Sometimes you have a story to tell, but it's just too hard to tell. It is painful and raw, and at times unimaginable, but it happened...
About the Work
Chapter One.
June 2021, one year into the Covid pandemic, Kerrie Bellisario and Francesca Kennedy come together through the imposed isolation of the Coronavirus and embark on a project to tell the story of an artist's life. A story that up until now has been too difficult to tell. It is Kerrie’s story. At times unbelievable, it is a true story and it happened and it is all here. Sad, funny, slightly ridiculous, but most of all, this is a story of hope, resilience and friendship. The story unfolds as Francesca interviews Kerrie, develops timelines and writes. In turn, Kerrie sketches, paints, takes photographs and the combination is stunning. The visual story is born.
This exhibit is titled, Chapter One, as it is only the beginning of the story and the first of the installations envisioned. When viewing the art, visitors may scan a QR code to hear the story unfold across each work of art. In addition, a project website offers virtual viewing experiences for those who cannot view in person.
With sincere thanks! This project has been made possible by Peters Valley School of Craft on behalf of The New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation and Premium Color Group of Carlstadt, NJ.
Chapter One.
June 2021, one year into the Covid pandemic, Kerrie Bellisario and Francesca Kennedy come together through the imposed isolation of the Coronavirus and embark on a project to tell the story of an artist's life. A story that up until now has been too difficult to tell. It is Kerrie’s story. At times unbelievable, it is a true story and it happened and it is all here. Sad, funny, slightly ridiculous, but most of all, this is a story of hope, resilience and friendship. The story unfolds as Francesca interviews Kerrie, develops timelines and writes. In turn, Kerrie sketches, paints, takes photographs and the combination is stunning. The visual story is born.
This exhibit is titled, Chapter One, as it is only the beginning of the story and the first of the installations envisioned. When viewing the art, visitors may scan a QR code to hear the story unfold across each work of art. In addition, a project website offers virtual viewing experiences for those who cannot view in person.
With sincere thanks! This project has been made possible by Peters Valley School of Craft on behalf of The New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation and Premium Color Group of Carlstadt, NJ.
"The Covid Slumber Party" Not looking our finest, but this is where it all began. (Francesca, left, and Kerrie, right)
Artist Team
Chapter One Project
Kerrie Bellisario, NJ
Kerrie Bellisario is an artist and teacher in New Jersey. She has exhibited her art throughout the US as well as in Peru and Japan, with reviews of her work featured in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Baltimore Sun and numerous regional publications. Kerrie served as a professor at Lesley University, Cambridge MA. for ten years where she served as head of the art education program and co-founded a new graduate program in community arts. She is currently a high school art teacher at Boonton High School, where she continues to share her life-long passion of art with young people.
Francesca Kennedy, NY
Francesca Kennedy is a writer, dancer and teacher from Long Island NY. She began her arts career as a pianist and then as a dancer studying at the Alvin Ailey school, before embarking on her passion as a teacher. Ms. Kennedy was an early adopter of arts integration and developed countless innovative approaches to cultivating young minds in the Herricks School District where she has been teaching for over two decades. In addition to her teaching, Francesca dedicates her time to writing and dancing, where she continues to compete in regional competitions in the Northeast. Ms. Kennedy lives in Oakdale, NY with her husband David and son Benjamin.
Kristen
Chapter One Project
Kerrie Bellisario, NJ
Kerrie Bellisario is an artist and teacher in New Jersey. She has exhibited her art throughout the US as well as in Peru and Japan, with reviews of her work featured in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Baltimore Sun and numerous regional publications. Kerrie served as a professor at Lesley University, Cambridge MA. for ten years where she served as head of the art education program and co-founded a new graduate program in community arts. She is currently a high school art teacher at Boonton High School, where she continues to share her life-long passion of art with young people.
Francesca Kennedy, NY
Francesca Kennedy is a writer, dancer and teacher from Long Island NY. She began her arts career as a pianist and then as a dancer studying at the Alvin Ailey school, before embarking on her passion as a teacher. Ms. Kennedy was an early adopter of arts integration and developed countless innovative approaches to cultivating young minds in the Herricks School District where she has been teaching for over two decades. In addition to her teaching, Francesca dedicates her time to writing and dancing, where she continues to compete in regional competitions in the Northeast. Ms. Kennedy lives in Oakdale, NY with her husband David and son Benjamin.
Kristen