Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
Pocahontas County Free Libraries and Information Centers has founded what it hopes to be an annual Artist in Residence-style program, which will increase exposure to the art and artists who reside in our communities.
The three-prong program will feature one artist, with an art exhibit, artist talk and free art class.
Brainstorming for the program began in August when PCFL Director of Development Joe Miller met local artist Vivian Blackwood. The two struck up a conversation about libraries, art and it led to a development of a grant proposal for the program.
“We met kind of by happenstance,” Miller said.
“I’m just thrilled to be partnering with the library on this,” Blackwood added.
The grant was funded by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the National Endowment of the Arts.
Blackwood has always had a love for both art and libraries since growing up in New Zealand.
“I had worked in a library in the past in New Zealand when the art museum I was working at closed for renovations for a year,” she said. “I really appreciate how amazing libraries are as cultural institutions and community institutions. I was really thrilled to team up with the library on this.”
Miller matched Blackwood’s enthusiasm, saying he was a fan of her artwork and after discovering her extensive knowledge and talent, he knew he wanted to collaborate with her.
“I discovered she had this background in art education, a really impressive background and really broad exposure to art,” he said. “That seemed like it would be a really nice fit for the mission we have here to kind of get more exposure for the community to the world of art generally, as well as to the specific kind of things right here in the county.”
A self-proclaimed art nerd, Blackwood has a degree in art photography but is more well known for her incredible photo realistic oil painting portraits. She is also well versed in art history and studied the masters.
“My entire life, I’ve been dedicated to learning about art,” she said. “I’ve always been obsessed with libraries and reading. I’m a real fan of history and art history. I’ve dedicated a lot of time to studying those things. The pursuit of knowledge is like the most fun thing in the world.”
As part of that pursuit of knowledge, Blackwood loves sharing her passion with others – whether it be art history or creating art – she wants to share that knowledge with all those around her.
“I’m so excited for this opportunity to share my passion, not just about making art, but about art history,” she said.
For the exhibit, Blackwood has curated a collection of work she has titled “Shadows on the Mountain.” It is a series of watercolors depicting the beauty of Appalachia.
“As a New Zealander, a love of the environment is part of my culture,” she said. “An awe and respect and a love and personal relationship with the natural world, so that’s part of what I’m doing with the show in terms of my experience – profound and beautiful and breathtaking experiences I’ve had in Appalachia.”
She will be leading a class in watercolor, but instead of focusing on one large piece, she will have the students work on several smaller pieces to get their feel for the medium.
“I always try to bring art history into my teaching,” she said. “People get really hung up on being perfect or doing something right and for this class series in particular, it’s watercolor. It’s going to be very relaxed, very, if I may say so myself, enjoyable. It’s going to be a focus on experimentation and play rather than the pressure of creating a finished product in time.”
As for the artist talk, Blackwood said she won’t be giving a traditional speech about her process and her artwork but will, instead, have more of a conversation about art with those in attendance.
“A traditional art talk would be about my practice and my work,” she said. “What we’re interested in offering is maybe a conservation slightly more about culture and creativity as well as my art, and how it fits into that.”
Miller said he is excited to see the interactions during the talk.
“One of the things that I’m especially excited about is having these conversations about what art looks like and what it means to create art,” he said. “People should definitely come out just to hear those conversations.”
The exhibit opens Friday, April 11, with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by Blackwood’s talk at 7 p.m. The watercolor class will be Tuesday, April 22. Pre-registration is a requirement and space is limited.
Those interested in taking the class may call to register at 304-799-6000.
If you are unable to get into this first class, no need to worry. The program is a traveling show. It starts at McClintic Library in Marlinton and will travel to the other four libraries in Pocahontas County every two weeks.
Dates for the exhibit, talk and classes will be published in The Pocahontas Times.
