Monday, January 16, 2012

Racism exhibit at Williams College - Accomplished!

The "Unspoken Truth About Color: A Dialogue in Art Quilts" was a successful exhibit at Williams College. What made it successful? It was displayed in a cohesive and attractive way (pat myself on the back there) and there were many comments from viewers. Betty Warner, another Fiber Artists for Hope artist came to help hang the exhibit with me, and meet and greet the attendees.

The viewers noted how different each of the art quilts were, the many techniques implemented, and that the subject matter was treated in thought provoking ways. Planning and hanging the exhibit for 2 hours seemed a little crazy at times, but my goal was that someone's mind would be awakened to new thoughts about race. That goal was definitely reached!

My piece about White Privilege evoked a conversation from a White woman who said she had never thought about her race, and recognized that privilege as something taken for granted. Never having to think about your race would not be possible for a person of any heritage other than White. The privilege is akin to the privileges gained just by being male, which all women are aware is a privilege, but men rarely recognize.

Here's a few photo's from the exhibit in the lovely lobby of the '62 Center for Performing Arts at Williams College. It was the first time the lobby had been used for an art exhibit, but I hope it won't be the last.

L-R: Work by artists Michele Flamer, Diane Bracy, Nancy Cash

L-R: Jancy McClellan-Ryan,  Connie Heller

L-R: Sabrina Zarco, Carol Krueger, Betty Warner

L-R: Sue Walen, Jeanne Marklin
Betty Warner from Connecticut with her work. Betty came for the exhibit - thanks again Betty!

Diane Bracy on left, Nancy Cash on right

L-R: Work by Laura Gadson, Mary Scales, Sherry Boram 

Taj Smith the MLK coordinator for the Williams College Multicultural Center and me. Thanks Taj!

3 comments:

  1. Wonderful! Jeanne. I wish I had been able to see it too.

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  2. What a great exhibit, and I'm sure it was a moving experience for the viewers. Congratulations.
    Martha Ginn

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