Don’t Tell Me To Smile

by Mary Judge

artist Reception:
Thursday, February 5, 2026
from 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Artist Statement:

I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, surrounded by flower power, peace, love, and with an explosion of colors and design, I was drawn to bold and vibrant patterns and decoration from an early age. I began my art career in the late 80’s when the female figure became my main source of inspiration. I consider myself to be a multidisciplinary artist who finds new ways of applying materials to my artwork by using collage, recyclable items, paint, fibers and stitchery. I use collage as a means to both physically and conceptually bring layered depth to my work. My work is playful, subversive and often humorous. My topics include beauty, fashion, sexuality, ageism, the feminine grotesque, the opposite sex and lately, dating over 50. I received my MFA from Lesley University, Cambridge Massachusetts. I was the sole winner of the 2019 Alumni Art Exhibit at Francis Marion University Gallery Place in Florence South Carolina. I was also featured artist in Kolag Magazine #26 2019. In 2010, I had solo exhibition at Francis Marion University Hyman Fine Art Gallery, Florence SC, and has been part of many group exhibitions which include the Pee Dee Regional Art Competition, SC, Figure Out Exhibit, SC, Artfields, SC, Roberts Gallery, Lunder Arts Center, Cambridge Ma, Vagina Monologues, SC, and the Art Trail, SC.

This exhibit is FREE, and the public is encouraged to attend.

This exhibit will be on display until February 20, 2026.