News Article

Sanderson, an award-winning conceptual artist, contracted polio at age 3. Her right arm is incapacitated and she has the general weakness of post-polio syndrome. Recurrent themes in her art are self-image, intimate relations, and physical functions. Employing non-art materials and unusual printmaking techniques, the Seattle feminist explores the body’s effect on physical and psychological existence. Throughout her art career, she has been a voice for the disabled, working with government agencies and others to change the politics of disability.

She received a bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences from Purdue University and worked as a scientific illustrator and freelance designer before attending the University of Washington for graduate studies. At UW, Sanderson focused on conceptual and feminist art. Since receiving a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking, excerpts from her 17-year project about living with disability have been exhibited in the United States and abroad. The Jundt installations will feature work from her series: “LAG, a Holding Pattern in Building 9.”

Sanderson has received numerous awards, including a Puffin Foundation Grant, King County Special Projects Grant, Seattle Artists Grant from the Seattle Arts Commission, and the BAM Fellowship from the Bellevue Art Museum.

A free public preview reception will be held in the Jundt Art Museum from 6-7:15 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, followed by a free public lecture by Sanderson at 7:30 p.m. in the Jundt Auditorium. An interpreter for the hearing impaired will sign at the lecture.

Concurrently in the Arcade Gallery is “ROBERT SPERRY,” an exhibition of ceramic plates drawn from private collections by the Northwest master, is on display through Nov. 17. The Jundt Art Museum is open to the public at no cost from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday, and Saturday noon-4 p.m.; closed Sundays and for Thanksgiving Nov. 21-25. For more information, contact Karen Kaiser, assistant curator for education, at (509) 323-6613.