By Page H. Gifford
To celebrate 250 years of America’s founding, the Fluvanna Art Association’s summer exhibit will be “We The People – Stars, Stripes, and Stories.” Members will create iconic and historical works representing the last 250 years, using paint, mixed media, fiber art, sculpture, wood, glass, collage, and other media.
“This theme invites artists to explore the layered and evolving identity of America through personal narrative, cultural memory, and collective experience. It is an opportunity to reflect on heritage, community, patriotism, pride, protest, and progress,” said FAA President Carol Sorber.
She said the artists’ work will celebrate many facets of the American experience, including traditions, ideals, untold histories, and moments that define the nation’s story.
“We encouraged interpretation that is bold or quiet, literal or abstract, celebratory or critical. We want the work to tell the artist’s story, someone else’s story, or one that hasn’t been heard,” Sorber said. “‘We the People’ is not just a phrase, but a conversation.”
Some of the artists have already explored the theme through self-expression and the diversity of perspectives that will be represented in the upcoming exhibit. The exhibit is not just about looking, but thinking.
Artist Mary Volin’s thought-provoking image of multi-colored hands holding up sparklers is a celebration of diversity. Another artist chose collage, with Washington’s silhouette covered with historic American icons representing culture, innovation, war, civil rights, events, and people, set against a background of landmark documents. Lisa Daniel chose to paint Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and Deborah Nixon used words as her visual self-expression.
The exhibit opens June 16 and runs through Aug. 17. A reception will be held June 20, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., featuring a special summer treat: an ice cream bar with cookies.
Commemorating history is compelling when the ideas are generated by local artists, and FAA members hope the exhibit will spark conversations among viewers about their own thoughts, memories, and experiences.
