Former Rep. Mary Peltola announced a bid for Senate in Alaska, a major boost to Democrats’ long-shot hopes of winning back the chamber this year.

I made this portrait titled "Mary Peltola — First Alaska Native and Woman to Represent Alaska in US Congress (Unseated in 2024 by Republican)" in 2023. It's made of non-recyclable trash on board.

#MaryPeltola #AlaskaPolitics #AlaskaSenate #AlaskaNative #PoliticalArt #TrashArt #UpcycledArt #ContemporaryArt #PortraitArt #WomenInpolitics

I’m getting coverage. Simsbury Library’s Art Censorship is making waves in the media. This week, the Brattleboro Commons (@thecommonsnews) published an op-ed about self-censorship, and a podcast about plastic pollution mentioned that the Simsbury Library censored my work. Visit my website’s home page for links to both outlets.

#ArtCensorship #FreedomOfExpression #ArtistsAgainstCensorship #EnvironmentalArt #PoliticalArt #AssemblageArt #RecycledArt #TrashArt #PlasticPollution #freespeech

I focus on raising awareness about environmental and political issues in my work. Still, the Simsbury Public Library censored me for using terms like "climate change" and "ocean warming."

after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel for his comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Sen. Ted Cruz, who warned against government interference in speech, saying it poses a danger to free expression all.

I moved my ‘More Garbage Than Fish’ show from Simsbury to Old St. Andrew’s Church—champions free speech.

Original poem wanted for this artwork: Black Margate.

I created this artwork from raffia, netting, clothing labels, food packaging, and more, adhered to a board with nails and staples.

I'm placing artworks in little free libraries along with poems, inviting anyone who wants to write something. Please DM, PM, carrier pigeon me.

#trashfish #plasticfreeoceans #plasticfreeforthesea #plasticpollution #plasticpollutes #plasticfisherman #BlackMargate #TrashArt #EcoArt #AssemblageArt #ArtAndPoetry

In 2020, Jenifer Rajkumar (@JeniferRajkumarNY) was one of the first two South Asians in the New York State Assembly. The other one? Zohran Mamdani.

I made this portrait of Ms. Rajkumar in 2023. Now I'm sending it to a friend in New York State to put into a little free library so that someone who loves the portrait can take it home.

Before I ship it, I'd like to add a poem. Please write a poem and share it with me via DM, PM, email, or text by Friday, October 3.

Recently, the town of Simsbury, where I was scheduled to exhibit in October, informed me that I couldn't use the terms "climate change" or "ocean warming" in my show statement, claiming that my words needed to be "neutral." Joan Coe, a Simsbury resident, wrote an opinion piece on the suppression of free speech in town. https://tinyurl.com/fnz6batj

Come this Sunday to Old St. Andrew's Church in Bloomfield, CT, from about 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to see the show.

"More Garbage Than Fish" is now showing at Old St. Andrew’s Church, Bloomfield.
My assemblages, created from discarded materials, depict the fish I’ve encountered while scuba diving—celebrating their beauty while confronting the harsh reality of plastic pollution in our oceans.

Now through November
59 Tariffville Road, Bloomfield, CT
Reception: 9/28, 11:15 am–12:30 pm
Free + open to the public

I pulled my show from the Simsbury Public Library after being told I couldn't use the terms "climate change" or "ocean warming" in the description. I refuse to accept censorship.

In solidarity, artists Chris Fisher and Sue Banks also withdrew their shows. Chris helped me secure a new venue at Old St. Andrew's Church in Bloomfield, CT. My work will be hung on September 17, with a reception on September 28 at 11:15 a.m. after the 10 a.m. service.

No! Not another show!?!?

Yes, this one was easy, and it will be short: Off The Wall at Arts Center East, 709 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT.

Dates: August 14 – 16, 2025
Times: 1 to 5 p.m.

All art is priced at $150 or less. Three of my works will be available. This image is of "Spanish Hogfish in the Rubble." This assemblage, made from non-recyclable trash, measures 8 x 13 inches. It's selling for $130.

#OffTheWall #ArtsCenterEast #AssemblageArt #TrashArt #RecycledArt #EnvironmentalArt