Genevieve seems fearless. She spent nearly a decade as a touring musician, and then she up and went to Africa, documenting animals for local and international NGOs “and managing to not get eaten by anything (thought she did get bitten by a cheetah.)” She returned to the U.S., to the stage, to the studio, continued working in Public Relations and composing music, culminating in her third full-length album available this fall. Also, she’s written a book about a bug.
Pollak Gallery is located within the cultural center of the MidAtlantic: Monmouth University of West Long Branch, New Jersey – just an hour from Philadelphia or New York City.
Nanci France-Vaz creates incredibly realistic paintings with surreal themes. She comes up with idea for a background, then works from a photo of the subject. Her Instagram feed is full of little process videos like this one:
Genevieve is one of several woman musicians featured in France-Vaz’s exhibit,
Metamorphosis: Portraits of Song, on display MAR 25 – MAY 2, 2024, including a one-night concert in conjunction with the exhibit’s opening. I got a chance to talk with Gen about it before the event.
me: How did you get involved?
Gen: Through a friend, the artist’s husband! I had no idea what I’m getting myself into. There was a last minute cancellation, so he suggested they approach me. “…but first I’ll have to paint you…” I told her (France-Vaz) about my background as an animal activist and nature advocate, and she came up with a concept. Then we did a photo shoot so she could have a photo to work from. She came up with the concept, took the pic to use as a guide, and then painted it all from scratch.
Genevieve and her portrait by Nancy France-Vaz, photo by Vaune Peck
me: So how long did it take her to finish the (last minute) painting of you, and what size is it?
Gen: It took her about two weeks, I think. And it’s pretty small. Mine is the smallest of all of them because of timing: my painting is 12×16, and the largest one is 34×48.
me: As an artist, I like the size 16×24! Are you all musically similar?
Gen: All five of us are very different musically.
Christine Elise is vibey, ethereal.
Pam McCoy is like folk rock.
Mary McCrink is very folk. Laura Johnson is more rock. She’s performing solo, but usually she’s part of Moroccan Sheepherders (
sheepherders.com) or
Strumberry Pie. Each person gets to choose 3 of their own original songs and we’re doing a bunch of covers. We’ll sit in with each other. We’ve had practices; we’re all coming together…it’s magical.
me: You do A LOT OF THINGS. do you have any advice for young girls to help harness their fearlessness instead of packing it away for an imaginary later?
Gen: Say yes to the things you’re afraid of, and the things you’re told you shouldn’t do. Also don’t be afraid to say no. People are going to test your values. Find your values, know what they are, and stick to them.
I spoke with Gen again afterward. She said, “The event was a huge success and magical. We hope to do something like it again in the future.” You can see Genevieve’s wildlife images and peruse her Public Relations services at
Late Shift Media.
Pollak Gallery always has something magical afoot. Go there, if you can.
debora Ewing writes, paints, and screams at the stars because the world is still screwed up. She improves what she can with
music collaboration, peer review for
Consilience Science-Based Poetry Journal, and book design at
Igneus Press. Find her art and word everywhere, including
Jerry Jazz Musician,
Shot Glass Journal,
Beyond Words Literary Magazine,
Cholla Needles, and
Dodging the Rain. Follow her on
“X” and Instagram
@DebsValidation, and into seedy pool halls but probably not dark alleys.
