Artists Archives of the Western Reserve: Celebrates Shirley Aley Campbell, Members, and Military Veterans

Kathy McGhee, Veteran: Sherri, Air Force, 1990s, Print, 13” x 19”

This spring marks a time of celebration and collaboration for the Artists Archives. We begin the season honoring one of the region’s most important figurative painters, Archived Artist Shirley Aley Campbell (1925–2018). Campbell’s attentive portraits of marginalized subjects earned her a respected place in the Cleveland arts community for over fifty years. In tribute to Shirley’s legacy, a pop-up exhibition will be on view from March 8 through 16, and a Celebration of Life reception will be held on Sunday, March 10, from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Proceeds from sales will benefit her estate and provide for the additional archiving of Campbell’s work.

March will also bring a celebration of our member artists with our Annual Members’ Exhibition, beginning with a reception on March 29, from 5:30 to 8:00pm. This vibrant and diverse multimedia exhibition features over a hundred works, hung salon-style in the main gallery. Viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite piece, and four cash awards will be announced at the closing reception on May 3.

In May, the Artists Archives will host Experiencing Veterans and Artists Collaborations (EVAC), a touring exhibition which blends social action and creative expression. Created by three Tiffin University curators, EVAC brings together veterans from all branches of the military and printmakers who visually interpret their experiences. Using storytelling and art, EVAC bridges the gap between civilians and veterans by educating the public about life in the military from WWII through Iraq/Afghanistan. The show will open on May 16 with a reception from 5:30 to 8:00pm.

AAWR & TSC Announce a CALL FOR ENTRIES

The AAWR is looking for work by artists who self-identify as African American for an exhibition titled Seen, Unseen, taking place at the AAWR and the Sculpture Center (TSC) galleries from September 20 through November 16.

This exhibition will highlight works from the Kerry Davis Collection, as well as regional artists curated in response to this collection.

Kerry Davis, a noted collector of African American art, is based in Atlanta, Georgia. His collection includes works by: Romare Bearden, Calvin Burnett, Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Gilliam, Sedrick Huckaby, Richard Hunt, Jacob Lawrence, Richard Mayhew, Mildred Thompson, Clarence White, John Wilson and many more artists of historical significance.

From February 1 until April15, AAWR will accept initial submissions of from five to eight pieces in a digital format for first-round consideration. Studio visits will then be scheduled for Kerry Davis, the AAWR and TSC, to make final selections. Submissions in all media are welcome, with no size limitations at this time. Please contact AAWR for further information.

 

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF: REMEMBERING SHIRLEY ALEY CAMPBELL | MARCH 8–MARCH 16
RECEPTION 1–3PM SUNDAY, MARCH 10

ANNUAL AAWR MEMBERS’ EXHIBITION | MARCH 29–MAY 3
RECEPTION 5:30-8PM FRIDAY, MARCH 29

EVAC: EXPERIENCING VETERANS & ARTISTS COLLABORATION | MAY 16–JULY 6
RECEPTION 5:30-8PM THURSDAY, MAY 16

 

Artists Archives of the Western Reserve
1834 East 123rd Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
artistsarchives.org
216.721.9020