Harn presents exhibition of Alachua County’s self-taught artists
May 16, 2012
GAINESVILLE, Fla.— This summer the Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida will explore the thought-provoking work of artists living and working around Gainesville.
The exhibition, “Deep Roots, Bold Visions: Self-Taught Artists of Alachua County,” will include paintings, drawings, sculpture and mixed media works by Jesse Aaron, Alyne Harris, Eddy Mumma, Jerry Coker, Robert Roberg, Francis Moore and Baba Onabamiero Ogunleye. The exhibition will open on May 29 and run through Sept. 9.
These artists draw inspiration from the region, and the subjects of their works range from local scenery and imaginary landscapes inspired by Florida nature to inner visions, religious belief and spirituality. Throughout the exhibition, the Harn will draw attention to the aesthetic power and expressive intensity of the work as well as the methods and skills of these artists, who did not pursue formal academic degrees in the fine arts. The exhibition will also draw attention to local histories as portrayed by the artists and narrated by collectors.
“We are delighted to feature accomplished artists who live and work here in our own community as well as some wonderful local artists who have passed on,” said Rebecca Nagy, director of the Harn Museum of Art and co-curator of the exhibition. “The exhibition shows a wonderful, eclectic cross section of their work. It will be interesting to put their works in dialogue together and see what insights they reveal about our community. We’re also thrilled that our local collectors have stepped forward to lend to this exhibition and told us their stories about how they discovered these artists and have come to appreciate their work.”
This exhibition is organized by the Harn Museum of Art and made possible by the Harn Program Endowment, with additional support from the Harn Annual Fund.
Admission to the museum is free. For more information, call 352-392-9826 or visit www.harn.ufl.edu.
The museum is offering a number of related programs for audiences of all ages.
Tot Time, “I Spy Color,” Tuesday, May 29, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Tot Time, “I Spy Color,” Friday, June 1, 11 a.m. to noon
This free, fun and educational program is for children, ages 2 – 5, and their caretakers. Tots learn about art by touring Harn galleries and exploring art materials. Enrollment is limited to the first 40 children pre-registered. Register by calling 352-392-9826, ext. 2112 or email lstevens@harn.ufl.edu. Tot Time is funded by Prudential Trend Realty.
Family Day, Saturday, June 16, 1 to 4 p.m.
Families will tour the exhibition and build sculptures with found objects and recycled materials in our creative studio. A donation of $2 per child or $5 per family is requested if participating in the art-making activity.
Gallery Talk and Book Signing, Sunday, June 24, 3 p.m.
Robert Moore, author of “Francis Read Moore, Florida Folk Artist: Primitive Paintings and Photos of a Time and Place in North Central Florida;” Kate Barnes, Francis Moore’s first art instructor; and Debbie Moore Brown, daughter of Francis Moore, will offer perspectives on the life and work of Francis Moore, whose work is represented in “Deep Roots, Bold Visions.” The book “Francis Read Moore” is available for purchase in the museum store. A book signing will take place following the lecture.
Museum Nights, Thursday, July 12, 6 to 9 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy activities, performances and presentations engaging in personal expression. This evening is a part of the UF Creative B Program, which highlights creative events across the UF campus.
Collectors’ Discussion, Saturday, July 21, 3 p.m.
Learn from local Gainesville collectors about how and why they collect the art that is on view in the exhibition. Moderated by exhibition curators Rebecca Nagy, Harn Museum of Art director and Susan Cooksey, Harn curator of African Art.