Art and the Community.

Yesterday at the museum, we co-hosted with Indie Memphis musician Stoll Vaughan as part of the David Lynch-presented web series Interview Project. Vaughan played some music, showed a few of the interviews (which I highly recommend everyone check out – a new one is released every three days), and told some stories from the road.  It was a great afternoon. 

I mention it because at one point Vaughan (a native of Kentucky, currently living in LA) said something that really hit me.  He said that in a city like Los Angeles people come to take, whereas in a community like Memphis they come to give.

That really struck a chord with me.  It is something that I have long felt, but have never been able to voice so perfectly.  Memphis is more than a city.  We, especially within the arts, are a community where giving back is par for the course.  Most of us have a healthy amount of pride in our city (don’t you Love Memphis, too?), and are committed to making it a better place.  Working at the Brooks, I am constantly reminded of what a transformative influence the arts can have on a person or place.  (Read more about our community mural projects, art therapy programs, and more here).  Also through the work of the Urban Art Commission, Rhodes’ CODA program, ArtsMemphis outreach, the South Main Arts District, the burgeoning Broad Ave scene, not to mention the countless individual artists that make great things happen around the city!

Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the NEA, is visiting Memphis at some point this week on a nationwide tour entitled Art Works that underscores this exact point. “Art Works” is a triple entendre referencing: 1.) art works, like the things that artists create; 2.) art works to transform a person, to make a place better, etc.; and 3.) art works because it creates jobs, employs people, stimulates the economy.

Next Sunday, December 6 at 2pm, we’re showing a movie at the museum that I think dovetails perfectly with this whole idea.  It is called Downside Up: How Art Can Change the Spirit of a Place.  John Weeden (the seemingly indefatigable Director of the UAC) and I decided to show this a couple months back, before the news of Landesman’s visit was announced, so the timing of it couldn’t be more perfect (though honestly, completely unintentional).

After the film, we will be holding an open conversation about positive things happening in our own community; areas where we’d like to see improvement; ideas about how we can better nurture the arts as an integral part of the city’s development, etc.  Representatives from both the UAC and the Center City Commission will be there to listen and to explore ideas with us, the arts community, and all those interested.

So if you believe in the power of art, if you believe that art can make a difference in our community, in our city, please come out to lend your voice to this discussion!

Sunday, December 6  | 2 pm
Film: Downside Up
Can art make an impact on an individual, a community, a city? With the majority of its downtown deserted, many people had given up on North Adams, Massachusetts, until MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) located there and breathed life back into the community.  The Brooks Museum collaborates with the Urban Art Commission to present this moving documentary about how art can bring the tentative, dangerous notion of hope to a city widely viewed as hopeless.
 
Stay afterwards for a discussion on how art makes a difference in Memphis with representatives from the Urban Art and Center City Commissions.

(Free for members; $5 suggested donation for non-members.)

Artists’ Talk: School of Myatt

Thursday, December 3 | 6pm

Come by the Brooks this Thursday to hear what it’s like to be an art student, as well as a student of Greely Myatt, professor at the University of Memphis and well-known sculptural artist.  

Artists Benton Moss and Kathleen Studebaker will discuss their work in the exhibition From the School of Myatt.  (Read our earlier post on the show here.)

Both artists’ work is very involved and conceptual — Kathleen’s work, pensive and introspective, while Benton’s, almost explosive, takes over the side of the room in which it is installed.  So, it will be interesting to hear from both artist about where inspiration from their work comes from, as well as their techniques for producing it.

If you want to read up on these artists before the talk:  Benton has also completed a mural on South Main, which was written about in the Daily News.  And Kathleen talks about her work and has some more images available on ArtMemphis.net.

Bike Safety

FYI, bikers:

Bicycle Safety in the Streets
Revolutions will be hosting a Bicycle Safety Class this Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 10:00am-12:00pm.  Spend a couple hours with fellow bike enthusiasts as they discuss general safety guidelines, specific regulations regarding riding bicycles in Memphis, and overall strategies for getting from point a to point B as safe as possible.  Feel free to bring your questions. 

Date: Saturday, November 21 (10:00am-12:00pm)
Info: Should I ride with traffic or against it? Should I ride on the sidewalk? Can I take a left hand turn in traffic on my bike? Is it even legal to ride in the road? How can I safely navigate Memphis’ city streets?  Answers to all these questions and basic street safety procedures will be covered in this workshop.

The class will be free and open to the public.  No reservation is necessary.  Hope to see you there!

Revolutions Community Bicycle Shop
1000 South Cooper Street
Memphis, TN 38108

MORE about bikes:
Last week Brooks staffer Emily Greenberg blogged about the museum’s efforts to support this green method of transportation.  Read the post here. 

