Exhibition connects art and spirituality

Triangle artists working in a variety of media will draw connections between diverse forms of creative expression and spirituality through a new art installation and related activities that run Sept. 8 through Sept. 25.

The installation, art/spirit/art, is free and open to the public at the James M. Johnston Center for Undergraduate Excellence in Graham Memorial Hall. It will include works of oil, steel, iron, paper, clay, textiles and photography.

The exhibit features the work of visual artists Kimowan McLain, assistant professor of art; Davey Arch, Ken Crossen, Linda Ruth Dickinson, Jyoti Duwadi, Carmen Elliot, Peg Gignoux, Betty Maney, Michele Natale, Mike Roig and Amanda Swimmer.

Their pieces, according to exhibit curators, are designed to reflect the spirituality of nature articulated in abstract forms and symbols, the unseen world of other principles and existences, and the repetitions and variation that enable forms to accrue energy, movement and power.

In addition to the exhibit, art/spirit/art features complementary programs, including a reading by writer Peggy Payne from her latest novel Sister India, an evening of universal chanting, and a showing and discussion of Malinda Maynor’s film In the Light of Reverence, which explores the threat to Native American sacred sites by recreational and industrial interests.

In addition, Barbara Matilsky, curator of the Ackland Art Museum, will lead artists in a round-table discussion on art and spirituality in the 21st century, and Cherokee artists will host a workshop in traditional pottery techniques.

On Sep. 19, the Johnston Center’s weekly concert series, “Thursdays on the Terrace,” will kick off with a performance by singer-songwriter Cynthia Rylander Crossen and friends.
The Johnston Center provides programs to enhance the undergraduate curriculum, encourage innovative teaching and learning, and create collaborations across disciplines.

The art/spirit/art installation is made possible in part by a grant from the Orange County Arts Commission. The exhibit will be open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, consult the Johnston Center web site www.unc.edu/ depts/jcue/ or call 966-5110.


art/spirit/art programming

The following activities, all held at Graham Memorial Hall, are scheduled in conjunction with art/spirit/art:

Sept. 8 Opening reception. Commons Room. 3-6 p.m.

Sept. 9 Peggy Payne reads from Sister India. Morehead Lounge. 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 12 Participatory community chanting of traditional and original chants, lead by Mark Smith and a group of singers and instrumentalists. Morehead Lounge. 7 p.m.

Sept. 18 Roundtable dialogue, “Art and Spirituality in the 21st Century,” moderated by Barbara Matilsky. Morehead Lounge. 4 p.m.

Sept. 19 “Thursdays on the Terrace” performance, Cynthia Rylander Crossen and friends. Terrace. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 “Functional Art from Earth and Fire.” Cherokee potters will hold a workshop to teach traditional methods. Space limited; advance registration by Sept. 13 required. General public, $75, Carolina undergraduates free. Call 966-5110.

Sept. 25 In the Light of Reverence, screening by film maker Malinda Maynor. Roundtable discussion follows. Commons Room. 7 p.m.

University Gazette