Sally Little Danyo Gallery Features Linda Popp
- Chris Gold, Gallery Chair
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Linda Popp's solo exhibition brings together a compelling body of assemblage sculpture that explores the intricate relationships between time, feminine beauty, and acts of love.
Through layered materials and thoughtful composition, Popp reflects on how these themes intersect, may it be capturing fleeting moments, personal narratives, and the quiet gestures that define human connection. From intimate, delicate constructions to more expansive sculptural statements, the pieces collectively invite reflection on memory, transformation, and the enduring presence of beauty in everyday life.
BIOGRAPHY
Linda Popp is originally from Chicago but has lived in the Baltimore area since 1974. She retired from teaching visual arts with Baltimore County Public Schools (30 years in secondary art and 11 years as the Visual Arts Coordinator). She then taught in the Maryland Institute, College of Art MAT Program. Linda supervised student teachers at Towson University, then retired again in 2021. She was on the Maryland Art Education Association Council, is an MAEA Distinguished Fellow, and even has an MAEA Leadership Award named in her honor. Linda has served on the National Art Education Association Council as the Secondary Division Director and Eastern Region Vice-President and is a NAEA Distinguished Fellow. She has received numerous state and national awards for her teaching and leadership. Linda maintained a strong studio practice and exhibitions while teaching.
Since retiring, she has shifted her focus full-time to her studio work. Linda is a member of numerous galleries and collectives. She consistently exhibits her work in local galleries and other venues outside of the area. She maintains a website, www.lindapopp.com, and www.bakerartists.org/portfolio/linda-popp and presents her work on Instagram @lpoppart. She has had solo exhibits at Gallery Blue Door in Baltimore, and the Leu Gallery, Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and was invited to participate in the “Baltimore Assemblage Exhibit” at Hamilton Art Gallery, 2023. Linda was selected for the “Constructed Stories & Fabricated Forms” Exhibit, Assemblage Sculpture by Eight Regional Artists, in Havre de Grace, 2024. She will have a solo exhibit at York Art Association in April, 2026, and be in a group show, “Some Assembly Required” November, 2026 at Hamilton Art Gallery. Linda continues to host assemblage workshops in-person and via zoom from her studio. She has presented workshops at Frederick Community College, Towson University, Stevenson University, Belmont University, Towson Arts Collective, Carroll County Arts Council, St. Michaels Art League, and the National Art Education Association Conference. She was the artist in residence at St. James Academy, teaching assemblage sculpture to 350 students in 2025.
Artist Statement and Statements on each series:
I create narrative found object assemblage sculptures I use artifacts and symbolic objects to convey stories about relationships with family, place, love, faith, nature, self, time, and other themes. During the process, I go beyond my personal stories and the narrative becomes universal as I feel our stories are all connected. Some objects/symbols are obvious; others may be interpreted by viewers differently as they bring their own experiences to the work. I enjoy the idea that something from my story may cause others to reflect on their own narrative. Reflection on personal narratives in order to better understand self and others is a very powerful experience that continues to draw me to the studio and my work. I have come to trust my collecting and allow objects to come to me during the art-making process. Many of the titles of my work come from music, books, and poetry that then guide my intention as I assemble my found objects.
As Zora Neale Hurston states, we are each “a jumble of small things priceless and worthless.” We can share our experiences, our hopes and dreams, our fears and loves, through objects we collect along the way. Being a woman and of a certain age, I attempt to share my unique perspective in my work. I am resilient and have first-hand knowledge to share. In the "Blue Zones" where people live the longest, one of the characteristics that they share is a sense of purpose. I am extremely grateful for the sense of purpose my artmaking gives me.
Statement for Relationship with Time Series:
As I am aging, I am very aware of "Enjoying The Passing Of Time." In this series I am reflecting on past experiences enjoyed and new adventures that I am looking forward to. I think both activities are very important for our mental and emotional health. Sadly, seniors are often invisible in our society, but I am trying to say, "don't move so fast." We still have dreams to fulfill. If we have made it this far, we are pretty resilient and have first-hand knowledge to share. We are also appreciative of each day and don't take our time on this earth for granted. I am not going to waste my time on the "small stuff," and will cherish my good fortune. In the "Blue Zones" where people live the longest, one of the characteristics that they have in common is a sense of purpose. I am extremely grateful for the sense of purpose my art-making gives me.....and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon!
Statement for Relationship with Female Beauty/Image:
Women are bombarded with images of how we should look, what we should wear, the products we should use. Our face, our hair, our bodies are judged by some unrealistic standard. No wonder so many young girls struggle with body image. At the other end of the spectrum, we older women often feel we are invisible. I do feel that some women are now standing up to this barrage and reminding us that we are each beautiful in our own way. I am trying to do my part in this effort. I started collecting vintage compacts and beauty products and was motivated to create a series of work reminding us that we are so much more than our reflection in the mirror. All women and girls, all sizes, shapes, colors, ages, vocations and locations should feel beautiful about themselves. Whether you are a cowgirl or a ballerina "Embrace Yourself As You Are." I created an Affirmation Series..."Because She Was, She Was Beautiful."
Statement for the Cooking Is Love Series:
How many meals does one prepare in a lifetime? Sometimes it may feel just like a chore. I am thinking of Love Language and recognizing that cooking is one of the many ways we show our love for family, friends, and ourselves. Whether we are celebrating a holiday with a big family meal, making soup for a sick friend, or packing daily lunches, we need to recognize that it is an act of love. I imagine these small works hanging in a kitchen and reminding the cook/chef to smile and know their labor of love is truly appreciated.