THE OHIO CRAFT MUSEUM Presents:
COLOR: TEN AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS
and SISTAHS
September 14–November 2, 2008
(Columbus, Ohio)—Nearly 40 works in clay, glass, fiber, wood and found materials by ten emerging and established artists will be showcased in “COLOR: Ten African American Artists,” on view at the Ohio Craft Museum September 14–November 2. The artists in this exhibition “embrace their heritage and racial identity,” notes Lydia Thompson, an exhibiting artist and Columbus native. “Their works combine indicators of past and present cultures from Africa and the Americas and offer a visual language that defines the collective experiences of the African American.”
Thompson creates large-scale figurative sculptures that combine architecture and utilitarian forms. Other artists represented in the exhibition include Cheryl Riley, who makes totems using found materials, and Nick Cave, whose large circular form is embellished with beaded and sequined garments. Also included are highly embellished crucifix forms by Robert Peppers and small-scale, beaded figures by Joyce J. Scott. The exhibition was organized by the Society for Contemporary Craft, Pittsburgh.
Shown alongside this exhibition is “Sistahs,” curated by Bettye Stull, curatorial consultant for the King Arts Complex in Columbus, and featuring work by five African American female artists: Queen Brooks, T. Graves, Wendy Kendrick, Ruth Maclin and Beverly Whiteside.
During the opening reception on Sunday, September 14, Bettye Stull and Pheoris West, assistant professor of Graduate Studies and chair of the Department of Art at the Ohio State University, will present a gallery talk beginning at 3 pm. In addition, Sistahs artist Wendy Kendrick will lead a Hand-in- Hand parent/child workshop titled “My Family and Me: Portrait Collages.” Participants will create family portrait wall hangings using fabric, paper and other media. The workshop is offered free of charge with support from the Arlington Bank. Pre-registration is required. Please telephone (614) 486- 4402.
On Sunday, September 21, Queen Brooks will present a “Craftview Afternoon” program, during which adults and teens will embellish photo frames using wood-burning techniques and mixed media. The workshop will run from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Nonmembers: $17; members, $15; includes materials. Space is limited. Telephone (614) 486-4402 to register.
The Ohio Craft Museum receives ongoing funding from the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Columbus Foundation. The museum is located at 1665 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212. Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.; Saturday–Sunday, 1–4 P.M., during exhibitions only. Admission and parking are free. For further information, telephone (614) 486- 4402; or see our website at www.ohiocraft.org.