The cafe will welcome Ms Brinkman with an opening reception on Sunday, March 14, from 3 to 5 pm. The public is cordially invited to meet the artist, view the exhibition, and learn more about her works while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine. The collection will remain on view until May 10.

Small iconic sculptures have been used throughout history to promote happiness, luck, wealth and even misfortune.  The Venus of Willendorf, for example, was an icon of fertility and one of the oldest artifacts on the planet. Whatever an idol’s meaning, it is common that we fill our homes and our lives with them.

Ms Brinkman brings a contemporary style to the idea of the home idol. She makes very fashionable empowered “Spirit Dolls” using local found fabrics and other materials. They have a sleek curvy shape, cinched at the waste by ornamented belts. These dolls and their hand painted faces become transformed into icons of empowerment, goodwill and femininity.

As Ms Brinkman experiences various environments the materials she encounters help facilitate the dolls’ make-up and sculptural qualities. First she used moss and other natural products.  As her experiences and travels continue Ms Brinkman has begun to incorporate real and synthetic furs, various jewels and other eclectic details. Each doll is different, but similar, almost like a large family with different features showing up in various bloodlines.

Ms Brinkman’s dolls can be found as far west as Colorado and as far south as Key West in boutique style gift shops and galleries.  She also donates dolls regularly to Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital.

The artist graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. She has been a wig stylist for various Broadway productions, as well as a freelance illustrator. Currently she is represented by Harrison Gallery in Key West, Fla.

Good News Café & Gallery, at 694 Main Street South (Route 6) in Woodbury, is open Monday, and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 10 pm; and Sunday from noon until 10 pm; telephone 203-266-4663.