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Mary Ratcliff finds 'Home' at MOCA

January 11, 2017 // by Mary Ratcliff

As I reflect on my experiences during my student residency at MOCA Jacksonville, I am truly humbled. My boundless ambitions for the exhibition led me to rely on dozens of supporters to help bring my ideas to life. Confirmation of this support is visually evident in my collaborative sculpture, Our Home. The initial need for at least two miles of crocheted yarn chains, ended in the culmination of more than five miles! To say my request was fulfilled, is quite an understatement.

Mary Ratcliff weaves rope in her MOCA Jacksonville studio for her sculpture Perceptive Ascension in Interwoven: Heart, Home, and Community. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.

The student residency at MOCA also provided numerous advantageous experiences for an aspiring artist. This opportunity supplied me with tools every artist desires: workspace, Museum staff support, access to the public, and a space to create my vision. As my first attempt at creating a cohesive body of work, I feel very fortunate to possess these valuable resources.

Mary Ratcliff Interwoven Our Home Detail

Mary Ratcliff's Our Home installation includes more than five miles of crocheted yarn chains contributed by the community. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.

Mary Ratcliff Interwoven Perceptive Ascension

Mary Ratcliff's Perceptive Ascension appears in Interwoven: Heart, Home, and Community. Image courtesy of Denise M. Reagan.

Finally, I am thrilled that the public engagement and display of my exhibition is already opening doors for me. My desire to connect with people and get involved in my community has been fueled by this opportunity, and I am anxious to see where my passion for the arts leads me. Again, many thanks go out to those who aided me in the completion of my first solo exhibition, Interwoven: Heart, Home, and Community.