Baobab, 18×24″, 2017, Mara Wilson, digital screenprint. Courtesy of Artreach GW and THEARC..
Opening Reception: Friday, June 22 from 5pm to 7pm
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The ArtReach GW Community Gallery at THEARC will present Two Years Without Shoes from June 18-July 13, 2018. This event signifies the re-opening of the ArtReach GW Community Gallery under the new leadership of Aselin Lands. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. DC Central Kitchen will be conducting live food demonstrations.
What is seen on the surface may not always reflect the complexity of a given situation or topic. The sculptures and mixed media pieces created by Mara Wilson during her two-year sojourn in Africa explore her experience as an African American living there. Ms. Wilson’s work is the tool used to share with others the beautiful paradox that is Limpopo Province, South Africa. These visual expressions attempt to challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes of Africa, which is too often represented as a poverty-stricken, rural land with people who are dependent on others to save them from this harsh environment.
The goal of Ms. Wilson’s work is to create a genuine and accurate experience for the viewer. Through art, she creates authentic narratives that are accessible, culturally-sensitive reflections of the community where she lived. Her recent works illustrate elements of her traditional sculpture background and training in ceramics, as well as her experience with newfound experimental mediums such as paper pulp.
This collection of works is a visual embodiment of her experiences in Africa and her perspective shift — culturally, personally, and artistically — as a result of her time there, learning what it means to be a South African.
The ArtReach GW Community Gallery at THEARC supports and highlights the work of established and emerging artists. We host local organizations, schools, group and solo exhibitions. Our goal is to engage community members in a diverse range of exhibitions and inter-generational activities.
About the ArtReach GW
ArtReach GW builds programs and partnerships that foster community connections and civic engagement through the visual fine arts. As a part of the Honey W Nashman Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service at George Washington University, ArtReach free art programs and collaborative art projects are a vehicle to strengthen cross-cultural understanding, activate citizenship, and develop valuable art and design skills. ArtReach provides a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment where DC youth and families make connections between art and their lives.
THEARC EAST is located at 1901 Mississippi Ave. SE.
