Three Valley Artists Unveil Captivating Exhibits

Three prominent Valley artists—Nicolette Maguire Bonnstetter, Pamela Fingerhut, and Laurie Fagen—are set to showcase their work in a compelling exhibit that explores the evolution of their art from past to present. The event will run from September 22 through November 25 at the Holland Center located at 34250 N 60 St., Scottsdale. An opening reception will take place on Sunday, November 3, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Maguire Bonnstetter remarked, “We wanted to show an evolution of our work through our lives.” She plans to display a piece from her twenties, a time filled with stress and emotional turmoil, aiming to resonate with the audience’s feelings. The exhibit promises to be both informative and interactive, featuring questions and quotes on the walls, as well as inspiring objects placed alongside the artworks.

The collaboration among the artists stems from their shared background and experiences. Maguire Bonnstetter met Fingerhut at an artists’ meeting years ago, while she and Fagen connected through mutual Iowa roots, the Holland Center, and the Sonoran Arts League. Notably, many of their pieces feature dolls, a common theme they both explore.

Fingerhut’s artwork incorporates montage techniques, allowing her to piece together various digital files. Her subjects are varied, ranging from dolls and tattoos to flowers and melting ice cream. Fagen, initially invited to write and perform about the artwork, later joined as a visual contributor. She noted, “Many of my fiber art wall quilts share the same bright colors and fun themes as Pamela and Nic’s work.” A significant aspect of their collaboration is the representation of women in their art.

Additionally, Shelley Pedretti will contribute an ikebana arrangement for the exhibit. Maguire Bonnstetter finds joy in the challenge of revisiting her past works to create something new, often infused with personal memories. Fingerhut enjoys the element of surprise in her creative process, while Fagen relishes the selection of fabrics and threads for her designs.

Maguire Bonnstetter also leads a discussion group titled “Art, Coffee & Conversation with Nicolette” at the Holland Center. She was recently featured in the “Celebration of Woman” art exhibit at the Phoenix Capitol Museum and the Shemer Center. In upcoming events, Fingerhut will showcase her work at the 8th Biennale of Fine Art and Documentary Photography, now known as the Barcelona Foto Biennale, scheduled for April in Barcelona, Spain.

Fagen’s fiber art pieces were part of the “Ceangal/Connections” exhibition at the Esker Arts Centre in Ireland, where artists from Arizona and Tullamore reflected on their respective cultural narratives. This exhibition is set to come to Chandler in March-June 2025. Fagen is also involved in the Cave Creek Collective, where she showcases her polymer clay jewelry and sculptures.