Up & Coming Weekly

OCTOBER 7-13, 2009 UCW 15 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM New Art Venues Spotlight Area Artists by SONI MARTIN Artists in Fayetteville, like artists everywhere, find ways to show their work. Nonprofit art agencies in the local established exhibit spaces do their part to promote art and artists in the community and region, yet I am discovering how artists and art educators are finding ways to exhibit in more alternative art and exhibit spaces. On some level I appreciate businesses showing local artists on their walls, but if that business doesn't host an opening for the artist, then there is a parasitic element in the mix, the artist being the host. So, thanks to Fayetteville Feed for informing your network of friends on Facebook about the opening of Heathen's Art on Sept. 19 at Edward McKay's Used Bookstore located on 1720 Bragg Blvd. I couldn't get to the opening of Heathen's Art, but the exhibit remains up. There is still time to see the work of Christina Cole, Michael Dees, Sam Guin, Kristi Jones and Govina Taylor. I was pleasantly surprised by the small works being exhibited and the effort the bookstore has made to dedicate a space to visual artists. Best of all, I saw that several works had been sold. Spirits opened at Rosenthal Gallery on the campus of Fayetteville State University on Friday, Oct. 2. Nothing short of dramatic, some of the photographs in this exhibit have been exhibited at local competitions by the artist Shane Booth. Spirits is a body of work by Booth that examines the stigmas of those living with HIV/AIDS. Booth was eager to talk about a body of work which has taken him several years to complete and reminded me that parts of the exhibit have been shown in galleries in Richmond, Va., and Los Angeles, Calif. "The work deals with the subject of how we treat those living with HIV/ AIDS differently. The portraits focus on those living with the disease, how they may be viewed by many as outcasts. There are many stigmas placed upon people living with HIV/AIDS. Due to the misinformation and biases that exists it can be very hard for a person who has HIV to speak out and live a normal life," said Booth. Booth's perception on what he could do with his body of photographs changed after a recent visit this summer to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while visiting a friend and living in the Artists for Charity Children's home. Artists for Charity is an organization that raises money for 15 HIV positive children living in an orphanage in Addis Ababa — children whose parents have died of AIDS. His friend, Abezash Tamerat, an artist who started the non-profit organization, had asked Booth to visit for many years. After this experience, Booth decided to have his own local fundraiser for the orphanage by having an exhibit at the Rosenthal Gallery and selling his large format photographs in this series for only $25 each. Visitors to Spirits will see two types of photographs, Booth's edgy figurative works and contrasting serene landscapes from Egypt and Ethiopia. He stated, "The landscapes represent the other side of HIV/ AIDS. The disease is spreading fast and has most notably affecting the continent of Africa, devastating entire towns and villages. My landscapes symbolize the serenity and the beauty of the two countries I visited." At the same time, Booth's exhibit explores the not so serene side of living with HIV/AIDS in this country. "In America I have witnessed the ugly side of blame and finger pointing. Even to the point where gay men have been told they are the reason AIDS exists and that they deserve to die and go to hell. On the other hand I have witnessed hope and love in Africa. There I got to see first hand how the generosity of others has helped those living with HIV/ AIDS. No blame is given, just hope and medicine." Purchasing the work by Booth at such a ridiculously affordable price becomes an opportunity to invest in his work; while at the same time help support the orphanage. According to Booth, "The kids are given an ideal home environment along with the proper medication to treat their HIV. They live in a low-stress household filled with love and have become a family unit with each one being their own unique person. The artwork sold at this event will go to help support the Artists for Charity household." Spirits will remain up in Rosenthal Gallery until Nov 2. Gallery hours are limited to Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on Spirits, call 672-1057. A 40-year-old art organization, the Fayetteville Art Guild, is venturing out to become a new art space in Fayetteville. Although the guild has traditionally exhibited at Cape Fear Studios and the Fayetteville Arts Council, the organization has opened a gallery at 113 Gillespie Street called Gallery One13. After completing some minor renovations in the space, the guild plans to continue with their member exhibitions, juried exhibits, invite artists to exhibit and undertake some creative ways to generate funds to maintain the gallery. Presently the guild is hosting a member's exhibit called New Works. Although the hours are limited at this time (Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., every 4th Friday 9 p.m.) the guild remains the only local art organization that has an open, non-juried membership. Twice a year, any member can participate in a professional space to exhibit their work. Anyone interested in finding out more information about joining the Fayetteville Art Guild is welcome to attend the monthly meeting, every third Monday, at 5:30 p.m. at the Arts Council on Hay Street or call Art Guild President Dwight Smith at 672-1795. Artists who work in all mediums are welcome; the membership fee is only $20. Unarmed by Shane Booth is on exhibit at the Rosenthal Gallery on the Campus of Fayetteville State University. SONI MARTIN, Contributing Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 106 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com.

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