Teri calls herself a 3-D painter, building her paintings, layer upon layer, on boxes instead of flat canvas. Many of Teri’s paintings extend out into the viewers’ space by the very nature of the box upon which they are painted. As you look at the painting and the layers become more apparent, the work not only metaphorically expands into the viewers’ space even more, but also pulls the viewer into it’s realm. And it isn’t always a nice place to be.

Sloop de Muur (Demolition The Wall) 2008 acrylic on canvas with strings and staples 18 x 50 x 4

This is where the activist part comes in. Teri is passionate about life and is an active participant. A couple of the things that she feels strongly about include working against domestic violence and child abuse. These themes are sometimes reflected in Teri’s work – from afar, a painting may look beautiful with warm colors and loving images. But as you come closer, you can start to pick out some more disturbing images – maybe a fist or a tear. Maybe something is broken and improperly put back together. Come closer still and you might make out some writing on a layer underneath – a poem or a question or just some random words. Look closer still – you are bound to see something more.

Sloop de Muur (detail)

It is that same passion that Teri brought to her art students at a local middle school. When I asked if she’ll miss teaching since taking over as Executive Director at Yeiser Art Center, Teri said that she wouldn’t because she planned on continuing to teach; it’s just a change of venue.

Yes, Teri Moore has some big plans for the Yeiser Art Center and all of Paducah is going to benefit from them. “Education and community are essential components of the original mission of the Yeiser Art Center,” Teri says. “And they are both dear to me.” It’s a perfect match.

Stop by the Yeiser and meet Teri – you’ll be glad you did. Yeiser Art Center, 200 Broadway, Downtown, Paducah, phone 270.442.2453.

by Erica Moore