 |
|
Stan Hall, Chairman of the Board of Gwinnett Council for the Arts, proudly stands with the African Art Exhibit at the Hudgens Center for the Arts.
|
By Phylecia Wilson
DULUTH - The Hudgens Center for the Arts has brought Africa to Gwinnett County’s doorstep with 160 pieces of extraordinary African art in its Gifts from Africa: Bronzes, Art and Artifacts exhibit that opened to the public on May 3. The exhibit is sure to capture the imagination of art patrons with its fine bronze castings, elaborate masks, richly woven textiles, musical instruments and exquisite headdresses and beads along with decorated utilitarian objects of everyday use.
Art collectors Susan and William Rochfort of Chula, Georgia have collected the pieces over several years with the hope that those who view it will experience a better understanding of “the works of the human hand, heart and spirit.”
“The beauty and the power of these objects serve not only the myth and tradition of the original users, but the imagination of contemporary viewers. The feeling each piece evokes transcends the passage of time, crosses ethnic boundaries and acknowledges man’s ancestral legacy in his quest for harmony,” they say. “Harmony is a blessing, earned by each of us when we are brave enough to look through another man’s eyes and see common ground.”
Art is fundamental in both ancient and contemporary African cultures according to Hudgens Center Interimm Director Teresa Osborn. “This beautiful group of pieces from the private collection of the Rochforts embodies the spirit of Africa, showing a reverence for ancestors and all of life,” she said. “Some pieces commemorate rites of passage, some symbolize religious beliefs, and some honor fertility of both the land and its people.
These magnificent artistic expressions reflect ancient traditions of ceremonies and they honor the beauty of everyday living.”
The Rochforts started their collection when Susan Rochfort’s father gave her one piece of African art several years ago. According to Osborn, she became enamored with the culture and over the past 15 years she and her husband have acquired a remarkable collection, mostly from Nigeria and other western African countries.
“She likes to share it and is loaning it to us at no cost,” Osborn exclaimed. “Her only condition was that all school groups come at no charge.”
Osborn is thrilled that the exhibit will give school children an opportunity to experience first hand what otherwise they would only see in their school books. “It’s a great way to enhance their education,” she said.
The fact that the exhibit will run from May 3 through December 31 offers the opportunity for teachers to make plans over the summer on how they will use it in their curriculum next school year. A teacher’s reception was held so they could preview the exhibit and learn about opportunities to participate in educational fall field trips.
“If they can’t do a field trip we will go to their school, talk about the exhibit and give students a pass to come in and view it,” Osborn stated.
With objects displayed in the Fowler, Kistner, Rotunda and Promenade it will complement the arts summer camp program as well as other special events and performances. Hudgens Center for the Arts will be promoting the exhibit throughout the county and officials hope that by its being available to view until the end of the year it will be seen and enjoyed by a large number of people in Gwinnett and beyond.
For more information on the exhibit, summer camps, membership, birthday parties or other Hudgens Center for the Arts events call 770-623-6002 or visit the website at www.artsgwinnett.org.
