In As I See It, Hillary Honig Ensminger brings to light decades of quiet practice: prints made in solitude, shaped by movement, memory, and resilience. A visual artist and lifelong dancer, Ensminger's monotypes and monoprints are deeply influenced by the visceral rhythms of Argentine tango, salsa, and Afro-Cuban dance. Her works often unfold across the wall in diptychs and triptychs, echoing the flow of bodies in motion.
After over 40 years of intermittent studio practice interrupted by life’s challenges, Ensminger returned to printing during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, for the first time, she shares her work publicly.
Living with degenerative vision loss, Ensminger challenges assumptions about disability, age, and artistic expression. As I See It invites viewers to consider how movement and imagery can be experienced beyond sight—how a body remembers what the eye no longer sees. Through this exhibition, she hopes to expand awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities and help dismantle the stigma surrounding vision loss and aging.
Join us for her opening reception on June 13, gallery hours throughout her exhibition dates, and a closing reception, documentary screening and potluck with communal dance on June 22.
About the Artist:
Hillary Honig Ensminger (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, chef, and advocate based in Durham, North Carolina. Despite experiencing degenerative blindness, she began dancing as a child in New York City, studying modern dance at esteemed institutions such as the Graham and Ailey schools, Interlochen, Perry-Mansfield, and with Zina Rommett. In 1970, she was introduced to Haitian and African dance, leading her to study with master teachers and travel globally to explore the African roots of various dance forms, including tango, candombe, and kizomba.
Hillary earned a BA in the Arts from Kirkland/Hamilton College and trained as a chef at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. She also holds certifications in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and Wake Tech. For 25 years, she owned and operated two restaurants and A Wandering Feast Catering. Currently, she serves on the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities in Durham, working as a consumer advocate to eradicate stigma and promote inclusion.