Hickory & Taylorsville, NC – In their new exhibit, “She Persisted: Coretta Scott King and Women of the Civil Rights Movement,” the Alexander County Library and Hickory Museum of Art have partnered to offer perspectives on the lives of women whose courage changed the course of history.
In an open call for “She Persisted,” regional artists of all ages were asked to explore visual interpretations of the lives, legacies, written, or spoken words of women whose sacrifices in pursuit of Civil Rights helped form a more perfect Union.
Artists were encouraged to submit two pieces for the show, allowing participation in two exhibit locations: the Alexander County Library in Taylorsville and Hickory Museum of Art’s off-site Around Town exhibit space at Atlanta Bread Company in Hickory. Both exhibits will be on display May 7 – June 30, 2018 and are free to visit.
Co-Curated by Alexander Main Library Exhibit Curator, Miranda Burgin, and Hickory Museum of Art Associate Director, Clarissa Starnes, this unique concept has created two dynamic exhibits, strengthened by diversity and bound by a common purpose.
“By asking artists to shine a light on the stories of women of the Civil Rights Movement, we have created a space for art to do what art does best,” said Miranda Burgin, “Art tells stories that the writers of history may choose to forget or may never have known.”
“The artists of “She Persisted” have created a profoundly moving and deeply personal exhibit, honoring multi-generational women who paved the way alongside the women who still march for freedom,” Burgin went on to say. “This evolution of our theme reflects Coretta Scott King’s own words, ‘Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.’ ”
”It’s exciting to have this opportunity to partner with another organization in our region that is as passionate about showcasing local artists as we are,” said Clarissa Starnes. She concluded with “This exhibition has a powerful message and we are excited to join with the library on this collaboration of uniting our local communities together as one.”
The public is invited to attend exhibit receptions at both locations:
The Alexander County Library will host an Art After Hours reception honoring all exhibiting artists will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 6pm – 7:30pm at the Main Library, which is located at 77 First Avenue SW in Taylorsville.
Art After Hours will include an artist talk, light refreshments, as well as musical performances and poetry readings inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. The event is free to attend and all are welcome. To learn more, visit www.alexanderlibrary.org or call (828) 632-4058.
Hickory Museum of Art will host a reception on Thursday, June 14 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at Atlanta Bread Company, located at 1756 Catawba Valley Blvd SE, Hickory. “Around Town” featured artists will be in attendance to provide insight into inspiration behind their artwork. Enjoy a bowl of soup, salad, or tasty sandwich from Atlanta Bread’s extensive menu. As always, HMA members receive membership 10% off total purchase when presenting their membership card.
