GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA.- "Family Matters" is a body of work by artist Janice DeLoof incorporating theatrical like installations, assembled painted furniture and domestic objects, and small mixed media wall paintings that represent symbols and signs from the artist's memories. Small mise en scenes portrayed by miniature tables and chairs depict the tension and drama that lies underneath family life. These works are storyboard like scenes of family stories told with furniture in different modes and positions representing the actors.

Some of the assembled installations like “Family Secrets,” and “Genealogical Differences” are – part theater, part game board - that play with notions of self-identification and dialogue, using art as a framing device. Participants seated in a circle in “Conversations with the Rose Petal” Rug (an interactive art piece) will be invited to talk with others about "Family Matters.” Fragments of photos of various family members are "woven" with rose petals in the Rose Petal Rug in the center of the circle of painted chairs.

The art begins the conversation about feelings and relationships; the mind of the viewer completes it. Conversation both private and public is an exchange - an attempt by the individual to integrate or reconcile with others in the community. To converse is to identify one’s self in relation to another person or idea. Art becomes a tool for investigating the structures of social interaction.

"Conversations with the Rose Petal Rug" will be held with the artist on Saturday, October 23, 2004, 4:00 - 5:00pm and Saturday, November 13, 2004, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm.

Brand Library & Art Center can be reached via the 5 freeway north to Western St. exit, go east 2 miles on Western to Mountain Street to the Brand Library & Art Center, 1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale, California 91201-1200.