When the Covid-19 pandemic brought the country to a halt, many people turned to the arts for catharsis. The internet showcased virtual choirs, dancers, porch concerts, streaming live theatre and more, bringing the arts to virtually every home in America. “Reinvention: Creative Pivots in the Pandemic” art exhibition will feature the works of 12 local artists and a local musician. The exhibition will open Friday, July 23, 7 to 9 pm in the Slidell Cultural Center at City Hall, and will remain on view through August 27. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm and by appointment. Admission is free.
“Reinvention” focuses on the unique challenges artists have faced as a result of the pandemic and social isolation. Some of the exhibition artists have experimented with new techniques, materials and styles, while others’ works were influenced by the shutdown and compliance with pandemic protocols. Many of the artists changed the way they presented their works to and interacted with audiences. Collectively, the exhibition provides a snapshot of this historic moment in time that will be preserved in a Covid-19 time capsule housed in the Slidell Museum.
The exhibition artists include Connie Born, Mary Christopher, Charlotte Lowry Collins, Robert Dutruch, Vanessa Hock, Kelly Landrum-Hammell, Matt Litchliter, Mandie Manzano, Al Reisz, Abby Sands, artist and author Rose Marie Sand and event curator Kim Bergeron. The event also will include a 3D animated music video, an international collaboration between local musician Savej and Austrian animator TAS. Complimentary 3D glasses will be provided.
A special “Meet the Artists” event will be held in the gallery on Wednesday, August 11, 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Extended exhibition hours also will be offered Saturday, August 14, 5 to 9 pm, during the city’s White Linen and Lagniappe event. During this event, the public is invited to stop by the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, 2220 Carey Street, to share their written stories to be added to the time capsule. Stories also may be submitted at the Slidell Cultural Center throughout the exhibition.
In addition to the stories penned by the artists and the community, the time capsule will include audio histories collected by St. Tammany Parish Library.
Presented by Artists & Causes and hosted by the City of Slidell, “Reinvention” is supported in part by a grant from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, with funding for the event time capsule provided by St. Tammany Parish Commission on Cultural Affairs. Additional support for the event has been provided by the Northshore Media Group (Edge of the Lake magazine, The Highway Radio and The Lake Radio,) Slidell Magazine, Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition and The Northshore Collaborative.
All events are free and open to the public.