And read the Flyer’s article about the Brooks’ bike racks, designed by local artist Tootsie Bell.

Check Out theEuropean Vacation Family Day Re-Cap!!

Last Saturday, the Brooks celebrated another successful Family Day!

Kids and parents came from all over the city to particpate in FREE art activities including a gallery scavenger hunt, personalized passport-making, frame building and more!

Everyone also enjoyed a complimentary performance of Narnia presented by Playhouse on the Square! You should have seen the kids’ faces as the actors and actresses entered the museum, in full costume, right though the front door!

We were honored to have great and enthusiastic volunteers from Central High School and we thank them a thousand times for all of their help!

For more information about the Education Department or family events at the Brooks, email emily.greenberg@brooksmuseum.org!

To see if we took your picture, check out our Flickr roll on the right!

Brooks + Bikes = Happier, Healthier Memphis

Everyday, All of the Time

The Brooks wants to send a virtual shout-out to all cyclists and pedestrians, especially those living in and visiting our great city, Memphis.

In support of this eco-savvy group, the Brooks offers $1-off coupons to anyone who rides their bike to the museum. This means you family rider, and you cyclocrunk enthusiast. We want and enourage you to go by bike. And this ain’t new. We jumped on that train years ago.

In addition, we premiered the first ever Bicycle Film Festival in Memphis with the film screenings, block party, and after parties at Nocturnal and Murphy’s. Even better, we’re doing it all again this year! And it’s going to be even bigger. For more information about getting involved with the BFF Memphis 2010 check back soon or email me at emily.greenberg(at)brooksmuseum.org.

We know first hand how important it is to have a walkable, bikeable, and usable space for exercise and recreation. We’re in Overton Park, and i think we all take for granted how lucky we are to work in such a beautiful environment constantly fluttered with people.

I myself started riding my bike to work everyday from my apartment, which is about half a mile away. I soon realized that not only am I saving money and helping the planet, but it’s like a free workout. It literally takes me less than 10 minutes on my commute and i don’t even break a sweat (well a tiny one).

So, we welcome you to ride your bike-we’ll even hold your helmet at Admissions while you enjoy all the Brooks has to offer.

For more information about how to get started riding or finding a group ride near you click here and here.
To learn more about bicyle safety and street safety classes click here.
To read more about bikes, click here.

CELEBRATE: Beaujolais Nouveau Release Party

Thursday, November 19 | 6pm – 8 pm
Vive le Beaujolais!

Come party like the French as the Brooks celebrates this annual wine drinking event, the Beaujolais Nouveau Release Party, where we’ll tap a barrel of Beaujolais to be enjoyed by all!

The third Thursday of November is the date when the year’s new vintage of Beaujolais is released and celebrated the world over.  Beaujolais is a very young wine — the grapes are harvested, fermented, and bottled within a few short months in order to meet the midnight-hour release time in late November.

Beaujolais is easy on the palette with its fair-bodied flavor and fruity accents.  It is made from the Gamay grape.  This wine is so unique, it is considered to be from its own singular region even though it is next door to several other established regions.

More interesting facts about Beaujolais Nouveau…

Complimenting the playfulness of the wine it celebrates, the Brooks event will take on a Parisian street fair atmosphere.  See la vie en rose as you stroll through the Brushmark to the tunes of Edith Piaf, sampling French food by Chefs Wally Joe and Andrew Adams.  Menu highlights include brie crêpes, smoked beef and gruyere baguettes, crawfish pastries, not to mention an assortment of desserts like nutella-strawberry crêpes or warm beignets.  All this while sipping on an abundance of the new Beaujolais – poured straight from the barrel!

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets ($25 for members; $30 for non-members, which is inclusive of  food, drink, tax & gratuity — can you beat that price!?).

After the party, Beaujolais revelers are also invited to visit the featured exhibition Masterpieces from Museo de Arte de Ponce while they are here; and to attend the 7:30 pm performance of Sartre’s No Exit, presented by University of Memphis Department of Theatre and Dance, free of charge.

FREE:European VacationFamily Day at the Brooks!

Saturday, November 14 | 10 am – 1 pm
Enjoy Free Admisson and Activities! Open to the public!

Set off on a wonderful European vacation that’s both relaxing for the parents and exhilarating for your children! Travel all over Europe and see the wonderful Masterpieces from Spain, France, and more!

Create your own passport and take an adventurous journey through the galleries! Then, enjoy a scavenger hunt as you search for clues in the artwork to take you to your next destination. Relax and take in a show in our auditorium as Playhouse on the Square performs several excerpts from Narnia!

