Enter an imaginative world where everyday objects, animals and organic materials collide in a succession of growth and decay with “Mark Licari: Drawing Out,” opening Friday, Jan. 23 at the Clay Center. Be among the first to explore the exhibit at a free public reception on opening night from 6 to 8 p.m.
Featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures and a site-specific mural, the exhibit depicts the merging of the natural and technological worlds. See leaves and flowers emerging from worn men’s suits and household furniture, a vortex consuming everything in sight, a vacuum bursting into flames and much more in Licari’s vibrant creations.
Enhance your experience with public programming that accompanies the exhibit. Watch the artist at work as he creates a mural in the stairway leading to the art gallery on January 14 through 18 from noon to 5 p.m. each day. Licari will return to the Clay Center for a free public artist talk in the art gallery on March 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. and a family workshop on March 7 from 10 a.m. to noon in which adults and children can work together to create murals. Space is limited for the workshop, so pre-registration is required.
During both of his visits, the Los Angeles-based artist will meet with students from the Clay Center’s afterschool program in three Boone County middle schools. Students from Sherman Jr. High, Van Jr./Sr. High and Madison Middle will travel to the Center to interact with him and learn about his work. In between visits, a Marshall University art student mentored by Licari will work with the students on directed art projects at their schools.
The exhibit will be on display through May 31 and is sponsored by BB&T West Virginia Foundation and The Elliot Family Foundation. The additional programming is being funded by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Daywood Foundation.
For more information on all Clay Center programs and exhibits, call 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org
