Exhibit & Reception with Artist Mary Ann McKay at The American Labor Museum, Oct 14th, 2023
Haledon, New Jersey – The American Labor Museum/Botto House National Landmark proudly opens the exhibit Silent Voices: Children of the Industrial Age by Mary Ann McKay on Saturday, August 26th, 2023. Silent Voices remains on view through Dec. 30th, 2023.
The Museum cordially invites the general public to a walk-through tour of the exhibit with artist Mary Ann McKay on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at 2PM with time for Q&A. Light refreshments will be served.
Silent Voices features artworks created by experimenting with mixed media, combining Ms. McKay’s painting and digital skills with glass, metal, cold wax, oil and film. In these series, she notes, ”I have focused on the plight and hardship of the children of the coal mines in and around the Pennsylvania Mountains and Coal Fields where my grandfather worked and of the children of the glass industry in the United States around 1910, with a specific focus on Southern New Jersey.”
Mary Ann McKay’s art references the famous photographs of Lewis Hine, employed by the National Child Labor Committee to document the working conditions of children and youths. Through her artwork, Ms. McKay explains, “I hope in some way I have given these forgotten children their voice.”
When Mary Ann McKay began her professional fine art career, she became interested in portraits, and took extra time and classes to refine her technique. She exhibits her work in several venues, and has been part-owner of Artspace 88, LLC, an art gallery in Keyport, NJ. She now works in her studio in NJ.
This program is made possible in part by a grant administered by the Passaic County Cultural and Heritage Council from funds granted by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
The Botto House National Landmark, headquarters of the American Labor Museum, is located at 83 Norwood Street in Haledon, NJ. The Museum's hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9AM-5PM. Visitors are welcome Wednesday through Saturday from 1PM-4PM and at other times by appointment. For further information about the Museum, call 973-595-7953 and visit www.american-labor-museum.org.