and focus.

Guru Purnima (India) on July 20 is a festival dedicated to offering respect to all the spiritual and academic gurus in our lives, and is celebrated in India, Nepal and Bhutan by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.  This festival is traditionally observed to honour one's chosen spiritual leaders or gurus, and is a time set aside to thank our beloved teachers.

Rhonda's femmage The Conjuring of Our Lady of Andromeda (Unchained) will be shown in the 38th Annual Northern National Art Competition Exhibition at Nicolet College Art Gallery, Northwoods Art Center, Rhinelander, WI.  This show is a cooperative venture between Nicolet College Arts & Enrichment and the Northern Arts Council (NAC).  The Opening Reception with awards announcements will be on June 12 and will run through July 26, 2025.

Image:  The Conjuring of Our Lady of Andromeda (Unchained) (C) 2023 All rights reserved

"An artist should stay for long periods of time looking at stars in the night sky".  -- Marina Abramovic