 |
| Photo By Cameron Knight |
|
(L-R) Brigid O'Kane, Jason Franz and Elizabeth Kauffman are launching a new gallery -- with several added dimensions
|
I wasn't sure what to expect in December when I visited the East Walnut Hills space soon to be known as Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center. I'm sure it was not to be greeted by its three co-directors and a board member in their stocking feet.
"We're still re-finishing the floors," they explained.
Even with unfinished floors, it's apparent this gallery will be impressive. Jason Franz, assistant professor of drawing and painting at Xavier University, is Manifest's co-director, along with Brigid O'Kane, an associate professor of design at UC, and Elizabeth Kauffman, president of the XU Society of Visual Arts. They founded the gallery in May 2004; they plan to throw open the doors for a grand opening on Friday.
Manifest began as a gallery to highlight student artwork from the surrounding area -- but after other artists and professors got involved, they decided not to limit it to student artwork. Manifest will feature work from local, regional and national artists, in addition to students. In its two-room space, one room will be dedicated entirely to drawing. The gallery will focus as much on design as on traditional art.
But the creators envision a much broader scope for their undertaking. As evidenced by the organization's name, Franz, O'Kane and Kauffman hope that Manifest will also serve as a research space, where young artists can publish their findings on the vast array of topics relevant to making and appreciating quality art.
"People never think about artists conducting research in their field," Franz points out, "but it's an integral part of the process, and we wanted to offer the space not only as a gallery, but as a research facility as well."
As if a gallery and research facility weren't ambitious enough, the trio intends for Manifest to serve as a resource for art teachers and students, offering a chance to interact with a relaxed yet professional arts organization. Already, several students from Xavier are interning at the gallery, and O'Kane promises this will continue.
"We plan to offer open critique and feedback sessions for artists," O'Kane says. "In addition, I see us doing some high school outreach, offering the gallery as a destination for some hands-on learning. Our location here in East Walnut Hills, is close to Walnut Hills, St. Ursula, Purcell Marian -- what an opportunity for us to reach out. So many young students are discouraged from pursuing careers in the arts, because it's not seen as financially viable. We want to show them that you can choose to pursue your passion."
When I ask Manifest's organizers what distinctive element will set their gallery apart, Franz answers with relaxed authority, based on strong belief. "Answer me this: Why does it have to be distinctive? Art is art, and quality art is quality art. Isn't that enough? I don't feel that we need to be a novelty. Our vision, our backgrounds are compelling, and I think that will make Manifest compelling."
Despite Franz's lack of desire for distinction, Manifest's approach is innovative. The board will have the three co-directors, along with two yearly rotating board positions -- "to keep re-defining the vision." Very few Cincinnati galleries feature design and art in the same space; the opportunities abound, and this group seems ready to explore them.
As for how they choose artists to exhibit, Kauffman says the Web site (www.manifestgallery.org) features an open invitation to artists. The first show, Terrestrial Domains, is a group exhibit featuring landscape and figurative imagery. It will be partnered with Figures in Gray, a solo exhibit of drawings by Tamie Beldue. This will be followed by a student competition show and several senior thesis shows, perhaps followed by a design show.
Without a doubt, Manifest has lofty goals. But they can afford to, as board member Christy Carr explains, "How do you define us? A place of unlimited possibilities." Possibilities indeed -- even in stocking feet.
MANIFEST GALLERY has its grand opening on Friday at 2727 Woodburn Ave. Terrestrial Domains and Figures in Gray will be on view through Feb. 11.
