Bo Bartlett Center’s spring exhibitions explore the power of perception in art

November 15, 2024

Columbus State University’s Bo Bartlett Center will welcome a pair of exhibitions on Jan. 18 that collectively underscore how the perception of literature and nature can influence artistic expression and interpretation.

“Eye of the Blackbird,” curated by Craig Drennen, explores the profound relationship between sight, thought and artistic expression. Inspired by Wallace Stevens’ 1917 poem “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird,” the exhibition features more than 30 pieces by its 10 artists—each of whom utilizes their unique perspectives to delve into the complexities of the visual world. From Colleen Asper’s innovative blend of painting and performance to Adam Winnie’s exploration of the unseen, each artist offers a fresh perspective on how the act of looking is inseparable from thinking.

Also opening on Jan. 18 is “Women of the Pacific Northwest.” The 21-piece exhibition showcases the significant contributions of women artists to the field. It explores themes ranging from the natural world to social and cultural issues. Through diverse mediums such as painting, sculpture and installation, these artists offer fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that spotlight Pacific Northwest traditions and how environment shapes visual vocabularies and concepts.

Left: Adam Winnie, “Black Sun (Coincidenta Oppositorum A),” charcoal and pastel on paper mounted to Dibond corner TV bracket, 2021, part of the “Eye of the Blackbird” exhibition; Right: Marie Watt, “Sky Dances Light (Chorus) XX,” tin jingles, polyester, twill tape, polyester mesh, steel, 2023-24, part of the "Women of the Pacific Northwest" exhibition.

“With ‘Eye of the Blackbird’ and ‘Women of the Pacific Northwest,’ we’re thrilled to present exhibitions that delve into the complexities of the visual world. These shows highlight the diversity of artistic expression and the power of art to challenge, inspire, and provoke thought,” said The Bo Bartlett Center’s director, Mike McFalls (pictured). “From the abstract to the representational, these artists invite us to see the world in new and profound ways.”

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the center will host a joint public opening reception for both exhibitions beginning at 6:30 p.m. Before the reception, there will be a “Women of the Pacific Northwest” artist panel discussion at the center beginning at 5:30 p.m. An artist panel discussion for “Eye of the Blackbird” is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 6.

Both exhibitions will remain on display through April 26. Except when closed for holidays, The Bo Bartlett Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information on these exhibitions and the center’s calendar of events, visit bartlettcenter.columbusstate.edu.

ABOUT THE BO BARTLETT CENTER

Columbus State University’s Bo Bartlett Center is a dynamic, creative learning laboratory that is part-gallery/museum, part-experimental arts incubator, and part-community center. Located in Uptown Columbus and part of the university’s RiverPark Campus, its 18,000-square-foot interactive gallery space hosts six to eight rotating exhibitions of regional, national and international acclaim each year. It also permanently houses The Scarborough Collection—14 large-scale paintings by the center’s namesake, artist Bo Bartlett—as well as the complete archive of sketchbooks, correspondence, journals, recordings, photographs, artistic notes, memorabilia and objects relevant to the production of Bartlett’s work.

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Media contacts:
Julie Umberger, Gallery Coordinator, The Bo Bartlett Center, 706.507.8432, umberger_julie@columbusstate.edu
Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu