In Fairy Tales and Folklore, Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow presented a series of paintings that reimagine iconic stories with an edge, challenging the innocence and simplicity of traditional tales. Set in the intimate AMP Gallery in Provincetown, MA—a coastal town known for its vibrant arts scene and rich history as an artists' haven - the exhibit unfolded as a visual storybook that exposed the darker, often humorous layers beneath well-known narratives.

Dana’s work in this show portrayed a unique blend of whimsy and tension. Each piece invited viewers to rethink familiar characters and moments from classic folklore. One striking piece depicted Snow White slouched in a red armchair, holding a half-eaten apple—her pose confident, almost indifferent, as if reclaiming her own tale.

In Goldilocks & the Three Meals (Too Fleshy, Too Fishy, Just Right), Dana Ellyn reinterprets the Goldilocks tale with a humorous twist, presenting a curious child facing an unconventional feast—a hunk of raw meat, a wide-eyed fish, and an assortment of fresh produce—each meal a playful nod to the classic "too hot, too cold" dilemma. This humorous, surreal scene hints at childhood anxieties and the blurred line between fantasy and reality.

Each painting in this exhibit tells its own story, but together they explore themes of independence, resilience, and the reinterpretation of innocence. The exhibit was a compelling reimagining of folklore, where every glance and posture added depth to the timeless stories we thought we knew.