“Visual Elegy,” an exhibition inspired by author, activist, feminist, teacher, artist and native Kentuckian bell hooks and her poetry collection “Appalachian Elegy,” opens Feb. 28 in Southeast Missouri State University River Campus Arts Annex and Complex.
Dr. Sandra Cox, associate professor of English at Southeast, will give a reading of excerpts from bell hooks’ works Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. in the Arts Complex Gallery. An opening reception for the exhibition will take place March 4 from 5-7 p.m. The exhibition will be on display through March 27.
The 27 printmakers who’ve contributed to this project offer a variety of beautiful and compelling interpretations of hooks’ work. Among the artists is Nancy Palmeri, professor of art and chair of Southeast’s Department of Art and Design.
This diverse group of women artists believe, as hooks writes, that “the function of art is to do more than tell it like it is – it’s to imagine what is possible.” The artists’ prints were inspired by a single poem or the poetry collection as a whole, combining this inspiration with their own unique mark and voice as an artist and feminist.
This is a collaborative project between Nicole Hand, professor of art, and Carrie Jerrell, associate professor of English, both at Murray State University, and was partially funded by a Professional Development Grant from Murray State University’s College of Humanities and Fine Arts.
The Arts Complex Gallery in the River Campus Arts Annex and Complex is located at 340 S. Frederick St. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 1-4 p.m., and 1-7 p.m. on First Friday with the Arts. All gallery exhibitions, events and talks are free and open to the public.