Visual art often takes patrons to far away places they can only imagine. The Collingwood Art Center’s latest exhibition is a prime example. The exhibit, which also features a silent auction, comes all the way from Ghana, Africa. Expressions from Ghana, now in its third year, is on display now through December 23 with an opening reception on December 4, from 7-10pm. This year’s exhibit features the work of Emmanuel Tetteh and Nana Yiadom Boakye.

Art from Ghanna

The exhibition first got its start at the suggestion of resident artist Wakeso Peterson. Peterson, a 1994 graduate of Scott High School, first came into contact with the artists while traveling through Africa. Peterson is a graduate of Ohio State University and the owner of JP Dynasty, where he works as a director and choreographer. Peterson has been operating JP Dynasty since 1998.

Auction bids start at just $25, with the proceeds going to both the Collingwood Arts Center and the artists themselves. Bidding will open at the reception on December 4. The work is being displayed in the building’s B-Wing Gallery.

“The work comes to us unframed every year. What really stands out in every piece is the use of color. The pieces just raw and absolutely brilliant. They are just examples of excellent artistic execution,” Brian Felster, CAC Program Director.

According to Felster, “every year we just wait for these pieces to arrive, the first year we started doing this we had the pieces up within a week, the second year it took about 3 weeks, and this year a little more. In terms of the promotion of the event I don’t really think become harder or changes all that much with the work of international artists, what helps most is that this is a benefit for the artists.”

In addition to the opening reception, there will be a closing reception on Dec. 23, also running from 7-10pm. There are no buy prices or limits on bid amounts.

“With so many holiday art exhibitions opening right now, if I had to say why this is really one that people should really come check out, it’s because Expressions from Ghana offers patrons the rare opportunity, at least in this area, to experience artwork from another country,” said Felster.

Expressions from Ghana is free and open to the public. The Collingwood Arts Center is located at 2413 Collingwood Blvd.

For more information, call (419) 244-ARTS or visit www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

Tags: Collingwood Arts Center

This entry was posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Arts and Life, Exhibits.
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