Dogfight, Chewey and Baby, 2022; silk, wool, cotton, organza, enamel, wood; 26” x 48”
Artist Abbey Muza.
Congratulations to Abbey Muza (2022 Fellow) on their Fulbright-Harriet Hale Wooley Residency at the Fondation des États-Unis. Muza is currently participating in their Artist Residency in Paris, France, where they have begun a series of tapestries inspired by queer artists and writers of Paris. Much of Muza’s residency involves diligent research in the archives, similar to the work they conducted while at Ox-Bow as the Leroy Neiman Historic Preservation Fellow. In a Q&A Muza shared they were “delighted to learn that Ox-Bow’s history is actually linked to what [they’re] looking at in Paris.” The beloved caretaker of Ox-Bow, Mary Kay Bettles lived on campus for years with her partner Jean Palmer and Jean Palmer’s sister, the feminist writer Margaret C. Anderson – founder, editor, and publisher of The Little Review – eventually decamped to France and joined the bustling literary scene of Paris in the 1920’s, which Muza is now researching today.
Photo Caption: Archival Photo. Mary Kay, Jean Palmer, and Norm Deam enjoy a canoe ride on the lagoon.
Mary Kay’s Legacy
Jean Palmer and Mary Kay Bettles lived at Ox-Bow in one of the many quaint cottages scattered at the edge of the Tallmadge woods. The cabin the couple called home is now named the Mary Kay in honor of the woman many referred to lovingly as the Sheriff of Ox-Bow. Nowadays, the building is used as housing and studio space for Faculty, Students, and Visiting Artists… though guests might share the space with an unexpected visitor. Many individuals on campus have claimed to have encountered the spirit of Mary Kay in the cabin. Fittingly, the place has also become a staple feature at Ox-Bow Goes to Hell. This past weekend Artists participating in Residence Evil, dressed the cabin up in the spookiest of fashions creating a haunt we’re sure our visitors will remember for many moons to come.
Photo Caption: Mary Kay crouches down to pet her dog on the meadow. Archival Photo.
Fun Fact:
Did you know about Mary Kay’s love of dogs? She was especially fond of her German Shepherds. Next time you’re on campus, pay Mary Kay’s old home a visit: you’ll find her tribute to one of her dear four legged friends behind the cabin.
If you have news or stories you’d like to share about your time at Ox-Bow or beyond, you can contact Engagement Liaison & Storyteller, Shanley Poole, at spoole@ox-bow.org.