Stand Up: a solo exhibition by Anna McKeown

Join us for an opening night celebration of STAND UP: a solo exhibition by Anna McKeown at The Martin!

Anna says about her work, "My work explores my identity and mental health journey through artistic mediums traditionally associated with femininity and domestic craft. I utilize hand-embroidery techniques I learned from my grandmother in childhood to add text in my work that conveys personal feelings about myself and my life experiences.

Often working as a double interpretation, these words reflect my complex feelings about myself and my relationships. By utilizing what are otherwise joyful combinations of color, print and texture, I create hand-stitched textile works permeated with a covert and often humorous commentary of self-identity and understanding. In this series I focus on my love of performing stand-up comedy, which I have had to put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic. The embroidered phrases act as words of wisdom that apply to comedic performance and everyday life."

Anna McKeown (she/her) is a fiber artist and curator living in Nashville, TN. Anna grew up in Southern Illinois and was raised by a big family with a love for gardening, antiques, and domestic crafts. In her work she explores her mental health journey and personal relationships using hand-embroidery and quilting techniques.

Anna is represented by Roaring Artist Gallery and has exhibited throughout the South and Midwestern United States. Anna has a passion for comedy and every once in a while she’ll try to be funny at an open mic. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, their two children, and their giant dog.

You can see Anna's work on her website or follow her on Instagram.

Anna's show will be featured in the front room of The Martin, sharing an exhibition period with Micaela Felix's back room exhibition, CONDITIONAL BEAUTY.

The Martin is a vaccinated-only and mask mandated space. All guests must provide proof of vaccination with entry. A card-only bar will be provided for guests 21+.

Complete your experience with dinner at Split-Rail and a cocktail afterwards at Dorothy!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Martin, 2500 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, United States