Emilio Sánchez's untitled painting of La Rumba Supermarket in the Bronx is a late 1980s watercolor on paper. It is part of "Our America," an exhibit of work by Latino artists that opens in Hunter Museum of American Art on Feb. 17. The exhibit is drawn from the Smithsonian American Art Museum.Whether watching seven Tibetan monks construct a sand mandala or viewing never-before-seen films from the private collections of four Dalton, Ga., residents, there are some unusual events in coming weeks at regional art museums.
Here's a roundup of some special exhibits that museum directors hope you'll want to mark down on your calendars:
The Art of Cinema
Creative Arts Guild
520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga.
On view: Now through Feb. 24
Curated by local filmmaker Mark Hannah and CAG Gallery Director Savannah Thomas, this exhibit celebrates more than 100 years of Hollywood with artwork, vintage movie posters and private film collections.
Highlights include the screening of a surprise comedy feature at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, and a 1991 comedy, "Island Girl," at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3. "Island Girl" was filmed in Dalton by former CAG Young Filmmakers Allen Posten and Mark Hannah. Guests will recognize some familiar faces and places in the comedy.
Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art
Hunter Museum of American Art
10 Bluff View
On view: Feb. 17 through June 4
"Our America" presents a variety of work, all created since the mid-20th century, from nearly 70 Latino artists in the United States. Drawn from the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the exhibition of paintings, prints, sculpture, photography and video art showcases artists of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, as well as other Latin American groups with roots in the U.S.
"This exhibition gives us an opportunity to showcase the wide array of Latino art in the United States and to partner with members of our local Latino community to develop programs and events that will complement the exhibition, encourage participation from and bring enjoyment to our entire community," says Hunter Executive Director Virginia Anne Sharber.
We Wear the Mask: Redefining a Double Consciousness
Bessie Smith Cultural Center
200 M.L. King Blvd.
On view: Now through Jan. 27
This exhibit uses masks and face paint as metaphors to understand black racial identity and the thoughts of artist Clifford Gordon on how identity is transitive. Gordon is a former Chattanoogan who's now an instructor at Columbia State Community College in Columbia, Tenn.
Secrets of Buddhist Art: Tibet, Japan and Korea
Frist Center for the Visual Arts
919 Broadway, Nashville, Tenn.
On view: Feb. 10 through May 7
The exhibit was organized exclusively for the Frist Center from the Newark Museum's world-renowned collection of Buddhist art in Newark, N.J. The show features 100 paintings and sculptures, according to Buddy Kite, media and public relations director for the Frist.
Beginning Friday, Feb. 10, visitors can watch seven Tibetan monks construct a sand mandala in the gallery. A mandala is a circular, ritual symbol that represents the cosmos and is commonly used to assist meditation. The mandala will remain on view for the duration of the exhibit.
Stitches In Time Quilt Show
Museum Center at Five Points
200 E. Inman St., Cleveland, Tenn.
On view: March 9-23
The museum's popular annual quilt show invites quilters to submit work in a variety of categories. Quilts are professionally judged and ranked, then put on exhibit for a two-week period. In addition to the quilt show, various educational and informational programs are included.
"'Stitches in Time Quilt Show' is a perfect family friendly event. We also provide various informational classes for seasoned and beginning quilters," says Emma-Leigh Evors, the Museum Center's curator of collections.
The Many Colors of Glass
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts
201 High St.
On view: March 22 through June 21
The exhibit will display beautiful, mold-blown glass items from the collection of Anna Safley Houston.
Houston, who came to Chattanooga with her second of nine husbands, was a businesswoman and bargainer who built up a collection of glassware unrivaled in the South. Before her death in 1951, she organized a museum to display her collection and left her estate to museum trustees to provide future generations the chance to appreciate art glass and antiques.
"Stunning colors transform the everyday in this lovely collection of blown glass," says Amy Autenreith, Houston executive director. "Visitors will appreciate the detail and workmanship found in these unusual pieces."
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.