JeanCherie, a renowned Vallejo artist, is set to unveil a captivating new exhibit at Mare Island Art Studios, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in Mare Island's history. Her latest exhibition, titled 'Wendy the Welder & The Mare Island Shipyard Workers', is a powerful tribute to the strength, resilience, and lasting impact of the women who played a pivotal role in Mare Island's wartime efforts.
JeanCherie's journey in the art world is an intriguing one. With over 30 years of experience in sculpting for movies, television, animatronics, and large-scale installations, she has honed her skills in enlarging and duplicating fine art sculptures. Her work has graced various locations, including the ferry terminal, where her 6-foot-tall cement sculpture, 'Mother and Child', stands as a testament to her talent. The upcoming exhibit's centerpiece, 'Wendy the Welder', is a sculpture inspired by the remarkable story of over 11,000 women who built ships on Mare Island during World War II.
The inspiration for 'Wendy the Welder' stems from a photograph of women working on the Nereus, a submarine tender, at the Mare Island Shipyard. JeanCherie highlights the significance of this moment, noting that it was the women who christened the ship, a role typically reserved for men. This exhibit is not just a celebration of the past but also a catalyst for community support and a potential future bronze sculpture of 'Wendy the Welder'.
JeanCherie's personal connection to the exhibit is profound. She reflects on the contributions of her mother's generation, emphasizing the importance of women's roles during wartime. She believes that the exhibit will serve as a launching point for a broader recognition of women's achievements, stating, 'For one thing, she just filled a huge need when the men went to war... She proved what women could do. That we were that important. I really feel that that was a huge step for women.'
The exhibit also features works from seven other artists, including JeanCherie's other notable pieces such as 'The White Mare and the Tule Elk' and 'Mare of the Isle'. Additionally, it showcases a wall of testimonials from community members whose family members contributed to Mare Island's history, adding a personal touch to the narrative. One such testimonial comes from Brendan Riley, who worked as a teenager on the ferryboats that transported workers to the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Another testimonial is from Sharon McGriff Payne, whose mother, Bernice W. McGriff, was a forklift driver at Mare Island in the 1940s.
The exhibit encourages visitors to engage with the history of Mare Island and the contributions of women. JeanCherie invites them to explore the art studios, saying, 'We often have people visit our exhibits for the first time who didn’t know the art studios were here... Others look around and say, 'I remember this building. I used to work here,’ before it became what it is today.' She emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of the present, stating, 'There’s a need to know the history that people are really living.'
The opening reception for 'Wendy the Welder & The Mare Island Shipyard Workers' will take place on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and the exhibit will be open every Sunday in June from noon to 4 p.m. This event promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring celebration of women's contributions to Mare Island's history, leaving a lasting impact on visitors and the community alike.
