Working with Wendy on my exhibition at SJIMA was one of the most rewarding collaborative experiences I've had with a curator. From our very first exchange, her thoughtfulness was immediately apparent, and her skill and competence were equally evident, carrying through every stage of the process. What struck me throughout was how communicative she was at every step. I was never left wondering where things stood or what came next. She was always responsive to my questions and ideas, treating each one as worthy of genuine consideration. Her perfectionism matched my own, and there was something deeply reassuring about working alongside someone who cared just as much as I did about every detail. I could trust that the presentation of my work was safe in her hands.
Every decision, from the placement of individual pieces to the font used in the wall text, was made with care and intention. She also conducted a wonderful interview with me that brought a new dimension to how my work was presented to the public. Beyond the work itself, I also treasure that we became friends along the way—the kind of friendship that grows naturally when two people are fully present and invested in something they both care about and love. I left the experience feeling not only that my work had been presented beautifully and authentically, but that I had gained a true collaborator and kindred spirit. - Emily McIlroy - All Is a Circle Within Me - San Juan Islands Museum of Art - 2025
I had the great fortune to do the Painting of the Week podcast with art documentary filmmaker Phil Grabsky last fall. Take a listen as we discuss artist Emily McIlroy’s epic artwork titled River of Their Passing.
Podcast day - Phil Grabsky & myself.
All images my own unless otherwise specified. Image of Emily and I with wall graphics by Marty Huyette