Bates Art Center

Jean Detrick

Existing To Remain, 2006, collage drawing on architectural plan
Contents of a Fire Proof Box
A playing card, the ten of clubs;
A bride's lace handkerchief, clean as the hands that scrubbed these floors,
faded as her photograph;
And, fifty years remaining in this place, the memory of her blueberry pie.

Jean Detrick is a historically-inspired artist, social historian, and writer. Her dual background in history and art, experience with archival preservation, and passion for historic architecture, mixed together with a generous helping of activism and a dash of humor, produce some distinctly unusual art. Current projects include an ongoing series of large-scale collage drawings incorporating written commentary on architectural plans for urban redevelopment, and a series of small collages in book cover format, inspired by the absurdist writings of the nineteenth century English artist, author, and curious personage Edward Lear. Each December, Jean creates a splendid, multifaceted, multi-media installation interpreting social history through the historical decorative arts, called "A Victorian Christmas," for the edification and enjoyment of visitors to Norwood's Fred Holland Day House Museum.