NAU Summer Seminar Series: An Evening with Tina Mion

By Jennifer Epperson/Executive Director
Imagiventure Foundation

Sedona AZ (August 4, 2013) – For a person who has so much to say about death, Tina Mion is pretty damned funny. On Wednesday evening [July 31] at Mary Fisher Theatre, the divine Tina Mion led a packed house on a magical journey into the creative mind of an artist. She is part of the excellent line-up of the NAU Summer Seminar Series, conceived and developed by the Philosophy in the Public Interest Department. Ms. Mion’s presentation epitomizes the rich art culture that is alive and well in Northern Arizona.

The opportunity to be stimulated by Ms. Mion’s mind and process was a rare and appreciated gift. A charming and very talented painter from Sedona and Winslow, she shared her process of art making, her observations, influences, intellect, and commentary on death.  Fellow travelers in the audience were mesmerized by her story of growing up in a mortuary, and laughed along with the artist as she revealed her quirky expression of life, death, and art.  Ms. Mion’s work is recognized and honored nationwide, and because of the well-researched and often taboo subject material, her paintings are referenced and used as examples in university studies.

With a lighter mind and hand, she utilizes everyday “stuff”- matches, nails, string, animal bones– to create beautifully executed (and very funny) memento mori, rueful drawings that remind us of death. Ms. Mion creates a wonderful story with the most ordinary of models.

NAU has hit on a real winner with its Summer Seminar Series.  Ms. Mion’s presentation, as part of an exciting and educational line up of programs has added a dramatic spark in the arts and cultural renaissance-taking place in Northern Arizona.