MadArt Studio has always been at the forefront of supporting artists, and with its latest initiative, MATERIALIZE, it’s taking this support to greater heights. Designed to encourage artists to venture into expansive, temporary, installation-based artwork, MATERIALIZE isn’t just about funding; it’s about nurturing.
At its core, MATERIALIZE aims to provide a comprehensive support system for artists. More than just exhibition space, it offers funding, educational modules tailored to their evolving work, and guidance from both MadArt staff and other industry experts throughout the exhibition journey. This year, 12 artists out of the 16 nominated by regional art professionals stepped forward with their proposal for a MadArt Studio showcase. What sets this program apart is its conscious effort to amplify voices from communities often sidelined in the arts realm. Priority has been given to artists from Black, Indigenous, artists of color, women, and LGBTQ+ communities, to name a few.
Inaugurating the MATERIALIZE stage is Priscilla Dobler Dzul, a Tacoma-based artist with roots in Yucatan, Mexico. Dzul’s work is a profound exploration of the contours of America’s nationalism and its impact on indigenous cultures. Through her art, she critically engages with themes of identity, colonization, and power dynamics in domestic spheres, using various craft mediums to express her narratives.
A closer look at Dobler Dzul’s profile reveals an artist who has consistently shown excellence in her craft. With an MFA in Sculpture from the State University of New York at New Paltz, Dzul has been recognized through multiple grants and awards, including from the Artist Trust, Neddy Behnke Foundation, and the T. Bailey Award. Her creations have found their way to both national and international exhibitions, and she is represented by the prestigious Nome Gallery in Berlin.
For nomination to MadArt Studio’s MATERIALIZE, an artist must demonstrate a solid commitment to their professional endeavors, a keen understanding of space and material, the capacity to upscale their work, and the ability to collaborate and adhere to program specifics. While the artist’s Seattle-area location is a requirement, what stands out is the program’s affirmative push for artists from underrepresented communities. In a world where access and representation still need addressing, MATERIALIZE is a promising step forward.
Watch MadArt Seattle’s website for information about new MATERIALIZE artists and installations and for info about upcoming exhibitions.
