News

The Main Line Art Centers' current works by Nic Coviello, Jennie Thwing and Tim Portlock. Photo courtesy of the MLAC. — The Main Line Art Centers’ current works by Nic Coviello, Tim Portlock and Jennie Thwing. Photo courtesy of the MLAC.

Jennie Thwing, Nic Coviello and Tim Portlock are displaying the fruits of their recent Meyer Family awards at the Main Line Art Center’s Imaginary Reality this month. Celebrating the creation of this new award (full name: the Meyer Family Award for Contemporary Art), the show opens April 1, and on the same day MLAC is open to applications for next year’s Meyer Family Award. Imaginary Reality not only caps off ten years for Main Line Art Center’s Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition series, but it also coincides with the Center’s new Digital Media Programs.

Theaster Gates has been invited to this year’s Culture Lab Detroit (April 24-26) along with David Adjaye, Fernando & Humberto Campana, and David Stark. They’ll be digging into the topic of regenerative design in urban areas through a variety of platforms including teaching community classes, open portfolio reviews, panel discussions, exhibitions, and a concert, along with two private salon dinners to introduce the international designers to influential members of the Detroit Community.

It’s a birthday and a half for Slought (nee Slought Foundation): they’re hitching their celebration of their shiny new website/organizational identity to their 11-and-a-half-year anniversary with a public soirée featuring DJ Spooky. Come help them usher in a new era on Thursday, April 17th from 7-9pm; no RSVP is required.

Opportunities

Good news for those looking for spring and summer art-making activities: CandyCoated Studio is holding silk-screen classes and small group workshops. You’ll learn from a Master Printer, indulge your printing . Independent artist projects and beginners are welcome to email candy@candycoated.org to make arrangements to bring your ideas to life.

Courtrooms are not always known as locii for inspiring visuals, but the Community Outreach Committee of Montgomery County is attempting to change that. “Courting Art: “What I Love About Montgomery County” Art Contest & Exhibition is a community arts initiative launched last year by COC Chair, Judge Carolyn T. Carluccio. Now accepting entries on paper or canvas from professional and aspiring Montgomery County artists (age 55+), the COC has made all submission information and entry forms available online at CourtingArt.com. Up to 125 works get juried for inclusion in a month-long art exhibition, taking place at the Fine Arts Center at Montgomery County Community College. The exhibition kicks off with a private, opening night reception for all participating artists, the sponsors, and the community at large. 30 artists receive awards and see their work Giclée printed, framed, and installed as part of the Montgomery County Court House permanent collection in a special dedication ceremony. If this piques your interest, check out Courting Art on the web, either at their site or on YouTube. For more info, email: jim@montgomerybar.org.

Artist News

Phigor, 2014. Acrylic and acrylic mediums on canvas, 117 x 70 in. (back, front). Photo courtesy of Thomas Erben.

Thomas Erben is hosting its third solo exhibition by Dona Nelson, who’s ensconced at the 2014 Whitney Biennial (on view until May 25). Opening April 3, it’s up until May 17, with the reception from 6-8:30 PM.

Carl Marin, subject of a recent podcast, has a New York project that’s not only wonderful to look at, but will be a companion to Metro riders for a month. “Pit” is a video/augmented reality work that exists on the New York City MetroCard for the entire month of April. The commute just got a little brighter…

Rachael Cerrotti, Temple graduate and photojournalist is at the start of a journey, one that’s both old and new. Her documentary project Follow My Footprints traces the physical, emotional and historical path of her grandmother, Hana Dubova, who in 1939 was rescued by the Danish government from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia at the age of 14. For six months, Rachael is replicating Hana’s 11-month journey, beginning in the Czech Republic and traveling through Germany, Denmark and Sweden, before moving on to Cincinnati, Ohio (where Hana immigrated in 1950); Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, and finally New York City and Philadelphia, where Hana eventually settled and raised her family. For about five years now, Rachael has been diligently collecting and organizing diary entires, creative writings, letters, oral narratives, and photographs from throughout her grandmother’s life. As a vibrant work in progress, Rachael’s footprints promise poignant insights for anybody interested in families and migrations. You can learn more about her work at her site, and keep a lookout for project updates.

Frank Hyder's Faberge egg - note the wink at the origin of caviar. Photo courtesy of the artist. — Frank Hyder’s Faberge egg – note the shout out to caviar and Russia. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Frank Hyder was asked by Faberge to create a charity egg for The Big Egg Hunt New York. The result, a wink at Faberge’s Russian roots, is called “Fish Egg”; one of 266 eggs in the Hunt, the Hyder egg is an impressive creation, free standing and 36 inches tall. In addition to being featured in the Sunday Times a while back, Sotheby’s has chosen it to be one of 45 going up for a gala event in New York April 22. Fittingly fancy.

In case you missed it…

Roman found something constructive in Yell Gallery’s, well, confrontational style.

Andrea followed the thread connecting African textiles to modern artists at the Barnes.

Andrew graphically captured what cats do best.