A&H Artist-In-Residence Elysia Mann
I look forward to completing an ambitious new body of work exploring the themes of memory, preservation, history, and oblivion, while taking inspiration from the creative atmosphere of the Maitland Art Center campus.
Maitland, FL (PRWEB) January 31, 2014
The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) continues its Artist-In-Residence program with artist Elysia Mann as its third Artist-In-Residence since the implementation in 2013 of this first formal, nationally competitive Residency program since Maitland Art Center founder André Smith's fellowship program, which was funded by Mary Curtis Bok from 1938 through 1957. Mann will be in residence for six weeks; from February 3 to March 17, 2014.
The A&H’s Artist-In-Residence program celebrates the Maitland Art Center’s history as a place where artists can live and work in an inspiring architectural environment with opportunities for collaboration and experimentation in art. Additionally, artists, instructors, and community members have opportunities to engage with and learn from these nationally acclaimed artists.
“I am honored to be chosen for a residency at the Art & History Museums – Maitland,” says Mann. “I look forward to completing an ambitious new body of work exploring the themes of memory, preservation, history, and oblivion, while taking inspiration from the creative atmosphere of the Maitland Art Center campus.”
Originally from rural Nebraska, Mann moved to Saint Louis to attend Washington University, where she received her BFA in printmaking in 2007. Upon graduating, she established the print studio All Along Press, where she currently publishes her prints, limited edition artist books and other collaborative projects.
Mann describes her work in her artist’s statement: “Artists perform many roles—entertainer, advocate, interpreter, shaman—but it is the role of scribe that most inspires me. In the past, the scribe served not only to shape the appearance and function of language, but also to keep records of information for future generations. Like a scribe, I combine my interest in lettering, typography and linguistics with my desire to document, narrate, and preserve.
“Working in the form of the book, installation or two-dimensional print, I am interested in the experience of reading. Symbol, allusion, and language (often boiled down to a single letter) appear in my work as conductors of ambiguous meaning. Using my personal narrative as a foundation, I bring to life characters who are struggling to understand their own voices, legacies, myths and ambitions. In addition to honest self-analysis, I rely on research as an integral part of my practice. The borrowed aesthetics of medieval paintings, silver photography, and classical book typography provide insight and contrast to contemporary story-telling.
“Within this context of materials and themes, my focus is the exchange of ideas and influence across genres and generations. This dialogue is particularly relevant to my work as I navigate a culture of fleeting thought and infinite data. In such a time of rapid technological change, artists and scribes must struggle to provide an intimate sense of history.”
The community is invited to take part in two programs with Mann:
- On Sunday, March 2, 12:00 – 4:00 PM, Mann presents a printmaking workshop titled: Here We Go Again: Repetition and the Alternative Print, held at the Studios at Lake Lily, 840 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. Students will explore how repetition can be used as a compositional and thematic device, influencing the rhythm, mood, and meaning within an image. Learn to combine the hand-made mark with some surprising tools of alternative printmaking. The class will include a brief slide presentation followed by exploration of primitive printmaking methods for developing fun and complex works on paper. All materials are non-toxic and will be provided by the instructor. Tuition is $72 for A&H members, and $80 for not-yet-members. To register, visit http://www.ArtandHistory.org.
- On Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 PM, Mann presents a lecture about her art and her career. This presentation is held at the Cottage at Lake Lily, 701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland. This program is FREE and the public is invited to attend.
The A&H’s Artist-In-Residence program continues in May with Artist-In-Residence FOUR: Marydorsey Wanless, in residence from May 12 – 30, 2014. An artist and educator living in Topkea, Kansas, Wanless works in all types of photography, including black/white darkroom and digital, but specializes in historical alternative processes. She currently works with tintypes and gum bichromates.
For additional information on the A&H’s Artist-In-Residence program, visit http://www.ArtandHistory.org or phone 407-539-2181.
About the Art & History Museums - Maitland:
The Art & History Museums – Maitland (A&H) is a premier Central Florida cultural institution and community gathering place, combining the best of both art and history. Its unique architecture, beautiful gardens, quality exhibits and programming, and two sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places make it a must visit cultural destination. Our museums offer unparalleled opportunities for enrichment and inspiration. Programming includes art classes and workshops, hands-on history programs, interactive exhibits, professional artists working in their studios, and much more. Our two campuses include a 1937 artists’ colony with Aztec and Mayan architectural influences, a Victorian house museum, a working antique tool museum, an interactive telephone museum, and a local history museum. There is something for everyone and each experience is well worth the trip.
The A&H’s Maitland Art Center hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 11 AM – 4 PM. The A&H’s Maitland Historical Museum, Telephone Museum, Waterhouse Residence Museum and Carpentry Shop Museum hours are Thursday – Sunday, 12 – 4 PM. Visit us online at http://www.ArtandHistory.org.
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