March 2 – April 28, 2012
Thomas Center Main Gallery
302 NE 6th Ave, Gainesville, FL
Region4: Transformation Through Imagination features works by eighteen artists that seek to transform the reality of the local Cabot/Koppers EPA Superfund site into images that convey both the history of the issue and the possibilities for restoration and positive change. The artists have used scientific data from the site to create their art works, often forming partnerships with scientists who served as consultants on the projects.
Region4: Transformation Through Imagination was organized by the Superfund Art Project (SAP) and hosted by the City of Gainesville’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (DPRCA) in collaboration with Protect Gainesville Citizens (PGC). The exhibition and related programs are funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and are managed by oconnorartLLC, a Gainesville-based art consulting business.
The Artists who are participating in the exhibit include: Kate Barnes, Stacey Breheny, Anthony Castronovo, Jerry Cutler, Bonita Dewilaby, Lorelei Esser, Florida Research Ensemble, Katerie Gladdys, Tom Hundersmarck, Nitin Jayaswal, Debra Lindberg, Jill Murphree-Leitner, John A. O’Connor, Melanie Peter, Sherrie Pettigrew, Anne Stagg, and Margaret Ross Tolbert. Scientific consultants and other collaborators include Lu Cao, Pat Cline, Ky Gress, Wes Lindberg, Tom Morris, Anna Prizzia, Barbara Jo Revelle, Whitney Sanford, Jack Stenner, Greg Ulmer and Samuel Lopez de Victoria.
Opening reception: March 2, 5-7 p.m. An opening reception will be held at the Thomas Center from 5 to 6 P.M. on March 2. Following the reception, Exhibition Curator Mallory O’Connor will present a “Gallery Talk” and tour of the exhibition. Next, Cinema Verde, the Environmental Film and Arts Festival, will present a short video piece at the Thomas Center and then host the screening of an environmental film at Villa East. All events are free and open to the public.
SAVE THE DATE!!! March 30, 6 p.m. Lecture by NY photographer Brooke Singer
Media artist Brooke Singer, Associate Professor of New Media, State University of New York, Purchase, will give a talk titled “Alternative Histories: Mapping Toxic Legacy and Tracking Superfund.”
April 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eco-Health Festival, Agape Faith Center
Learn more about the Superfund site. Attend an informational gathering that will feature speakers, community organizations, food and fun for the kids. Located at Agape Faith Center, 936 NW 31st Avenue, Gainesville, Florida.
The Thomas Center Galleries are located at 302 NE 6th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday from 8 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. The galleries are closed Sundays and for observed holidays. For additional gallery information, please contact Russell Etling, Cultural Affairs Coordinator at (352) 393-8532 or visit www.gvlculturalaffairs.org.