The Peachtree City Library Art Initiative has unveiled “Cultural Expressions Art Exhibit,” during which African-American artists from Darien, McIntosh County, and the St. Simons area will exhibit art reflecting African-American culture Jan. 6-Feb. 24.
The reception is Saturday, Jan. 14, 6-8 p.m. in the Peachtree City Library, 201 Willow Bend Road.
Exhibiting artists are Serena Hall, Leigh Carpenter-Ferguson, Shanice Gilbert and Gene Threats.
The premier exhibit of the “Cultural Expressions Art Exhibit” was held in Darien, followed by a show at the Glynn Visual Arts (CVA), St. Simons. The group was hosted by the Historic Ritz Theatre, Brunswick, Georgia, and garnered the attention of The National Endowment of the Arts, which produced an art blog focusing on Cultural Expressions artists and their work.
Serena Hall uses seashells called “Tabby” in her popular series Ladies on Boards. The bodices are adorned with tiny shells attached to fabric skirts. Some are adorned with other natural materials depending on the history the artist wishes to convey. Tabby was used to build dwellings on the Georgia coast years ago. Remnants can be found in historic buildings in downtown Darien. Hall will also exhibit selected paintings. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice, is a member of the McIntosh Art Association in Darien, and organized the “Cultural Expressions Art Exhibit” group.
Born in Coastal Georgia, Carpenter-Ferguson is drawn to the beauty of the coastal marshes in her art. She incorporates spiritual symbolism, family and the environment to inspire her work. She will be exhibiting works in a variety of mediums. Carpenter–Ferguson is a Montessori teacher.
Shanice Gilbert paints in acrylics and has participated in the Cultural Expressions Art Exhibit in St. Simons. Gilbert is a graduate of The Art Institute of Atlanta and is a graphic designer.
Gene Threats, always interested in art, began his serious drawing during his dialysis treatment and kidney transplant recovery. His work represents religious themes and reflects African-American life. Threats is a graduate of Valdosta State University.
The library will be closed during the second weekend of January due to a major computer system upgrade but will open exclusively for the art exhibit reception Saturday evening.
