Not so long ago, Cynthia Hagedorn was making her living almost exclusively as an abstract painter. From the streets of Holland to the fields of a Snoop Dog performance at Rothbury, or on stage Holland Symphony Orchestra playing Pictures at an Exhibition, auctioning off work for Betsy DeVos Children's Hospital, Hagedorn was pushing through canvas after canvas capturing the vibrance of the moment.
"It's always fun to create that kind of energy with art," Hagedorn said.
However, there came a point that the expectation to create so many works on the spot was beginning to water it down.
"I realized that I needed other experiences around it in order to appreciate the moment."
Hagedorn describes her work as relationship-driven - at times even given to spontaneous and exuberant collaboration. It explores the query: where do I fit in the world? Fortuitously, and refreshingly, the themes in Hagedorn's work are not relegated solely to paint on canvas. Now the intersections of art and life with others, branching out from Holland and West Michigan to Chicago and Detroit.
Though she does not reflect the implication of her company's name, Square Peg Events, LLC, Hagedorn takes on myriad projects and collaborations which often overlap or seem to develop simultaneously. She recently moved into an office in downtown Holland, and from there can coordinate events, host private studio sessions, facilitate kids camps, and maybe even paint if she feels so inclined.
"It's been helpful to diversify myself in this economy," she says.
Initially, she was completely freelance, and had to strong-arm some into participating in such things like her Live Mannequin and Living Sculpture events. These events made such a splash that now, she is sought out and supported in a number of new and adventurous efforts connecting the public with the arts or their community.
As the Downtown Docent, she gives tours of Holland and assists travelers with recommendations. She took inspiration from organizing local chefs to present demonstrations at the Farmer's Market, as well as a cue from Chicago Food Tours, to begin various epicurean themed tours.
Using her degree in Art Anthropology, she is also quite fond of organizing kids' art camps at her studio space. She emphasizes the history and context of things while allowing children to dive deeply in and explore the materials that she provides. Throughout December, themes range from recycled wrapping paper, to Seurat and Beethoven, to Tutsi Baskets and Weaves of Cloths. She also hosts private studio and touring events for adults.
Keep your eyes open for more news from Hagedorn: she is tireless, and filled with good ideas. She just received permission to host a family Snow Ball Formal at the gorgeously maintained 5/3 Bank lobby in downtown Holland, and has more living sculpture events in the works, not to mention the preparation for a solo show in the spring. "Work hard, play hard, that's just how I am." she says. Somehow, with Hagedorn one suspects that she doesn't often differentiate the two.
