From 1999 to 2005, Vanderheiden participated in ProArts East Bay Open Studios. Each year, limited edition handmade, letterpress printed invitations were made for clients and supporters. This is the last of of those invitations.

The bridge theme corresponds to a mixed media series that was in progress at the time, "O Immortal Bridge." This work was inspired by the Bay Bridge, connecting Oakland and San Francisco. It consisted of 36x36" linoleum block prints that were printed with a steamroller at the San Francisco Center for the Book. These prints provided the foundation onto which other media were added, such as acrylic, water color, pencil, charcoal, collage, and metallic foil. For more about the O Immortal Bridge series, click here.

Created at a tumultous time in the artists life, this piece bears a birth announcement of her son, a memorial for her father's passing, and a leavetaking of local friends and supporters. An excerpt from the text printed in red in the background of the invitation cover reads:

"When looking back over each passing year it has always seemed to me that astounding changes have transpired in twelve months. When I was a child, I assumed that this would slow or stop when I grew up. This has never seemed to happen. The past year has certainly been among the most extreme. In July, I will be moving to Chicago with my husband and newborn baby. The Painted Tongue Press will operate out of two cities. Production will remain in Oakland at the helm of Marianne Morgan and Bill Denham. I will devote my time to fine art projects, and managing the design studio from Chicago, making frequent trips back to the Bay Area to work with Marianne and Bill. If all goes according to plan, I will still be here for Open Studios next year, to see all of you again. I expect I will have much to show you. I’m looking forward to branching out into a new place, joining an exciting art scene in Chicago, and maintaining relationships with friends and supporters here in the Bay Area . . . "