Current Season

Elizabeth Burnham: Fantasies

Selections from the Permanent Collection

Barton/ACC Alumni Exhibition

21st Annual Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition

Somerhill Gallery Selections

Barton Senior Art Exhibition 1999

Elizabeth Burnham: Fantasies

September 1-October 15

Burnham’s series of photographs, titled “Fantasies,” are on exhibit in the Lula E. Rackley Gallery. The richness of texture, light and color captured in the series intrigues the eye and seduces the viewers beyond the boundaries of the photographs.

The photographs of Elizabeth Burnham represent an in-depth look at the single theme of doors and windows,” said Chris Wilson, chair of the art department and director of exhibitions. “The photographs are precise in technical proficiency, compositional organization and coloristic modulation. The viewer is invited by the images to see openings and beginnings and closings and ends in the subjects depicted.

“The impact probably is directly related to the viewer’s response rather than the artist’s projection of a specific intent,” Wilson said. “The photographs show a sensitivity to light and subtle color that is rare, and the exhibition is a treat to the eyes.”

A new art faculty member hailing from Richmond, Va., Burnham said that the titles of the photographs in the series are not place specific. While the subjects of the photographs can be found in Tucson, Ariz., and Richmond, Va., Burnham named most of the photographs for the images they evoked. One example is “Key West Light,” a photograph taken in Tucson of a window with white shutters against a turquoise blue wall. The photographed image could easily be associated with the landscape of this most southern tip of Florida.

“I want people to draw upon their own experiences,” said Burnham. “The images are metaphorical for the viewers’ own experiences. Hopefully, the viewers will look beyond what the subject may appear to be and, instead, draw upon their own emotional experiences.”

Selections from the Permanent Collection

September 1-October 15

The Barton Museum’s fall exhibition includes selections from the college’s permanent collection. With items ranging from Oriental calligraphy to a 17th century English cabinet, the exhibition is a trip around the world that doesn’t require a passport. Items from the collection are not confined to the gallery. They adorn lobbies and offices across campus.

The college is in the process of registering each piece and logging information on the artist and donors, said J. Chris Wilson, chairman of the art department and director of exhibitions. Some pieces were donated, some purchased, and some were given by former students and faculty. Others were bought by Barton College through purchase awards from the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Pieces are on display on a rotating basis. Works that are not on display are kept in a storage vault. Pieces from the permanent collection are not for sale.

A melting pot of cultures is meshed into the gallery. Ceremonial African masks and artifacts contrast with the delicate phosphorescent peach of a piece featuring delicate calligraphy. “This work reflects our global focus,” Wilson said, mentioning that Barton College works in cooperation with several “sister” universities and colleges throughout the world. “This is not static, but an ongoing process.”

The exhibition takes an Asian element with two items by artist Chieko Horiuchi on display, including a scroll hanging of a Chinese poem. Horiuchi exhibited works on Barton’s campus in 1995 while she was the calligraphy instructor at Shukutoku University in Nagaya, Japan. But one of Horiuchi’s works is at its best when the doors are shut and the museum lights grow dim. Through the glass sparkles of phosphorescent glitter on the calligraphy character, almost creating its own ballet of starlight. The phosphorescence will gleam for several hours after the light has gone. This work, which is untitled, was a gift to the permanent collection by Horiuchi.

Horiuchi’s other work on display as a part of the permanent collection is a calligraphy of a Chinese poem by Ryokan. Calligraphy transforms words into art. For example, in a passage describing a scent, the artist would not only write the words, but try to capture the artistic essence of that scent through light and heavy brushstrokes and balanced spacing, Wilson said.

The piece “Time From a Very Blue Jar” by American artist Paul Hartley represents a multiple layer collage.The eye of the figure in the painting may be taken from one magazine, his hat from another and gradually the pieces come together — with the artist having to glue them face down on the back and in reverse.

Not all of the artifacts are decorative. One piece from Central America, probably used to roll tortillas, was dated to be approximately 1,500 years old. It was a gift from alumna Georgia Campion in 1992. The artifact was originally a gift to her late husband, John Campion, who was in charge of the Secret Service for President John F. Kennedy in 1962 during his visit to Central America and the University of Costa Rica. Campion spent several weeks on the university campus in preparation for the event. After the event was concluded, the faculty expressed their appreciation to Campion with the gift of the artifact as a memento.

