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Community Corner

Opening Reception for WHAT ARE WORDS FOR/EYE OF THE NEEDLE/DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

NIAD Art Center is pleased to present What Are Words For, a solo exhibition of recent work from Sara Malpass, in the main gallery. On view in the annex space is Eye Of The Needle, new fiber work from artist Peggy Blei Hracho. In the Art Center storefront will be Diamonds In The Rough, a lively overview of our NIAD jewelry program.

All exhibitions are on view July 11 through August 22, 2014 at NIAD’s gallery, 551 23rd Street in Richmond.

Opening reception is Saturday, July 12 from 12:30-3:00 pm. We won’t be serving those stodgy art opening standards – wine and cheese – nor will the food trucks be in the courtyard, instead, celebrate summer with NIAD… we’ll be having a free cookout with dogs and burgers and potato salad. So plan on hanging out with us.

What Are Words For: The Language Pieces Of Sara Malpass
We live in an environment engorged with words and images. Sometimes the easiest way to navigate today’s landscape is by writing down tasks, errands or ideas in list form.

For nearly a half-decade artist Sara Malpass has been coming to NIAD and generating lists. Sometimes the lists consist of things or people she prefers. Other lists seem to be notes on texts she is reading at the time. Some, frankly, are indecipherable. In any case, the lists are amazing and done in a hand that harkens back to the graphic style of 1960s greeting cards and adverts.

What Are Words For features a selection of Malpass’ lists on paper, as well as lists inked onto canvases. Also on view will be Malpass’ latest objects -- glazed ceramic words and phrases – that are either free-standing or wall-mounted.

Malpass’ work will be featured in a concurrent exhibition at the Hercules Public Library, titled “Local Motion.”
       
Eye Of The Needle: Recent Work From Peggy Blei Hracho
Pennsylvania fiber artist Peggy Blei Hracho operates a mean sewing machine. And we love that she does. Some of Blei Hracho’s quilted pieces look to the past, while others are firmly rooted in the present. On view, in our annex space, will be three mid-size quilts based on slides and snaphots of the artist’s past. Also on view will be a selection of more than two dozen “selfies,” portrait sized panels that capture -- in thread and fabric -- this recent phenomenon. No, she doesn’t use one of those new fangled, programmable sewing machines. She makes these beauties the old–fashion way. This is the first time her work will be exhibited on the West Coast.

Peggy Blei Hracho holds a BFA in printmaking and sculpture from the Atlanta College Of Art.

Diamonds In The Rough: Creations From NIAD’s Jewelry Program
Founded in the Fall of 2011, under the tutelage of volunteer Hanka Boudreau, the NIAD Jewelry Program’s initial purpose was to find ways to create decorative objects without beads. Why? Because much clichéd art made by artists with disabilities is done using beads. By eliminating beads, our artists were pushed to consider all facets of costume jewelry. The results – created by reconsidering known pieces of jewelry (like the collection owned by Queen Elizabeth) or through accidents in the process -- were hugely popular. “Diamonds In The Rough” is a celebration of our jewelry program’s achievements.

Featured in the exhibition are pieces from Lisa Blevens, Adonia Douglas, Shirley How, Shantae Robinson, and Alice Sampson.

About NIAD Art Center
NIAD’s visual art program promotes meaningful independent living by artists with disabilities—while its artists create remarkable contemporary art. In a unique open studio environment, and with the guidance of qualified staff, NIAD artists acquire new skills in artistic practice and in independent living. As artists paint, build sculpture, mold clay, or work with textiles, their skills of observation and project management improve. As they explore and express their creativity, exhibit artwork in professional-quality galleries, participate in the community, and occasionally earn money from selling art, their feelings of independence and self-esteem increase. Each NIAD artwork is an original piece of contemporary art that tells an individual story from the perspective of an artist with disabilities. Frequently remarkable, surprising, and engaging, NIAD artwork has become a highlight of the Richmond art scene and has received recognition from the national artistic community. For more information, visit niadart.org.


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