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Artist Sherrill Roland: spotlight on incarceration
After spending months in jail and on probation, he ultimately received a bill of innocence. He turned his experience into art. Sherrill Roland ’09, ’17 MFA is the founder of the Jumpsuit Project, which raises awareness around issues related to incarceration. This year, he won the prestigious Southern Prize from … Continued
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New Anne and Ben Cone Memorial Endowed Directorship
THE CONES were deeply devoted supporters of the Weatherspoon. Honoring their memory, a gift from an anonymous donor recently established the Anne and Ben Cone Memorial Endowed Directorship Fund – the first of its kind for the University’s museum. Juliette Bianco is the first Anne and Ben Cone Memorial Endowed … Continued
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A WAM welcome
The Weatherspoon Art Museum always has something new: new exhibitions, programs, and opportunities for teaching and learning. This fall, a new director joins the Greensboro art community. Juliette Bianco succeeds Nancy Doll, who retired after leading the museum for 22 years. Bianco comes to UNCG from Dartmouth, where she worked … Continued
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Art as action, with Phillip Marsh
“One love.” It’s a radical lyric. Phillip Marsh grew up as hip-hop music was emerging in popular culture. But the music and Rastafarian philosophy of Bob Marley was his guiding beacon. Phillip’s neighborhood outside Washington, DC, was a tough one. He had some run-ins with the law. “Made some choices,” … Continued
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Artist Kidd Graves gives BLM art extra dimension
Every artist has a story. Kidd Graves ’20 arrives for the planning meeting for the large plywood storefront at Elsewhere Museum. What’s the message, the tale to tell? The artists gather round, wearing masks or social distancing. They build on their discussions from the weekend before: it’ll be the narrative … Continued
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Paint it loud, with Essence Foster
Near the Lewis St. corner, Essence Foster has completed her work, an image of a woman created with charcoal, spray paint, and a collage of magazine clippings. Through a mask, Essence speaks with the other artists, as dusk approaches. Essence, who already holds a bachelor’s degree, is on the pre-med … Continued
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Nejla Harris draws from the Black experience
If you were walking on South Elm Street on June 22, you’d have seen Nejla Harris putting final touches on her art work: the faces of two Black males. “Breathe for those who don’t get a chance to.” – Londrelle “Black love, Brown pride.” – Nipsey Hussle These quotes set … Continued
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SNL adds UNCG alumna Lauren Holt to cast
Lauren Holt ’13 graduated from UNC Greensboro with a degree in studio art, but according to her former professors, she was always a comedian. “She brought a totally different mood to every class with her humor,” says School of Art Assistant Professor Leah Sobsey. “She kept us laughing.” After college, … Continued
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High Notes
Omar Ibn Said, an enslaved Muslim scholar in mid-nineteenth century Fayetteville, was a topic of alumna Rhiannon Giddens’ discussion on campus last autumn. She has composed an opera on him, which was scheduled to debut this spring in Charleston, but its premiere will have to wait. That fall evening, she … Continued