GALLERY RECEPTION: NOVEMBER 18

Resident artists Isaac Payne and Felicia van Bork have been hard at work since April 2011 when they began their 11-month term at McColl Center for Visual Art. The work featured in their upcoming exhibit in the 2nd and 3rd floors will showcase the many pieces they created during their first seven months. Works include a 25-foot drawing by Isaac Payne and a series of collaged monotypes titled How to Fix Absolutely Anything by Felicia van Bork. We invite you to join us at a Gallery Reception with the artists to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments on Friday, November 18, 2011 from 6 to 9 PM.

And because some art was made to be broken, visitors will have the opportunity to take a swing at THIS IS FOR EVERYTHING, a piñata and work of art created by resident artist Allyson Packer. Those who take a swing will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the 4th Annual Palate to Palette, the Contemporaries signature fundraising event that pairs art and wine at six unique tasting stations ($70 value.) If you want a chance to win, it will cost $1 per whack, and if you’re feeling a bit wacky, we’ve limited swings to five per person. Tickets can be purchased at the reception desk during the event and piñata whacking will begin promptly at 8 PM in the sculpture studio on the ground level. 

This reception also marks the end of the reception for our Winter 2011 Artists-in-Residence who worked with several community partners during their residency in addition to keeping a regular studio practice. Residents include: Carrie Becker, Michaela Pilar Brown, Brian Scott Campbell, Allyson Packer and Shelia Turner.

Admission is free. The cash bar will feature $1 beers. Parking is available at the paved and gravel lot at the corner of 10th and Church Street, at metered parking on 10th and Church as well as in the Hal Marshal Center lot across the street from McColl Center for Visual Art on North Tryon.

Keep reading to learn more about some of the partnerships:

Resident artist Brian Scott Campbell worked with middle school students at Druid Hills Academy and Thomasboro Academy on two large scale panoramic drawings where students learned to collaborate while drawing images of things you’d find “inside” and things you’d find “outside.” Visit Brian Scott Campbell in his 3rd floor studio to see the student’s work or to learn about the project before it is returned to the school for display.

Gantt Center Artists-in-Residence Michaela Pilar Brown worked with Mothers of Murdered Offspring on a project in which she spent time with women who have lost their children in acts of violence. Her outreach took a look at the sobering topic of rituals and memorials as part of the grieving process.  Michaela’s studio is located on the 2nd floor where she can further discuss this project.

Levine Museum Artist-in-Residence Shelia Turner worked with students from South Mecklenburg High School to document contemporary images of courage as part of the Levine Museum of the New South’s exhibition, New Courage. These images of courage along with Turner’s work will be on display during this Gallery Reception.