Sawhill Gallery celebrates the Centennial with theme of ‘Duration’

Two-week-long exhibit features work by both artists and scholars

By Stephanie Gambino, contributing writer
Posted on October 25, 2007

Sawhill Gallery gets into the Centennial spirit this week as it celebrates the opening of its latest exhibit, “Duration.”

The gallery wants to capture the spirit of historyfrom the university’s perspective, according to Stuart Downs, Director of Sawhill Gallery.

For this exhibition, there was no set theme, which is unusual for the gallery. Also unique to this exhibit is the lack of a jurying process. While most exhibits hold a screening process for what is selected for a show, faculty and faculty emeriti artists were invited to submit one piece of artwork to be showcased in “Duration.”

In addition to artists, the show also features scholars. Both art historians and educators were invited to showcase an article or book. These selections can be found on a pedestal just before the entrance way into the gallery.

Although the gallery is small, it contains a multitude of different pieces. From traditional and contemporary sculpture to definitive and abstract painting, the gallery offers a sample of the faculty’s best work.

This semester, in celebrating the university’s Centennial year, Sawhill Gallery will hold more JMU-based exhibitions rather than bringing in artists from out of town.

“We don’t usually feature this much of our own work,” said Downs. “Usually it is more international and national where we bring artists in.”

Sawhill Gallery hosts about three to five exhibitions every semester, with each taking about one week to put together, including gathering submitted pieces and designing the gallery around the artwork.

Downs hopes viewers will be able to experience the work for themselves. A small information sheet that helps viewers as they explore the gallery accompanies each piece.

“We have our usual cliental, art students and members of the local community,” Downs said, but all are welcome to come and enjoy the gallery.

The exhibition runs through Nov. 2 with a special Homecoming reception on Friday from 5-7 p.m.. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2-5 p.m..