PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa
Contact: Kevin Ledgewood
pr@tuscarts.org
205-758-5195, x6
THE ARTS COUNCIL WILL HOST THE WORK OF ARTIST MARY MEARES IN SEPTEMBER
(Tuscaloosa, Ala.) The work of photographer Mary Meares will be featured in an exhibit at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center during September. Titled “Travels Near and Far”, the display will be open to the public Sept. 2-30, 2016 in The Arts Council Gallery. An opening reception will be held on Sept. 2 from 5-8 p.m. during First Friday.
Mary Meares’ life experiences include those of educator, researcher, photographer and world traveler. Prior to her appointment as Associate Professor in the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama, she resided in the Carolinas, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Tokyo, Portland, Albuquerque, and Washington State. Meares was awarded degrees from American University, George Mason University and the University of New Mexico.
Mary Meares’ work has appeared locally in The Arts Council’s West Alabama Juried Show and Double Exposure competitions. She was presented the Purchase Award (top prize) and an Award of Excellence in the Double Exposure Competitions in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Her work has also appeared in three books by Patti Digh, “Four Word Self Help” (2010), “Creative is a Verb” (2010) and “The Geography of Loss” (2014).
For more information about the artist, visit marymmeares.weebly.com/photography.html.
Artist’s Statement
I’ve always been intrigued by photography and started taking photos as a child. On January 1, 2013, I started a daily photography practice, and quickly came to see this as a way of noticing beauty in my daily life. By paying attention and documenting that beauty, I have been learning to appreciate the wonder of the world and share it with others. Whether at home or traveling, I always carry my camera and make it a point to take at least one photo a day.
First Friday at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center will also feature a performance by Calliope Puppets, “The Fisherman and His Wife Reduce, Re-Use, and Recycle”, in the Black Box Theatre from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Expressive, hand-made hand puppets, lively music, and thoughtful audience participation reveal real life issues woven into this humorous and memorable presentation for children ages 5-12. The performance is made possible by a Gulf States Touring Grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
In addition to the Meares opening and the puppet show, The University of Alabama Gallery will present the UA/UAB Studio Faculty Exhibit reception. The joint exhibit of 2 and 3-D art features the combined work of the UA and UAB art faculty.
Visit tuscarts.org/firstfriday_artnight to view a list of Tuscaloosa galleries open during First Friday.
The Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center is located at 620 Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. For more information about The Arts Council, Bama Theatre or CAC, patrons should LIKE the Facebook page “The Arts Council – Bama Theatre – Cultural Arts Center” and follow tuscarts on Twitter. Call 205-758-5195 or visit tuscarts.org for further information.
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