Art notes: SBC opens exhibit using works from permanent collection

From staff reports
Published: August 28, 2008

At first glance, Kara Walker’s silhouette, “Emancipation Approximation,” pictures a Scarlet O’Hara-type woman, hoop skirt and all, leaning casually against a stump.

As your eyes move over the large-scale piece, however, it takes on a more sinister tone. Heads of African-American slaves lie scattered at the woman’s feet; an ax leans menacingly against the stump.
“She looks dainty and has this awful weapon,” says Karol Lawson, interim director of the Sweet Briar College Galleries.

“(Silhouettes were a) Victorian parlor kind of thing to do, but (Walker’s) using it in a more get-in-your-face kind of way.”

Artwork from Sweet Briar’s permanent collection, including the piece by Walker, will go on display Sept. 1 through Dec. 5 in the college’s Anne Gary Pannell Art Gallery.

With an emphasis on contemporary American women artists and etchings, the exhibit includes, among others, works by Elizabeth Murray, Helen Frankenthaler, Judy Pfaff and Francisco de Goya.
Gallery hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Friday, and 1 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Admission is free, with group tours by appointment. For more information, contact Lawson at or call (434) 381-6248.

RC will hold auditions for musical ‘Splendora’
Randolph College will hold open auditions for the upcoming production of the musical “Splendora” at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday in Thoresen Theatre, Leggett Building. Parts are available for two men and six women. Come prepared to sing and read from the script. Prepared pieces are not required. The show will be performed Nov. 6 through 10. For more information call (434) 947-8564.

Amherst parks/rec offers fall acrylic art classes
The Amherst County Recreation and Parks Department will offer “Learn to Paint Acrylic Art Classes” in two six-week sessions. Session I will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Sept. 4. Session II will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Oct. 16. All classes will take place at the Coolwell Community Center. The cost is $15 per person plus $5 for supplies. Participants will need to supply a roll of paper towels and newspapers, and should wear old clothes. For more information or to register, call (434) 929-7707.