blonde in winter, an interdisciplinary art exhibition by jess petrylak
exhibition february 12, 2027 6–8pm
galentine’s market february 13, 2027 11am–2pm
tanfastic sun tan center
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blonde in winter is a site specific installation staged after hours inside tanfastic sun tan center in binghamton, ny. the project transforms the tanning salon into an immersive environment exploring warmth, memory and feminine labor.
this exhibition draws from the artist's childhood summers spent in ocean city, maryland with her cousin, who now operates the salon. this personal connection grounds the project in shared memory, matrilineal lineage and the ritual of feminine spaces.
as part of blonde in winter, visitors will be invited to participate in a communal "warmth altar" within the installation. the alter will function as both a donation site and reflective space centered on care, memory and feminine labor. guests will be encouraged to bring gloves, scarves, blankets, pajamas and/or other comfort items to donate to local shelters and nonprofit organizations that support women and families in need.
the following saturday, the salon will host a galentine’s market, promoting woman-owned and centered businesses.
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thank you.
this project is made possible with public funds from the statewide community regrants program, a regrant program of the new york state council on the arts with the support of the governor's office and the new york state legislature, and administered by the earlville opera house. additional support for the broome scr program graciously provided by the stewart w. and willma c. hoyt foundation, inc.