Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) and Simmons University will present Uncommon Denominator: Drawing/Printmaking/Artist Books by MCC Fellows and Finalists from April 26- June 1, 2007 at the Trustman Art Gallery at Simmons University in Boston. The exhibition offers a range of styles and perspectives from some of the Commonwealth’s most talented artists.
Uncommon Denominator features nine artists recognized by MCC’s Artist Grant Program: Chuck Holtzman, Eric Lewandowski, Phyllis McGibbon, Mary O’Malley, Jill Slosburg-Ackerman, Elaine Spatz-Rabinowitz, Naoe Suzuki, Marguerite White, and Nina Wishnok. The artists were selected from a pool of more than 230 applicants in drawing, and recognized for their technical skill as well as their individual artistry. Barbara O’Brien, Director of the Trustman Art Gallery, was among the panel of experts assembled by MCC to choose the awards. O’Brien curated the exhibition along with the help of Marcia Lomedico.
“Having had the opportunity to serve on the panel that selected the work on view, I can speak with complete enthusiasm about not only the superior quality but also the exciting range of ideas and styles that will be on exhibit,” says O’Brien. “Works on paper, like the Massachusetts artist, is a form both historical and innovative; one that offers the feel of the hand on paper, but also the synergy of opportunity and place. To have a studio practice in Massachusetts one must be an educator, community activist, real estate developer, and impresario. What I see as well is that these artists are part of the Massachusetts landscape of the familial, the collegial, and the spiritual. I am very proud to offer the Boston community the opportunity to see these artists from across the state who embody in this capsule of time and place, some of the best that our state has to offer.”
“We’re pleased to partner with Simmons University in promoting the work of these outstanding artists,” says Kelly Bennett, MCC Exhibitions Curator and Visual Arts Coordinator. “What makes this show so engaging is that each artist has a unique voice. From intaglio to shadow pictographs, and modified medical images, the work is really at the cutting edge.”
The artists featured in Uncommon Denominator recently exhibited together at ArtSpace Maynard Gallery. Additional information on each of the artists is attached. Samples of their work can be found at the Gallery@MCC, MCC’s online showcase of Artist Grant fellows and finalists, available at https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/gallery/.
Uncommon Denominator is free and open to the public.
About the Massachusetts Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Cultural Council promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.
MCC is a state agency committed to building a central place for arts and culture in the everyday lives of communities across the Commonwealth. It pursues this mission through a combination of grants, services, and advocacy for cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. MCC receives an annual appropriation from the state Legislature and funds from the National Endowment for the Arts andother sources.
Trustman Art Gallery hours are 10 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 10 AM – 7 PM on Wednesday and Thursday. The gallery is free, open to the public and wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact Kyle Mendelsohn at (617) 521-2268 or find us on Instagram.