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Young Durham Artists Get Showcase in Exhibit Sponsored by Nasher Museum and Durham Arts Council

By Duke Today Staff

The Durham Arts Council, in its first exhibition collaboration with the Nasher Teen Council, proudly presents an exhibit of new work by young local artists, Through Eyes of My Own.  The exhibit is on view in the Allenton Gallery at the Durham Arts Council (DAC), May 18-July 7, with a free, public opening reception at 6 p.m. on May 25.

The DAC and Nasher Teen Council collaboration gives more voice and accessibility to talented local youth. The 50-piece exhibit was curated from a submission pool of 150 works of art.  The range of submissions vividly demonstrates young artists’ interest in presenting their own statements of identity.  

The exhibit concept developed from the Teen Council’s desire to feature the viewpoints of young local artists.  Durham Arts Council and education staff at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke helped to guide and mentor the teens in the development of their first major exhibition.  Over several months, the teens learned the basics of shaping a call to artists, how to promote it and handle the logistics of submissions, contracting, exhibit design, art presentation and signage.

The call asked artists to present work which focuses on the exploration of identity, its development and its importance in everyday life, responding to questions including: “how much of your identity is self-defined? How does community affect your identity? Does your physical appearance influence or restrict your self-expression?”   

“We were excited and challenged by the number of submissions,” said Brittany Carlson, teen educator at the Nasher Museum.  “The response emphasized the need for more exhibition opportunities dedicated to young artists and required a lot of thoughtful discussion about curatorial decisions on the part of the Teen Council.”

“We are very pleased for our Nasher Teen Council to enjoy this amazing opportunity with the Durham Arts Council, a beloved institution with a long, important history of supporting artists and art enthusiasts in our community.  The teens have learned so much through this collaboration.” said Sarah Schroth, Mary D.B.T. and James H. Semans Director of the Nasher Museum.

The Durham Arts Council exhibit galleries are open free to the public during building hours, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.-6 p.m. The gallery is located at 120 Morris Street, downtown Durham.  More information at www.durhamarts.org.