About

 

Maureen Seltzer’s Art 

Artist Statement 

Seltzers Art pieces made by Maureen Seltzer of Youngsville North Carolina using torn paper collage work. From far away it is hard to tell that the artwork is made up of tiny pieces of history of everyday life, but upon closer observation you will see bits and pieces of music sheets, old book pages, completed crossword puzzles, or even a map…this allows me to take others along on the journey of creating my art. The sheets of paper have color and texture added, then are torn and collaged much like a painter would lay brushstrokes. Each unique picture is made of torn paper, no paint is used on top of the paper.


How is this done? Each collage allows me to explore both the abstract and realism in one piece of art . Once the idea is planted in my head it is quickly under-painted in acrylic paint onto the canvas acting as a road map for the collage. After the underpainting is finished, it is on to monoprinting on the papers! With old book pages, sheet music, maps, completed crossword puzzles or even someone’s sentimental papers such as wedding invitations in hand, I select the papers that will be used on each unique piece of art. 


I often find my mind wondering about the people that once owned the papers and, in some strange way, it guides me on my artistic journey until each piece is complete. All while saving once used papers from the trash! 


Having mono printed papers ready the next part of this process begins. Tearing and gluing the papers down much like a painter lays a brushstroke using matte medium. Did you know that there is something very zen and relaxing about ripping paper and then gluing it down? I love watching these abstract papers turn into a very realistic piece of art. When this is finished each piece of art has three coats of U.V. varnish applied to seal it. There is no paint added after the paper is placed onto the canvas. 


Each piece of art tells its own story through papers used to create the picture. 

AWARDS & REGONITION____________________________________________________

  • 2023- 30 x 30 Art, Nature, and Science: Directors Prize (art piece purchased by the museum) 

  • 2019-2021– If Mother Nature Could Dance Art Competition- Art piece won and was displayed as part of the Spot Light Mural Program in Wake Forest NC 

  • 2017- Wild Horse Show: 3rd place in the Mixed Media Category  

SOLO ART SHOWS___________________________________________________________

2019-Present 

  • January- March 2024- Absolutely Abstract and Really Real Collage (Invitational Show): Mims Gallery at Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount NC- 21 art pieces selected. 

  • August 2023- Chef’s Palette Independent Art Show (Invitational Show): Chef’s Palette Restaurant, Cary NC 

  • August 2022- Independent Small Works Show: Renaissance Center, Wake Forest NC 

  • July 2022- Stroll Through the Garden: WakeMed North, Raleigh NC 

  • November 2020- It’s a Zoo Out There: WakeMed North, Raleigh NC 

  • October 2021- EIEIO: WakeMed North, Raleigh NC 

  • December 2016- January 2017- Invitational Solo Art Show: Turtle Nest Gallery, Emerald Isle NC

JURIED GROUP ART SHOWS___________________________________________

2016- Present 

  • February 2024- Showcase at Hair Undone, Wake Forest NC

  • January 2024- Showcase at Frabjous, Wake Forest NC

  • March- July 2023- 30 x 30 Art, Nature, and Science: The Museum of Life and Science, Durham NC

  • May- August 202- Animalia: Imperial Center, Rocky Mount NC  

  • May 2021- Spring to Life: 311 Gallery, Raleigh NC 

  • March 2021- Turtles Art Show: Going Local, Wilmington NC 

  • November- December 2021- Featured Artist 2D Work Critters Show: Banks of the Arts, New Bern NC 

  • May-September 2019- Mr. Chips Invitational Show: Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount NC

  • March 2018- Mad as a March Hare: NC Arts Incubator, Siler City NC 

  • July 2017- Experiments in Fiber: Yadkin Arts Council,Yadkinville NC

  • July 2017- Wild Horse Show: Carolina Artist Gallery, Morehead City NC 

MARKETS & FESTIVALS _______________________________________________

2019-Present 

  • July 2024- Festival for the Eno: Durham NC 

  • May 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019- Arts in the Park: Richmond VA 

  • April 2024- Art on the Square: Williamsburg VA

  • April 2024, 2023 - ForestFest: Wake Forest NC

  • December 2023- Art Markert @ Atlas Apartments: Durham NC

  • December 2023, 2022,2021- Boylan Heights ArtWalk: Raleigh NC 

  • December 2023,2022, 2021- Holiday Artisan Market: Wake Forest NC 

  • November 2023- Imperial Center: Rocky Mount NC

  • November 2023- Anniversary Party DAG 75: Durham NC

  • November 2023, 2022- Jingle Mingle: Rocky Mount NC

  • October 2023- FestiFall: Chapel Hill NC

  • September 2023,2022, - CenterFest: Durham NC

  • August 2023, 2022- Arts at Sutherland: Wake Forest NC

  • October 2022- Autumn Arts Festival: Wake Forest NC

  • April 2022- Spring Market: Wake Forest NC 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT _____________________________________________

2017-Present 

  • Wake Forest Guild of Artists Steering Committee Member (Present) 

  • Wake Forest Parks and Recreation: Art Instructor (Present) 

  • NC State Craft Center: Art Instructor (Present) 

  • City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation: Art Instructor (Retired 2024) 

  • Start Wake Forest Artist Loft at Wake Forest Coffee 

  • Wake County Regional Library Guest Artist 

  • Northwest Regional Library Guest Artist

  • Cameron Village Regional Library Guest Artist  

  • Southeast Regional Library Guest Artist 

  • North Regional Library Guest Artist 

  • Contributing Artist for Gel Press

  • Jerry's Artarama Live Show Guest Artist