By Ellen Mansfield
Let It Lights
Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 26, 2015
An exhibition of works by a diverse group of Deaf artists which focus on their lived experience as Deaf people will take place at the Pepco Edison Gallery at 702 Eighth Street NW, Washington DC from August 12 to September 4th, 2015.
The “Let There Be Light: De^ARTivism” exhibit will have works from all over the country and cover a variety of mediums. This juried exhibition had over a 130 submissions by Deaf artists. Deaf visual expression, called De’VIA (Deaf View Image/Art) has historically revolved around two central themes: resistance to oppression and affirmation of self-worth.
The exhibit is a unique opportunity for people interested in the language and culture of Deaf people. To enhance the visitors’ experience, receptions, lectures, panels, and tours will be given in American Sign Language (ASL) with English interpretation. ASL is a visual language that is quickly on its way to becoming the third most studied language in the United States and many of the artworks incorporate ASL. The exhibit will also serve to inspire budding young Deaf artists from D.C. and the surrounding areas as well as out of town visitors.
Works exploring the theme of imprisonment vs freedom and darkness vs light will be the focal point of the exhibit at Pepco Edison. The exhibit will also include art by Deaf people who have been imprisoned. We are thrilled to partner with Helping Educate to Advance the Rights of the Deaf (HEARD), a 501c3 organization committed to helping wrongfully accused Deaf prisoners and advocating for Deaf prisoners legal rights--ensuring other Deaf prisoners have access to language and light during their incarceration. The exhibition is made possible with support from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), a college of RIT, Gallaudet University, Deaf Access Solutions, Inc., and DawnSign Press.
The “Let There be Light: De’^ARTivism” exhibit runs from August 12 to September 4, 2015.
Opening reception: Wednesday August 12, 2015 from 5 pm to 8 pm
Hosted by the Washington Society of Jewish Deaf
Closing reception: Wednesday, September 2, 2015 from 5 to 8 pm
Hosted by Gallaudet University’s Department of ASL and Deaf Studies
Round table event: Friday August 14, 20015.
ASL interpreters will be provided at all events
Contact: Ellen Mansfield
deviaedisongallery(at)gmail(dot)com
http://www.deviapepcoedisongallery.wordpress.com
