What would you find in art studios across America? Is today’s art different in small towns versus big cities? What about Savannah? What’s happening in art studios across our city and how is it different because of local inspirations? These questions and more are examined in special events and a new exhibition State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now at Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center from February 19 to September 4.

“State of the Art: Discovering American Art Now presents a snapshot of the unusually diverse and nuanced range of artwork created by artists living in America today,” said Lisa Grove, Director and CEO of Telfair Museums. “Originally developed and organized by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., the exhibition examines how today’s artists are informed by the past, innovate with materials old and new, and engage deeply with issues relevant to their communities.”

The artists were selected by the Crystal Bridges curatorial team through an ambitious year-long research process that involved traveling 100,000 miles and visiting nearly 1,000 artists’ studios in rural communities, small towns and urban centers. The exhibition seeks to explore what is happening in studios and creative communities and then introduce those artists to a broader audience. Telfair Museum will feature 40 of the original 102 artists.

“The exhibition reflects what’s happening in American art right now,” said Rachel Reese, Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. “At its core, State of the Art asserts that contemporary art is a powerful and meaningful form of communication that effectively reflects the time and place in which it was made. It also allows local audiences to interpret, understand, and connect contemporary art with issues we share.”

In conjunction with the exhibition and as part of Telfair Museums’ initiative to investigate the state of the art in Savannah, the museums invited Chatham County artists to submit proposals for Boxed In/Break Out, a museum-sponsored public art installation that will appear in six windows at the Jepson Center.

Boxed In/Break Out is intended to highlight and provide an exhibition opportunity for the work of a local artist, through public display, promotional materials, and an artist talk. In addition to museum-supported promotion, the artist will receive a $1,000 honorarium.  The window installation will be up from April 28-August 28, 2016. The submissions are currently being reviewed by a guest curator with an announcement to be made soon.

State of the Art programs are supported, in part, by the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. Funding is also provided by the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs.
 
Related events include:
 
State of the Art Opening Lecture by Susie J. Lee
Thursday, February 18, 6pm (lecture); 7-9pm (reception)
The lecture features Seattle-based video artist Susie J. Lee, whose work in State of the Art adds a new dimension to the ancient art of portraiture. She asks her subjects—workers in the oil and natural gas “fracking” industry in her native North Dakota— to sit silently for her video camera for up to 30 minutes at a time. The videos can cause you to feel uncomfortable—even voyeuristic, but also create a powerful awareness of shared humanity and empathy. Recognized as Emerging Artist of the Year for the “intelligence, emotion and sensuality” of her work, Lee was also named “Artist to Watch” by ARTnews. Free to members or with museum admission by advance ticketing only. RSVP at [email protected] or telfair.org/stateoftheart

State of the Art Lecture by Vanessa German
Thursday, March 31, 6pm
Described by the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art as a “force of nature” Vanessa German creates compelling works that invoke the power to protect children en­dangered by circumstance and location. Her “power figures” feature accumulations of found objects that decorate black figures she constructs from dolls and found objects, and imbues with beauty and magic. She is a vigorous advocate for children in her Pittsburgh neighborhood, creating safe spaces for art-making amid violence and danger. German, a sculptor, actress, performer and educator has also pioneered a performance style called Spoken Word opera. Free to members or with museum admission by advance ticketing only. RSVP at [email protected] or telfair.org/stateoftheart

State of the Art: Savannah Style Fashion Show
Saturday, April 30, 7–10pm

Telfair Museums is proud to showcase some of Savannah’s finest fashion designers—Brooke Atwood, Merline Labissiere, and Meredith Sutton—as they join forces to create a stunning fashion show highlighting the contemporary styles of Savannah. In celebration of State of the Art, guests will have an opportunity to explore the exhibition, browse the designers’ pop-up shops, and enjoy the fashion show. $30 for members, $40 non-members, or $85 VIP by advanced ticketing only. Tickets are limited. RSVP at [email protected] or telfair.org/ savannahstyle

State of the Art Savannah Weekend

· Mega Art March in partnership with Art Rise Savannah
Friday, May 6, 5–9 pm / Jepson Center and throughout Savannah
 
· Free Family Day Saturday, May 7, 1–4pm

The weekend highlights Savannah’s local artists in a weekend of fun including a presentation of videos exploring the local art scene by Telfair’s Teen Council and a Mega Art March through downtown and midtown Savannah by Art Rise and community partners. On Saturday, Telfair Museums hosts a free family day featuring demonstrations and performance by local visual and performing artists. Free and open to the public.