Shari Albers | Aftermath: A Widow's Story

 “I think we all can agree that art is healing,” states Karlee Holets, newly appointed Director of Visual Arts at Artistry. “Shari’s work deeply explores the turmoil and processes we as humans go through after the death of a loved one. This exhibit - this art - strikes a resonant chord, now more than ever. I hope people  experience a feeling of knowing they are not alone in feeling isolation, loss, and grief.”  

Self-reflection and representation have always been a part of Shari Albers’ art practice. Through written and visual journaling and self-representation, she is best able to reflect on her physical, mental, and emotional changes overtime. 

When her quirky, reptile-loving, rosebush-obsessed husband passed away, Albers first used writing to process her grief. Five years later those writings transformed into visual representations that examine her grief as well as her aging body. Through this series of work, Albers bravely shares her own personal journey with a mix of realism and fantasy, but she also acknowledges how the artwork reflects commonalities in the grieving process.

“These acrylic, watercolor crayon, and pencil self-portraits explore the devastation, numbness, and even humor known by anyone who has lost a life partner.” – Shari Albers

About the Artist
Shari Albers is a life-long learner and practicing artist. As an art teacher in her 20s, Shari specialized in drawing and ceramics. At age 30, she designed presentations, built sets and art directed photography for a multi-media company before starting a family and establishing herself as a freelance graphic artist. In her early 60s, Shari was writing and illustrating stories for children when her husband suddenly took ill and died. Caringbridge® posts led to memoir writing. Writing led to the 2018 Women’s Art Intensive program where Shari created three self-portraits that launched “The Widow Series.”  

For more information about the artist visit www.sharialbers.com 

Current Gallery Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Saturdays: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Sundays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Image:  Spirit, Shari Albers