Lauren Tarbel, Rise of the Phoenix for the Coming Age, Satin floral fabric, raw silk, sequins, glass beads, coral, turquoise stones, tigers eye stone, embroidery thread, and fine silk (bought by my Mother in Law, Karen McGirr, in China over 30 years ago) 13" x 4.5"

Statement from the artist: "I believe the Phoenix is the perfect symbol for this very challenging period of history. She is always in the process of creation. This mask was started almost a decade ago as an experimental artwork. I spent several years working on it with the intention it would someday be worn but I wasn't sure how. When I heard about W&TW's Cover Art: Mask Auction, I ran to retrieve this treasure immediately and it found a new life and purpose. Inspired by this artwork I created the Phoenix Rising Art Project. Through a collaboration with Women & Their Work, I have chosen to donate all the proceeds I receive from the auction of this mask to two amazing women who were greatly affected by violence during The Black Lives Matter protest here in Austin, TX. My proceeds will be gifted to Mrs. Saraneka "Nemo" Martin and Mrs. Whitney Mitchell. These two women remind me of the Phoenix. It is my hope that this mask will stand as a reminder of hope, strength, and love. I believe we will rise again to create a new world as warriors of love and truth. On the journey of the Phoenix, we rise up and become, and when the time comes to let go, we allow all the things that we are ready to part with fall away. We carry with us the memory of those we love. And we rise."

To learn more about The Phoenix Rising Art Project please visit www.phoenixrisingartproject. com.