Elizabeth de Bethune

As a member of a very large extended family, Elizabeth de Bethune studies families and relationships.

"Family is our social life," she says. "There's always a wedding, graduation or funeral to attend.”

Liz's works are figurative, showing people engaged in daily events and social rituals that explore their sense of self and group affinity. Her subjects, not surprisingly, are her extended family and community, including Yonkers residents.

"I'm always drawn to the issue of belonging, either to one's self or to a group," she says. "I am curious abut what creates a sense of cohesion or separation."

Liz, 48, has worked as a teaching artist throughout the tri-state area since earning her MFA from SUNY Purchase in 1991, working for, among others, the Westchester Arts Council and the Hudson River Museum. She also teaches art at the High School for American Studies at Lehman College.

She paints and prints by hand in her home studio, which she shares with her partner of 22 years, Eileen O'Connor, and their daughter, Maeve, Maeve's father and his partner, several dogs and cats and two bee hives.

To find out more about her work, visit her Westchester Arts Council Page listed below or contact her directly (information on that page)

http://www.westarts.com/West_Directory/Artist_Details.php?artist_id=162