Ellen Anthony

Photo by A Sullivan

“Third Half” an exhibit of Objects Drawings Paintings by Ellen Anthony

Opening March 3

Talk March 23,

Introduction / Chronology

In 1984, when I was thirty seven, I had a dream that I was in the middle of my life. I woke up. “Do I want the second half to be the same?” Making documentaries for public television, but inwardly lost, stumbling over myself. “Nope.” I moved to Cape Cod, where my parents lived. When I turned 74, I realized I was in the Third Half of this life! Thus, the title of the show.

But let me back up… Coming to Cape Cod has been a journey of exploration, stumbling, healing.

In 1989, after many odd jobs, I began work at the Wellfleet Public Library, writing in spare time.

In 1992 I played Joan of Arc in “The Lark”. My father had directed Julie Harris in this debut role on Broadway. On opening night he explained to me what I could have done better. In this way I gained my freedom from trying to please him.

In 1995, after caring for him with dementia, I created a theater piece, “Why Can’t I Be Everywhere”, and played my own version of madness.

In 2000, I realized I was the only one who could make me happy. Out popped “Quirky Circus”.

In 2003, I stayed in a dune shack for three weeks and made 21 objects. These led me to a performance piece called “Prnch/Trnk”. Some of those constructions are here in niches, boxes.

In 2011, I performed small shadow and projection pieces called “Snap Shows” in living rooms.

In 2018 I slipped on the ice on the way to the last dance performance of Meredith Monk. I got frozen shoulder. How to get my mind off the pain? Paint? I began this daily practice.

In 2021 I stayed in a dune shack collaging small canvases each morning, drawing in the afternoon. Some are upstairs.

In 2022 I joined Castle Hill and the Yellow Chair Salon, a group of practicing artists mentored by Michael David. In this, my Third Half, the spigot is wide open.

Your Part: Will you write on a card?

This show is an opportunity to learn more about art and each other.

What is art for? How does art work on us?

(You don’t need to sign it, though I’d love if you do)

Any words… What you feel looking at one piece? Write the # of the piece. Where do you go when you see this? What does it remind you of? Any response in your body, mind, heart, spirit. Or write to me ellen@QuirkyCircus.com.

This life is to help each other grow, I believe. May this show strengthen that bond.

PS Ginnie Peterson is my Curator, cc’d. Photo Credit: Tom Geyer.