News & Publications
African Drumming Opens Exhibit at St. John's College's Mitchell Gallery
FOR RELEASE: November 13, 2008
CONTACT: Patricia Dempsey, 410-626-2539
patricia.dempsey@sjca.edu
"The Spirit of Africa," a collection from the James E. Lewis Museum at Morgan State University, highlights the beauty found in tools, domestic objects, masks, religious and ceremonial statues, and other artifacts related to the ancient tribes of West Africa. This exhibition will be on display at the Mitchell Gallery at St. John's College, from January 13 to February 25. The Opening Reception and Family Program will be held on January 11, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Art Educator Lucinda Edinberg will lead a tour of "The Spirit of Africa" exhibition followed by an African drumming performance by students from Bishop McNamara High School from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The exhibition and opening reception are free and open to the public.
"The Spirit of Africa" includes works created by unknown artists and craftsmen and many date from the 16th century. Domestic, moral, and spiritual conventions are depicted in the wood, bronze, clay, and natural objects. The many tribes and cultures in Africa have both common and distinctive rituals, gods, sources of livelihood, and histories. The craftsman's objects reflect these distinctions in spite of technical limitations, rudimentary tools, Islamic and Christian influences or suppression, and mythological customs.
Upcoming Events for "The Spirit of Africa"
January 9, Gallery talk. Jessica Martinez, curator for education at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African Art, will give a lecture, "The Mud Fish King: Legend in African Art," at 4:30 p.m.
January 9, Mitchell Gallery Members' Preview Reception. "The Spirit of Africa" reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information call 410-626-2556.
January 11, Opening Reception & Family Program. Art Educator Lucinda Edinberg will lead a tour of "The Spirit of Africa" exhibition followed by an African drumming performance by students from Bishop McNamara High School from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
January 21, Seminar. Local artist Ebby Malmgren and St. John's College tutor David Townsend, will lead an exhibit-related seminar based Nigerian author Wole Solinka's play, "Death and the King's Horseman." Solinka received the Nobel Prize in literature for this play about a king's horseman who does not fulfill his duty to commit ritual suicide. The seminar will be held in the gallery, at 7 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 410-626-2556.
January 25, Next Generation Family Event. Celebrate "The Spirit of Africa" exhibition at a festive Africa-inspired afternoon at the Mitchell Gallery, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. This celebration, which features music and food, is organized by the Mitchell Gallery's Next Generation Committee. Admission fee. Children are welcome. For information, contact Kathy Dulisse at 410-626-2530 or kathy.dulisse@sjca.edu.
February 4, Art Express. Art Educator Lucinda Edinberg will give a lunchtime gallery talk on "The Spirit of Africa" exhibition. from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Juice and soda will be provided.
February 8, Sunday afternoon gallery talk. Art educator Lucinda Edinberg will lecture on "The Spirit of Africa" exhibition, at 3 p.m.
February 11, Workshop. Photographer Don Dement will talk on "Preserving Your Art Digitally" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Artists will learn how to use digital photography and scanning to make permanent records of flat works. Dement will give a brief demonstration and explore topics such as lighting, color, avoiding reflections, and making slides from digital files. Registration and Mitchell Gallery membership are required. Call 410-626-2556.