Two arts organizations are collaborating for a unique opportunity.
Westobou and the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art have come together to create an artist-in-residence program this year. Artist Joseph Kameen will have a studio space at the Gertrude Herbert with special events coming throughout the year.
“Westobou approached us,” said Heather Williams, the art institute’s executive director. “We have the studio space.”
Kameen, an assistant professor of art at the University of South Carolina Aiken, has an exhibition of his and his wife’s works on display at the Gertrude Herbert through March 19. The Dream House exhibition is in the main gallery. It opened Jan. 15. There’s a closing reception tentatively scheduled for March 19, but that is subject to change, according to Williams.
[adrotate banner=”19″]
Kameen will conduct teaching workshops as well as create a body of work during his year-long artist in residence programs.
Like many places, the Gertrude Herbert has been closed for much of the pandemic. Williams said they anticipate the workshops beginning in the summer.
Kameen draws inspiration from the world around him.
In 2020, his inspiration was the daily life of a pandemic and being inside a lot. The paintings on display reflect his views of interior spaces. He’s interested in exploring the Gertrude Herbert, a 200-year old former home and seeing how that inspires him.
One of the things he enjoys is the perspective seen through open doors; how rooms look when looking through a series of doors.
“I’m excited to see how the building influences his work,” said Williams. “We’ve never had an artist in residence since I’ve been here.”
[adrotate banner=”23″]
Williams has worked at the Gertrude Herbert for eight years.
Other exhibitions will come out of the artist in residence program. Williams anticipates a student exhibition at the Gertrude Herbert as well as an exhibition of Kameen’s works at the Westobou Gallery later in the year.
Williams is excited about the partnership because it’s a sign of things coming back to the institute.
Classes came to a halt at the Gertrude Herbert during the pandemic, and that gave Williams time to have necessary updates on one of the city’s oldest structures. Known as Ware’s Folly, it was constructed in 1818 and was the residence of Nicholas Ware, an Augusta mayor.
Williams said a former closed in space under the back porch was opened and will be utilized for outdoor events. The interior has seen new paint on the walls and other repairs.
Kameen’s works can be seen by appointment. Call (706) 722-5495.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
[adrotate banner=”41″]