There are two 17th century items, including an oyster-veneered walnut English cabinet on stand and an English bracket clock, donated to the museum by Dr. and Mrs. Harold A. Ladwig. The items in the permanent collection have been used in art classrooms to show examples of form, style and substance. The gallery has served to fire the muse of English students, who have incorporated the art into a writing assignments. “This gives them the opportunity to see art conveniently and easily,” Wilson said.

The permanent collection is one that reflects the interest of art and dedication to arts education on the Barton campus, said Jim Hemby, Barton College president. “The permanent collection is something we can enjoy and share with the community,” he said. “Many pieces are used on display throughout campus.”

Ed Brown, who is retired from Barton’s art faculty, had a piece of Georgia marble that he molded into “Form,” with smooth lines and rounded edges. It was purchased by the Barton Museum in 1997. Brown also donated a piece by Bill Minschew, a Barton alumnus, titled “Man Waits in Cave.” Minshew is an internationally known artist and has recently retired as chair of the art department at California State University in Fresno. “I did it out of loyalty and affection to the college,” Brown said. “I was there for 37 years.” Brown said the permanent collection was “just a visually exciting experience. The work is very varied. Barton is a liberal arts college. To receive a true liberal arts education, the arts are a vital to an understanding and appreciation,” he said.

Although viewing art is a largely subjective venture, Wilson offered these insights to help both newcomers and regular gallery visitors get the most out of their artistic experience. Remember that it is not necessary to be an art major or historian to acquire art appreciation. Visiting galleries is a good step in furthering art education. Art should not be evaluated in terms of what might look good over the living room sofa. Each work is unique unto itself. The labels beside each exhibit can provide information and insight into the nature of the work and the materials used to create it. A person who sees art is changed by the experience. They are never quite the same,” Wilson said.

Barton/ACC Alumni Exhibition

October 31-December 3
Opening Reception October 31

The sculpture “Carson and Betsy Bryan” by regionally renowned Wilson artist Sherrod Duggan, gave pause as viewers marveled at the innocence and curiosity captured in this artist’s realistic interpretation. Thus began an intriguing tour of the museum’s latest showing.

Over 50 alumni, spanning 43 years of professional experience, have some of their most current works of art on display in the museum.

“We’re very excited to have hosted the most ambitious and inclusive art alumni exhibition in the history of the college,” said Chris Wilson, director of art exhibitions. “The pleasure has been to present the diversity and professional development represented in the alumni art. We are very proud of what our alumni have accomplished.”

The exhibition offers a blend of drawing, painting, ceramics, photography, and printed examples of graphic design. The show successfully combines the diversity of texture and media to incorporate a stimulating collection that lures the visitors to study the art forms beyond the first impression. The contrast in styles complements each other as each piece of art reflects the spirit and energy of its creator.

Selections include Corbett Bush Hackney’s floor canvas, “Fishwish.” With the use of acrylics, she has created exquisite jewel-toned fish that hook the attention of the viewer at first glance.

A variety of paintings, such as John Griffin’s “Saturday Morning” and “Sidelines” as well as Nancy Rivera Edge’s “Aaron,” carry visitors back to their childhoods to relive the excitement and adventure of play. Brenda Moore Jordan’s “Green Wave,” Edge’s “Cape Fear River” and Cheryl Hinton Hooks’ “Self Portrait with Broken Pot” evoke the imagination and stir memories that have settled in each one’s past.

Intriguing examples of photography such as Stephanie Massey’s solarized silver gelatin print, “Chillin’ “ offer a more surreal approach.

These are just a few examples of an extraordinary collection of work by some of this art department’s brightest and most talented graduates.

21st Annual Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition

January 25-February 12
Opening Reception January 25

The program marks the 21st consecutive year by Barton College sponsored by The Wilson Daily Times.

The national awards program has been held for more than 70 years under the auspices of Scholastic Art Awards, Inc. The eastern North Carolina district, comprised of 46 counties, is the largest of the four North Carolina districts.

Awards were presented in the classifications of “American Visions Award” nominees (best of show) and gold key and silver key winners, with additional major awards selected from the top entries.

