For the Love of Art

Last month, visitors flowed into the Interactive Resource Center (IRC) to see the artwork of Artifacts Cooperative members at their annual Valentine’s Day sale, “For the Love of Art.” Pink and red crepe banners hung in a curtain from the walls and paper hearts were taped to the large front windows. Each Artifacts member occupied a table lining the sides of the room, and visitors formed a clockwise line circling past the artists. The Artifacts artists there specialized in a variety of art media, including acrylic and oil painting, drawing, woodworking, beadwork and jewelry.

Samuel Kwarteng, a painter, drawer, and longtime Artifacts Cooperative member, stated that art shows like “For the Love of Art” always provide learning opportunities, shedding light on what could be improved for next time. Several Artifacts members at the show lamented the fact that there weren’t more visitors, and discussed ideas for advertising the next show or new venues in Greensboro.  Despite the lower attendance, I overheard significant interactions between the members and the visitors that did attend. 

The artwork of Jerry Rich, the newest member of Artifacts, made one visitor to the art show tear up. Jerry later told me in an interview for the Greensboro Voice, a newspaper housed at the IRC, that he and this visitor both began crying when he described the meaning behind a drawing of a shepherd overlooking his flock. Jerry said that the shepherd was watching the sheep from afar, like he and his wife Angel watch their children from a distance. Viewing and discussing the artwork of Jerry and other artists fostered empathy in this and other visitors to the show.

As a part of my Americorps service, I facilitate Art Corner, an open art studio program where new and experienced artists can support each other in the creative activities of their choice. Since beginning Art Corner, I have had the privilege of partnering with Artifacts Cooperative members. Several of the members create their artwork in Art Corner, but I also attend Artifacts Cooperative meetings, support the members in their artistic decisions, and help promote their events like this year’s Valentine’s Day show. One of the goals of my Americorps service is to continue promoting partnerships and creative collaborations between IRC enrichment programs—this is part of our reason for hosting an interdisciplinary Talent Show at the IRC as our April Americorps service project.

-Frances Morris, Americorps member at the Interactive Resource Center