This week, "Art and Soul" is about the visual arts. 89.1 WEMU's Lisa Barry is joined by local and state arts leader Omari Rush. Since the conversation will be heard on and around Valentine's Day, the discussion focuses on what it means to be an art lover and the meaning that can be derived from art.
From impressionists like Kandinsky to local glass blower Larry Nisson, many art enthusiasts feel a lot of pressure “to get” or “understand” what their looking at to be able to love it. But being empowered to love the art you like simply because it appeals to you and owning that feeling is important, according to Omari Rush.
"Whether it be a museum, a building wall, or the décor of a home, it’s a privilege to see someone’s creation and be inspired by it," says Rush. "No matter where art is displayed, it’s an important part of appreciating it and its significance, especially to our local communities."
The downtown branch of the Ann Arbor Library is hosting an exhibit on the Dunbar Center from February 8th to March 28th. Named for black poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, the center was opened in 1923 as an important social hub of for the black community of Ann Arbor.
The Argus Museum is hosting the Water is Life exhibit on February 21st, opening with a meet-and-greet with the artists. The exhibit itself is focused on images of water and the different meaning it holds for each artists.
The Riverside Arts Center is opening its showcase for Black History Month called THIS AIN’T NOTHING NEW! Starting February 1st and going until the 22nd. Featuring work from local artists, the exhibit is a powerful way to keep reflecting on black history in our community, not just for this month, but all year.
Resources for Artwork:
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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu
