SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER [SAC – southamptonartscenter.org] OPENS 2024 WITH NEW ‘LOOK AT THE BOOK’ EXHIBITION
February 6, 2024: Southampton, NY
‘Look at the Book’ is the Southampton Arts Center’s first exhibition for 2024, opening on Saturday, February 24, 2024, and running until May 4, 2024. Curated by SAC’s Executive Director, Christina Mossaides Strassfield, it will be a multi-media exhibition, on show in SAC’s galleries, featuring 33 artists including Anita Balkun, Mary Ellen Bartley, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, John Buchbinder, Neke Carson, Carolyn Conrad, AG Duggan, Patricia Feiwel, Dorothy Frankel, Chip Haggerty, Barry Holden, Carol Hunt, Elaine de Kooning, Donald Lipski, Christa Maiwald, Karyn Mannix, Richard Minsky, Jennie Nichols, Alfonso Ossorio, Erin Parsch, Goran Petmil, Joe Pintauro, Gabriele Raacke, Randall Rosenthal, Barbara Slate, Hadley Vogel, Paul Vogel, Dan Welden, Halsted S. Welles, Ellen Wiener, Julie Wolfe, Nina Yankowitz, and 00100011 [#HASHTAG], all of whom explore the idea of literacy and symbolism of books in our culture. The exhibition will open with a public evening reception at SAC on Saturday, February 24 at 6 PM.
The exhibition will focus on how contemporary artists have engaged with the book as a surface, structure, found objects, philosophical and literary guide. The works will include all types of books, from accordion, video and audiobooks to graphic novels, sculpture, photography, and even site-specific installations created with and from books.
Commenting, Christina Mossaides Strassfield, “This exhibition is a fascinating exploration of the evolving role of books in our digital society, the implication on society of banning books and the constant need to defend freedom of speech in today’s America. It also delves into personal and societal literacy, which is still a challenge in the United States, especially in Suffolk County.”
SAC will be providing artists and community members ways to engage together in discussion of the work and these ideas through curator tours, panel discussions, community talks and workshops.
Adding, Christina Mossaides Strassfield, “Books have long since been a reliable source of information to learn about the world and culture. They are a way of handing down the information and stories from generation to generation as well as transporting us to fantasy worlds and places full of new ideas.
“Without books we have to ask ourselves how do we access information, is it real or fake? Is it factual or propaganda? Are humans providing us with news or AI bots? Many people no longer have books in their homes or read newspapers. Some books are still banned, many people receive their information and news through social media today, how does this affect our understanding of the world, our ethics, and how we live our lives?”
The robust public program and classes supporting the exhibition incorporates sessions with Christina Mossaides Strassfield, artists such as Karyn Mannix and Amelia Bedelia illustrator, Artist and teacher, Barbara Thomas.
Adding, “Don’t miss this beautiful conversation about one of the most critical topics of our age. British novelist Virginia Woolf said, ‘books are the mirrors of the soul’, come and examine this idea with us through thought-provoking art and fascinating discussions and workshops.”
Saturday, March 2, 2024 @ 2 PM:
Look at the Book Curated Gallery Tour with SAC Executive Director, Christina Mossaides Strassfield
Saturday, March 16, 2024 @ 2 PM:
Interactive Reading of ‘Mirror Test the Cassidy Hutchinson Story’ at 2 PM followed by Live Reading of the Barbara Slate Story at 3 PM (illustrator of Amelia Bedelia Children’s Books, authored by her father, Fritz Siegel)
Friday, March 23, 2024 @ 1 PM:
Meet the Artists Gallery Tour, artists discuss the inspiration for their pieces
Saturday, March 30, 2024 @ 12:30 + 3 PM
Look at the Book Art Workshop with Karyn Mannix
Create a Watercolor Accordion Book – 12:30 – 2:30 PM, for ages 12 and under
Create a 3D Abstract Accordion Book – 3 – 5 PM, Adults
Saturday, April 6, 2024 @ 12:30 PM
Look at the Book Art Workshop -12:30 – 2:30 PM, Adults
Barbara Slate will show bookmakers different ways to realize a unique book while discussing the meaning of books in our society
Saturday, April 20, 2024 @ 2 PM
Libraries Today and Tomorrow
Elizabeth Burns, Director of the Rogers Memorial Library, joins other librarians for a lively discussion on libraries today and tomorrow. Moderated by Christina Strassfield, SAC Executive Director.
Media Sponsorship provided by James Lane Post
Learn more and register online at southamptonartscenter.org/live or by calling 631 283-0967.
General Operating Support is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER
Southampton Arts Center is committed to community building through the arts. We present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially, and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines – welcoming, connecting, and collaborating with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond.
SAC is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information about Southampton Arts Center, located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, New York 11968, visit southamptonartscenter.org or call 631.283.0967.
Follow SAC on Facebook and Instagram @southamptonartscenter
For press inquiries, photography, press passes, and interviews, please email mryan@southamptoncenter.org
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