Christine Mitchell Adams: I Am Your Playground

Pierson Library, Shelburne, VT | August 26 - September 30, 2023, during library hours. A reception will be held on Sunday, September 17th from 3-4:30 pm in the hallway (where the exhibit is shown) and living room of the first floor of the library.

I Am Your Playground explores the shifting sense of self and identity as a parent/caregiver within the lens of play. As a parent, your body is often at the mercy of your child’s play and exploration. You become a jungle gym to climb, a bridge to crawl under, a pony to ride on, a doll to dress up, a road to drive cars on, or playdough to manipulate. Through my drawings, I depict a variety of these very physical identities while also exploring the emotionality of them. There is the mental, emotional, and physical toll of the invisible labor of caregiving and parenting. Simultaneously, the fierce love and connection that is built through physical touch and being the safe space that fosters your child’s expansive imagination.

I hope this body of work prompts conversation for anyone wishing to engage: as our identities shift as parents, how does that influence our sense of self within and outside of our caregiving role? As we focus on the development and growth of our children and create environments for them to thrive, how do we also nurture our own growth?

If you’d like to share your thoughts on these prompts, there will be blank paper and a jar in the corner of the exhibit where you may leave a note. You can also send me an email here.

Please contact me at christinemitchelladams <at> gmail.com if you are interested in collecting a piece.