The Edwardsville Arts Center and the Bank of Madison County presents...

The Memories We Do Not Frame

By Artist Ruthy Reyna - Siegel

OPENING RECEPTION:

Date: September 20th, 2025

Time: 9:30am-11:30am

Location: Bank of Madison County 119 S Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025

This show will be availiable for viewing until October 15th during Bank of Madison County’s open hours.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I seek out memories seen not only through the camera obscura but also through cognitive development. To me, memory is like an internal stop-motion film. Fragments of these memories are highlighted with color and carry distinct emotions. Childhood bubbles floating are weightless images that evoke imaginative feelings. A dandelion isn’t a weed when a child holds it; it’s a symbol of nature’s magic. Being “present” in these memories sparks feelings that leave a watermark on our minds. I am interested in how people perceive the same thing differently. I am constantly inspired by life, its inconsistencies and intensity, and I feel compelled to explore this through my painting. When I divide my time between being an artist and a parent, my main passion remains painting. Each experience of parenthood, like my daughter blowing bubbles, fascinates me with her wonder at childhood magic. I am driven to translate that magic onto canvas. I use painting as my lens to express how I experience life as a Mexican-American daughter of immigrants, wife, and mother. I strive to be “present” in motherhood. I focus on capturing fragments of moments and interpreting them into small oil panels with a Polaroid-like feel. I believe viewers engage with art by being “present” with it and are inspired to craft their own stories from what they see. I dedicate my work to portraying scenes that draw viewers into my world—highlighting details and experiences that evoke memories, desires, or spark imagination. I aim to quiet the busy mind and reignite childhood curiosity, allowing viewers to connect through their feelings and interpretations. These are the missing photographs of our childhood, the way we remember them.