“Vibrant Matter: Works from Wood” and “Growth Patterns: Work by Amelia Hankin”
Opening Exhibition Reception Nov. 14
McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) will open its two new fall exhibitions—Vibrant Matter: Works from Wood and Growth Patterns: Work by Amelia Hankin—with an Opening Exhibition Reception on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
“We are delighted to feature two exhibitions in our MPA Galleries during the late fall/early winter time period that are curated by our Assistant Curator and Gallery Manager, Jennifer Lillis,” said Nancy Sausser, MPA Curator and Artistic Director. “Jennifer recently received her MFA from George Mason University, where she currently teaches printmaking classes. With a special interest and expertise in both drawing and printmaking, she has put together two exhibits that reflect these processes.”
Vibrant Matter: Works from Wood features a variety of printmaking techniques that explore the effect of material within creative practices. Pulling impressions from wood, the ten artists showcased in the exhibit examine political theorist Jane Bennet’s theory of “vital materialism”: that matter itself, even inanimate objects, hold life and are active participants in the printing process. Featured artists include Catherine Cole, Cheryl Edwards, Helen Frederick, Jake Lahah, Jun Lee, Ursula W Minervini, Jonathon Poliszuk, Steve Prince, Pat Sargent, Priscilla Young.
In Growth Patterns: Works by Amelia Hankin, Hankin uses the simple tools of the drawing process— graphite, paper, eraser—to create compositions that bring together natural objects and structures to create spaces full of meaning and content. These images refer to the cycles of birth, regeneration and death, in all their nuanced complexity and beauty.
In addition to the November 14 Opening Exhibition Reception, MPA will host a Tea & Talk on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 11am. All events are free and open to the public.
The MPA Atrium Gallery is available for viewing during McLean Community Center operating hours. The Emerson Gallery is open for visitors Mondays through Saturdays from 10am – 4pm. MPA will also be open on Sunday, November 17 and Sunday, December 15 from 1-4pm. Vibrant Matter: Works from Wood and Growth Patterns: Work by Amelia Hankin run November 7, 2024 – January 4, 2025.
Exhibitions funded in part by the O’Shaughnessy Foundation.
About McLean Project for the Arts
MPA Exhibits, Educates and Inspires
McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) is one of the mid-Atlantic region’s most respected contemporary visual arts organizations. MPA provides high-quality art exhibitions showcasing the work of established and emerging artists, educational programs, art classes, MPAartfest, summer art camps, and ArtReach, an award-winning program serving students in grades K – 12, seniors, and individuals with special needs. For more information, visit www.mpaart.org.