Danville Artist Chosen For Exhibit At San Francisco's De Young

DANVILLE, CA — Danville artist Peggy Magovern was born half-deaf. It's a gift that she celebrates for making her more visually astute, she said.

It's also a gift that's brought her closer to her dear friend Carol, who is also deaf. The women have bonded over their challenges and desire to visually express themselves, she said.

Magovern spent about three months working full-time on a portrait of Carol, which was recently selected to be featured in an upcoming exhibit of Bay Area artists at San Francisco's de Young Museum.

Her face and sweater were created with colored pencil, while the background is oil pastel.

"Art is another way for humans to communicate," she said.

Carol is widowed, living alone in San Francisco and now struggling with her mobility. But adversity has never kept her down, Magovern said.

"The thing that has never changed is her inner strength, her resolve to get through what she's facing," she said.

The portrait carries an air of mystery. There's a dichotomy in her face; a melancholy in her eyes and strength in her jaw, Magovern said.

Some see peace.

Others see anger. Magovern believes they're reading into Carol's resolve.

The fact that this portrait was chosen to appear in the de Young was deeply meaningful to Magovern, who became immersed in her work and feels a strong connection to the piece.

"Realizing that you are vulnerable doesn't make you have to live your life as somebody who's handicapped," Magovern said.

See more of Magovern's work here and learn more about the de Young open.