Sixty-two students were designated as gold key finalists. These gold key finalists and the four “American Visions Award” nominees will enter their works in national competition in New York City following exhibition at Barton.

Brandon Cantu and Mary Elizabeth McNairy from Kinston High School, were named two of the four “American Visions Award” nominees. Cantu also was recognized as a gold key finalist and received a silver key.

McNairy received the N.C. Art Education Association Award as well as earning gold key finalist designation for four works of art, a gold key and three silver keys. Ashley Henderson of Jesse O. Sanderson High School was recognized as an “American Visions Award” nominee and a gold key finalist. She also received a gold key and silver key.

Earning two nominee positions for the “American Visions Award” was Anna Ludwig from W. G. Enloe High School. She also was named a gold key finalist for two art entries.

Jennifer Russo of Rocky Mount Senior High School was awarded the Edward Brown Award named in honor of the long-time director of the Barton Scholastics Program.

Also from Rocky Mount Senior High School, Ashton Burnette received The Wilson Daily Times Award. Russo and Burnette earned gold key finalist recognition as well.

David Lezette from Durham Magnet Center received the Barton College Award as well as gold key finalist designation for two art entries.

Somerhill Gallery Selections

February-March 18
Opening Reception February 21, 2-4 p.m.

“The exciting thing about the works selected for exhibition at the Somerhill Gallery in Chapel Hill is the diversity and richness of the environment in which the works are displayed,” said Chirs Wilson, chair of the art department and director of exhibitions. “Although it will be a very different experience to see some of the works in a museum setting, the showcasing of individual works will be exciting in a different way by setting apart the selected works.

“This exhibition is an opportunity for our students to see current, professional artwork presented so that [they] can study professional presentation techniques and styles of the artists,” he said.

There will be approximately 40 works and 13 artists represented in the exhibition. Although this is primarily an educational exhibition, works will be for sale.

Somerhill gallery owner Joe Rowand frequently lectures and offers advice concerning the arts in North Carolina and is often asked to jury competitions and exhibitions. He serves as president of the Friends of the Duke University Art Museum and is a council-appointed member of the Town of Chapel Hill Fine Arts Commission. In 1997, Rowand co-chaired the 50th anniversary celebration for the North Carolina Museum of Art. He also holds membership with a number of museums and art societies and is active in many civic and charitable causes within his community.

Founded by Rowand in 1972, Somerhill is recognized as one of the premier commercial fine art galleries in the South. Somerhill represents leading regional artists including Barton’s Horace Farlowe (class of 1963), Sherrod Duggan (class of 1988) and J. Chris Wilson (Barton College faculty member since 1974).

The gallery features a variety of artistic styles, always emphasizing quality, artistic merit and originality. The gallery also has a large inventory of fine art crafts, especially glass and jewelry.

Barton Senior Art Exhibition 1999

April 11-May 14
Opening Reception April 11, 2-4 p.m.

Sixteen seniors are exhibiting works that reflect long hours, hard work and much creativity.

Exhibition ’99 will include a variety of media including drawing, painting, ceramics, photography and graphic design. A culmination of creativity, each artist will present 10 works to intrigue the eye and provoke one’s imagination.

“This exhibition serves as a final capstone experience for our senior art students,” said Philip Guilfoyle, senior advisor and curator of Exhibition ’99. “Each of the exhibitors produced and refined their portfolio of work to be displayed in this professional presentation. The work in the exhibition is as varied and diverse as the individual artists. The Art Department at Barton College is proud of the accomplishments of the students, and we wish them well as they complete their study here and enter into the profession.”

Exhibiting artists include Mario R. Arnold, Raleigh; Holly Ballance, Rocky Mount; Seph Callaway, III, Charlotte; Jeanny L. Coleman, Havelock; Benjamin R. Gufford, Jr., Goldsboro; Donna Haumesser, Goldsboro; Michael J. Hinnant, Middlesex; Jill M. Kepler, Marion, N.Y.; Maegan Lowrey, Mebane; Kristen Markey, Wilson; Kelly Pike, Goldsboro; Ashley Poplin, Rocky Mount; M. Hunter Richardson, Zebulon; Anna-Olivia Sisk, Mount Airy; M. Caroline Upchurch, Raleigh; and Kelly Williams, Grantham.