SARA HASSLINGER

SARA HASSLINGER
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 BIO

People and relationships are my ultimate inspiration. A friend of mine recently said, “Sara loves everybody!” And I do find qualities in every person that I admire and can connect to. Growing up as a latch key kid, I had to be resourceful in cultivating connection with others. That gift informs my work now.  

I attended Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and earned a BA in Art Education from UW-Milwaukee. I also earned a Cosmetology Certificate from Milwaukee’s technical college. While working as a hair stylist supported me financially, it also allowed me to gain insights into people’s lives and the human condition.

These insights led to Monsterlove, which began in 2002. In Austin Tx, Monsterlove took on a life of its own. I facilitated workshops where we built over-sized helmet masks from recycled materials. At its peak, CTC International funded me to travel to Mai Mahiu, Kenya to hold a mask-making workshop which culminated in the village center where mask-makers, adorned by their creations, danced with their community. Monsterlove lives on. I recently taught a workshop in Wenatchee WA where the workshop participants and I wore our masks in the city’s Apple Blossom parade. 

I look to expand my artwork throughout Washington State. I live in Wenatchee and have had numerous opportunities to create public art here. Of this work, the murals, Greetings From WENATCHEE and Our Lady of Guadalupe have been the most rewarding.

STATEMENT

It is challenging to put into words, the joy I put into art. It is a problem-solving process. My motto is, “Jump in, start loose, and solve problems as they come.” Throughout each project, I enter a flow state searching for contrast of light and dark. Critical points arise that call for revision. These are the moments I know I‘m onto real art. I strive to get each element to align to convey the overall purpose of the piece.

I employ a wide range of art media and forms. Recently, I’ve focused on murals for which I use acrylic house paint in upbeat colors and compositions.

While I want to support my son and myself through art commissions, my quest to connect people and build community motivates my work. Uniqueness of individuals and diversity of the collective inspire me. Subject matter and visuals must relate to the community and its environment. Success is defined by observers relating to and feeling proud to be included in the work. I pour love into my art intending to add positivity to its environment. I aspire to uplift audiences and get them to not only feel that love, but to share it.

I love collaboration and community!  Check out my Human Paint Drops project that I did in Chelan WA.  It took a group of people to create a powerful image of one being.

Participate in my Monsterlove project...and transform yourself and the world around you!

Find out more

Please contact me for collaborations, community art, workshops, commissioned pieces, and live painting! 

Find out more

PRESS


  • 2022  Foothills Magazine https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/ncwfoothills/the-therapy-in-monstrosity/article_c3bd81d2-4a78-11ed-8970-3fe5edb84426.html
  • 2018  The Good Life (magazine) August Edition Wenatchee, WA http://www.bloggingthegoodlife.com/arts/big-headed-art-im-motivated-to-make-art-that-basically-moves-the-audience-to-let-their-freak-flag-fly/
  •  2012  Austin Chronicle's, Best Way to Unleash Your Inner Beast Award, Austin TX https://www.austinchronicle.com/best-of-austin/year:2012/poll:critics/category:kids/monsterlove-best-way-to-bust-out-your-inner-beast/
  • 2004  Riverwest Currents, Milwaukee WI, https://riverwestcurrents.org/2004/03/alls-well-on-farwell.html                               

ART SHOWS

2018  Gilded Lily Storefront,  Fish Lady Mannequin Heads, Wenatchee WA

2018  Riverwalk Inn, Chelan WA, Summer Display 

2017  Radar Station, Wenatchee WA, Orphan Show 

2016  Artisan Bakery, Chelan WA, Anonymous Show

2014  Riverwalk Inn, Chelan WA, Summer Display

2011  Trashion Show, Austin Contemporary Art Museum

2010  East Austin Studio Tour (MONSTERLOVE STUDIO) 

2009  East Austin Studio Tour (MONSTERLOVE STUDIO) 

2008  East Austin Studio Tour (MONSTERLOVE STUDIO) 


EDUCATION

 2003  Cosmetology Diploma from Milwaukee Area Technical College 

 2001  Bachelors of Art and Education Degree from University Wisconsin Milwaukee 

1997  Foundation year at the Milwaukee  Institute of Art and Design


MORE...

MY ART

MONSTERLOVE

MONSTERLOVE

Painting, Signage, Murals

, Monsterlove, Paper Mache, and Community Art.

MONSTERLOVE

MONSTERLOVE

MONSTERLOVE

What is it!?

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS

Kids and Adults

CONTACT

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS

Email, Text, Call!