Mary Cloonan, exhibitions director of Baltimore Clayworks, lives in Mount Vernon. Her favorite artwork is “Tending a Small Garden” by Robin and John Gumaelius

Why I love this piece: What I love about this work is its strong narrative quality. The body becomes a canvas to project and propel a story, enhanced by the peculiar nature of the being itself. Double-headed with twig arms, two birds above keeping watch.

To me it depicts a moment of hope and potential, of how nurturing is necessary to ensure success, whether it is a garden, idea or relationship. Its meticulous craftsmanship, the jointed arms, the personality in the faces and its energizing colors reveal the care and passion.