Make memories and have your photo taken in front of ancient Roman ruins, eating in a French café, or lounging in an Impressionist landscape. Then, decorate a personalized frame with gemstones and sparkles to preserve your fun trip!

Make a postcard to mail to your grandparents, teachers, or even a pen pal! Your kids can draw whatever they want on a pre-prepared card! There’s something for everyone…there will be complimentary family guides for anyone who wants to go on their own through the galleries!

Schedule of Events
10 am -1 pm Activities in the Rotunda and Gallery
11:30 pm Narnia in the Auditorium presented by Playhouse on the Square

The Brooks takes a Field Trip

From time to time, some of the Brooks staffers like to take a long lunch and go on a field trip. Who doesn’t like a field trip?  Last week we went to visit our friends over at the Dixon to see their new shows Lichtenstein in Process and Carry Me! Lucite Handbags from the Caryn Scheidt Collection.

Attending our excursion was Lindsey (head of Art of Good Taste fundraising events), Bob (grant writer), Heather (graphic designer), Erica (visitor services and social media guru), and myself (film programmer and sometimes blogger).

It was a gorgeous day – a nice break from the rain – so we had a brown bag lunch in the gardens.  Then we went in to see the exhibits.  We started with Lichtenstein, a collection of the Pop artist’s studies, drawings, and collages.  I found it fascinating to see how the artist begins to compose the colors, shapes, and forms that eventually became his final work.  We also enjoyed picking out the various materials he used – colored tape, carefully cut and painted paper, even tinfoil!

Private Collection © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein

Then we headed in to Carry Me, a beautiful collection of Lucite handbags from the 1940s to the 60s.  These smooth, glossy, almost futuristic shapes come speckled with rhinestones, metal confetti, gold netting, and lace.  I loved how they glittered and shone in light. 

Collection of Caryn Scheidt.

Both shows definitely worth checking out.  All in all a wonderful lunch break – I encourage you all to take a long lunch (go on, your boss won’t mind) and check out some of the great museums around town… Tomorrow we’re headed to the Metal Museum for the Elizabeth Brim show!

Essential Art House Cinema at the Brooks!

Don’t miss our next two films!

Thursday, November 5 | 1 pm and 7:30pm
La Strada

Directed by the famous Frederico Fellini, La Strada, meaning “The Road”, is a film about a young girl who is sold out of poverty by her family to an evil man who uses and abuses her while she works as his helper.

Made in 1954, and winner of the Academy Award for Best Film in 1956, La Strada is a tale about struggle, family, true love, and tragedy.

Enjoy this rare opportunity to see this drama at the Brooks!

Thursday, November 12 | 7:30 pm
Rashomon
*At Malco’s Studio on the Square

 
Directed by original Akira Kurosawa in 1950, Rashomon is a film about one crime and four seperate, and different, accounts of it. A woodcutter, widow, dead man, and possible murderer all tell the story of who-done-it and why. Follow the story through flashbacks, allegory, and oral tradition.

Laiden with modern art references, cinematography, symbolism, and philosophy, Rashomon puts the viewer in a unique position where they act as the jury trying to determine the guilty.

This film classic is known to be one of the first influences of Japanese culture on Western society, and was eventually re-made into the 1964 Western, The Outrage.

Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the Academy Honorary Award at the 24th Annual Academy Awards, this film is a must see!

To read more about the restoration process of these films click here.

From the School of Myatt

We’ve got a new show up this week.  From the School of Myatt: Benton Moss and Kathleen Studebaker is being put on in conjunction with Greely Myatt: And Exactly Twenty Years (also known affectionately as ”Greelypalooza”).

Greely, for those of you who aren’t familiar with the man, is a sculptor and University of Memphis professor, whose work and commitment to the arts in Memphis is being celebrated with an unprecedented city-wide exhibition (besides the Brooks, there are seven other venues that participated) — an effort conceived and organized by Hamlett Dobbins (Clough-hansen, Material).

During his nearly twenty-year tenure as a professor at The University of Memphis, Greely has influenced and inspired many students, two of whom are highlighted in this new show: Benton Moss and Kathleen Studebaker.  These two artists both explore worlds of fantasy through their use of line, form, and color. 

Kathleen has several sculptures and paintings in the show, while Benton’s is a floor to ceiling installations that covers two walls.  Come by to take a look.  (Included in regular museum admission fee; free on Wednesdays.)

Benton Moss. Twenty-seven-B-stroke-six, 2009. Mixed media. Collection of the artist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kathleen Studebaker. Untitled Broken Pane #3, 2006. Wood. Collection of the artist.

From the School of Myatt: Benton Moss and Kathleen Studebaker is on view through December 6, 2009.  This exhibition is supported by a Jeniam Foundation Grant administered through ArtsMemphis.