Warner Gallery Features Works by Alumna Mary Nelson Sinclair '03 and Husband Matthew Cruise


Alumna Mary Nelson Sinclair '03 and her husband, Matthew Cruise, joined us for the opening of their art exhibition in the Warner Gallery on October 6th. Titled Returning//Arriving, the exhibition features sculpture, painting, works on paper, furniture, and brass pieces.

Mary Nelson, who now lives in Brooklyn, NY, and is represented in galleries in New York City and Charlotte, NC, attended the Pratt Institute after graduating from Millbrook. There she studied fine arts with a focus on printmaking and painting, and the exhibition includes some of the works that she created during college.

"When I initially approached this exhibition, I had planned to only debut my newest body of work - the brass pieces," said Mary Nelson. "But, as time went on and my work with this new medium progressed, I realized that the subject matter I was depicting in the new pieces embodied all of the different processes and aesthetics of my work from the past twelve years. It was then that I decided how imperative it was to show that past work I had created since leaving Millbrook."

Matthew was inspired by Mary Nelson when creating his pieces for the exhibition:

"I wanted to take a page out of my wife's book and pursue something I like to call organic repetition," he said. This can be seen in the repetitive use of materials, colors, and patterns used in his furniture and sculpture, which shows confusing geometry and a vibrant turquoise patina.

"I feel lucky to showcase the work I've been passionate about since I was thirteen; never mind being able to show it alongside the love of my life," he said.

It is fitting for Mary Nelson and Matthew to return to Millbrook for the exhibition, not only because of Mary Nelson's deep roots as an alumna but also because they were recently married at Millbrook during the summer of 2016. "Millbrook is...truly one of the most beautiful places and is so special to me and my family,” she stated recently in an interview with Vogue about her wedding.

We were thrilled to welcome both Mary Nelson and Matthew back to campus and to host their exhibition in the Warner Gallery, which will remain open until November 1st. Those who are unable to visit in-person can see images here.

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