Judith Mogul is shown with “Cars on Hands,” one of the elements that is part of her project concerning cars and people’s relationship to them.
Contributed photo by Jewish Cultural CenterAnn Treadwell, curator and programs director for the Jewish Cultural Center, has assembled an exhibition inspired by Bertolt Brecht’s quote “Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it.”
She said she looked for artists whose output reflected that quote and chose Frances McDonald, Judith Mogul and Carol Ventura. “Drawn In” opens Monday and continues through May 13.
“In this exhibit, you will see how art can be a lens to help us focus on the meaning or lack of meaning in our world and how the finished product or process of creating shapes our world,” said Treadwell. “This is not intended to be an exhibit about beauty but an exhibit about thought.”
McDonald, executive director of the non-profit organization Mark Making, assists people who may not have made art before in creating a project of learning or meaning. The purpose of her organization is to enhance the community through the creation of public art by nonprofessional artists such as students, the homeless and people with physical or mental challenges.
McDonald says that her projects give these populations a voice in the community, help them overcome obstacles, learn problem-solving skills and live more fulfilling lives. Mark Making also provides employment and teaching opportunities for local artists.