With the 15th anniversary of Sept. 11 last weekend and the Paralympics in Rio, the strength of the human spirit is truly on display, showing what people can accomplish and overcome despite tragedy or adversity.
The Markeim Arts Center’s latest exhibitions, “Strength and the Human Spirit” and “Adaptive Sports,” showcase the theme of how humans are able to overcome and accomplish great things, through the medium of art. The exhibitions open on Sept. 16 and run though Oct. 8.
“These are two very meaningful exhibitions both artistically and emotionally,” Chief Operating Officer for MAC Bob Hochgertel said.
According to the MAC website, “Strength and the Human Spirit” is a juried exhibition featuring artists who have submitted powerful, poignant and meaningful works of art and photographs that capture, as vivid testament, whatever unquenchable quality it is that compels humans to seek out beauty and self-expression amid even the most difficult circumstances. The images may depict the joy of life, the resilience of survivors, or perhaps it is the artists themselves that overcame obstacles in the creation of their art.
“I think the human spirit can make art compelling… But I also think art can become compelling for the human spirit. We all see beauty differently, and art can be comforting for people who are dealing with challenges. By viewing, participation or creation, art can serve as a healing too for people going through challenges,” Hochgertel said.
The art on display will be in a variety of mediums, from paintings to sculptures. Some examples include: Sallie Paris depicted her emotional reaction to Sept. 11, 2011 in a painting of New York City showing the contrast of Sept. 10 and Sept. 11; Pat Fitzgerald used art to help her battle through cancer, featuring art of herself going through the process; and Athanasia Ward, who has much respect for the strength and spirit of the American Indian, created art based on their plight.
In conjunction with, and supplemental to, the “Strength and the Human Spirit” exhibition, Markeim Arts Center will also be sponsoring the exhibition “Adaptive Sports: The Photographs of Joan Wheeler.” Adaptive sports enhance the quality of life of people with disabilities through exceptional indoor and outdoor activities. According to the MAC website, in this one-woman exhibition, Wheeler hopes to show with her photographs that people with disabilities can participate and compete in any sport with just a few modifications.
“Joan Wheeler is a superb photographer… you see the individuals who have fought against all odds in these competitions and doing just as well as any other athlete,” Hochgertel said.
The opening reception is Friday, Oct. 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Markiem Arts Center, 104 Walnut St. in Haddonfield. Wheeler will be there, to discuss her work as well as judge the artists’ work for the “Strength and the Human Spirit” exhibition, as she is the juror.
Because of growing interest, locations may change. However, “Strength and the Human Spirit” is currently set to be on display at the MAC and “Adaptive Sports” is set to be at the Hopkins House Gallery, 250 South Park Drive in Collingswood. If changed, both displays would be at the MAC.
To learn more visit www.markeimartscenter.org.
