"End of an Empire" at Grass Gallery, June 23 through August 21
“End of an Empire”, a survey of anti-war art, ran from June 23 to August 21 at Grass Gallery in North Adams. A disparate group of artists, working in various mediums, responded to wars the US has prosecuted since the end of the Cold War in 1991. Thousands of visitors passed through the gallery. Many thanks to Richard Rand at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute for acting as our juror.
Featured artists included Andrew Davis, Rose DeSiano, susan c dessel, Christina Ernst, Paula Everitt, Rosemary Eden Fitzgerald, David Gyscek, Lisa Hecht, Artemis Herber, Wayne Hopkins, Erin Ko, Daniel Monteavaro, Nabawia El-Soudani Olivera, Kevin Orlosky, Humberto Ramirez, Joy J Rotblatt, Elizabeth White, and Cathy Wysocki.
The show received a fair amount of regional press.
Events related to the exhibition:
Opening Reception, Thursday June 23, 6 PM – 9 PM
A festive reception, a promising first night that lasted through the weekend, thanks to DownStreet Art’s fantastic coordination, and the Solid Sound Festival at Mass MoCA. Saturday at midnight, DJ Spooky starting spinning music under the marquee of the Mohawk Theater next door. A good time was had by all. And gallery attendees generally appreciated the show’s message.
A Circle of Anti-war Knitting, Friday, July 8, 6 PM - 9 PM
Craftivism at its best. Free and open to the public.
Knit anything! Individual projects, collaborations, are welcome.
Join in or just drop in and check it out.
This event is a joint presentation of Davis Art Services and Shima Children & Maternity.
Jason Peabody and Company, Friday July 15, 6 PM – 9 PM
Relax in the gallery with a selection of blues covers and originals from a North Berkshire musical legend.
A Talk with Barry Goldstein, Friday July 22, 6 PM – 8 PM
Dr. Barry Goldstein will discuss his book “Gray Land: Soldiers on War”, the result of two years photographing and interviewing more than fifty actively serving members of a veteran battalion, including two month-long trips to Iraq during which he lived and patrolled with the unit. He will also talk about his recent work in Afghanistan. Copies of “Gray Land” will be available for purchase.
"Black Sites" Drawing Jam, Friday July 29, 6 PM – 9 PM
Talk about your Family Values: a drawing jam of protest and response. Informal, open. Some supplies will be provided. Prior to the event, artists and the public are invited to read the official report on the CIA’s “Black Sites”, the US program of disappearance and torture of high-value detainees under the Bush administration. Artists will respond to the report with artwork we create in the gallery. Fun for the kids! Read the report! See what your tax dollars paid for! And come make art.
Cathy Wysocki & Wayne Hopkins, Friday August 5, 6 PM – 8 PM
Two artists featured in the show share the spotlight for this artists’ talk. Cathy and Wayne will discuss their respective bodies of work, both featuring a wealth of socio-political content. Light refreshments will be served.
Artist Talk: Rose DeSiano, Friday August 12, 6 PM – 8 PM
Brooklyn-based Rose DeSiano, whose "Blitzkrieg III" is in the current show, discusses her work, her photographic artistic practice, and her current fascination with the similarities between war reenactments and architecture. After that, she'll be taking questions from you, the art-loving public. Light refreshments will be served.
Anti-war Knitting Circle Encore, Friday August 19, 6 PM – 8 PM
Response to our first knitting circle has led us to produce this encore event. Craftivism at its best. Free and open to the public.
Knit anything! Individual projects, collaborations, are welcome.
Join in or just drop in and check it out.
Once again, a joint presentation of Davis Art Services and Shima Children & Maternity.
Check out DAS-related press here.
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