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through our eyes 2007 :what’s goin’ on?
A New Exhibition at The Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum
by donald dusinberre    imartsyfartsy@gmail.com

      Featuring 24 artists from all over the greater Jacksonville area, the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum is currently showing Through Our Eyes 2007:What’s Goin’ On? This excellent show will be running through July 20th.

      Now in its 15th year, Through Our Eyes is an annual art series that calls upon the area’s African-American artists to respond to a different topic each year. Obviously, this year’s topic is “What’s Goin’ On?” This special way of arranging an art exhibition provides viewers with a unique opportunity to experience all of the artists’ responses in a highly diverse environment of paintings, sculptures, poetry readings, and photographs. We can benefit greatly from experiencing art in this format, as each artist responds in a unique way. With one single idea, we can explore and learn so many facets that may never have come upon us before.

      I was impressed with how tightly bound the works are to the show’s title. Each work articulately expresses the artist’s point of view, no matter what the particular subject. Furthermore, all of the subjects adequately represent “what’s goin’ on” for African-Americans. Polarizing stereotypes have been abandoned in favor of more universal themes, making each of them capable of striking a chord with anyone. Considering the individual messages, the general theme and the cohesiveness of it all, this exhibition is one of the most successful shows I’ve been to this year.

      The art was very well presented, each with just enough space to be focused on separately, yet the room was filled with color and expression. An information tag accompanied every piece, while many of them featured an artist statement or poetry (which I found insightful). Take the time to visit the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum and check out this exhibition.


Some of my favorite artists from the show:
Denise Cooper
Tiffany M. Rodriguez
Owiredu Baffour
Traci Mims-Jones
Marsha Hatcher
Fabielle Georges
Gil Mayers
Billie McCray
Rhonda Bristol
Roosevelt Watson III
Rootman


      The Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum is located at 829 North Davis Street, near downtown Jacksonville. The museum hours of operation are from 10 am – 6 pm Tuesday through Friday, 10 am - 2 pm on Saturday, and 2 pm – 5 pm on Sunday. Don’t worry if the front doors are locked, just go to the administrative office door nearby. For more information, call 904-632-5555.

Entertaining U Newspaper, eujacksonville.com. Published by N2U Publishing, Inc. 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. Copyright N2U Publishing, Inc. 2006. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by N2U Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for errors and/or omissions, the Publisher's liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to the following address: 3101 University Blvd., South #201 Jacksonville, FL 32216. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For information concerning classified advertising phone 904-730-3003.