Variety, diversity in contemporary art exhibit offers something for everyone

The “Celebrating Contemporary Arts in Alabama: The Biennial” exhibition at the Johnson Center for the Arts is already attracting visitors to the gallery.

Richard Metzger said in planning the exhibition that features 125 pieces of artwork of 55 Alabama contemporary artists, he realized this exhibition would be one of most attended at the arts center.

“The variety and the quality of the show will bring in people with different interests in the arts and some with very little interest in the arts,” Metzger said. “It’s that kind of show.”

Metzger can say that because it’s true. Even those who aren’t “into art” will be fascinated by some of the pieces because they are “intriguing” and “a little out there.”

Bill Martell and his wife, Rose, are in Troy visiting their daughter, Anemone Beaulier, and her family and they spent much of Thursday afternoon at the Johnson Center.

Martell said that he always enjoys visiting art galleries when he has the opportunity.

“You don’t have to go to a big city to see creative art,” he said. “The Johnson Center is an example of that. This exhibit is excellent. It has originality and quirkiness. It’s very interesting. I especially like that wood compositions.”

Martell said that he would like to see artists’ statements about the artwork.

“The artists’ statements would help in constructing meaning to their work but that might not be what they want,” he said. “Perhaps, the artists want you to construct your own meaning. The piece with the dead woodpecker head is fascinating to me. I’m trying to find the meaning in it. I’m sure it’s there. I’m searching.”

The exhibition includes a wide variety of artwork – metal sculpture, ceramics, quilts, furniture making, paintings, assemblages and photographs – something for every interest in the arts.

The Johnson Center for the Arts will host an artists’ reception for “Celebrating Contemporary in Alabama: The Biennial” from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday and the public is invited.

“This exhibition is unique in that it brings together a large number of very talented Alabama artists who are recipients of Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowships.” he said. “Many of the artists will be here Sunday and I encourage everyone to come out and help welcome these artists to Troy and the Johnson Center for the Arts.”

The Johnson Center is located at 300 East Walnut Street in downtown Troy in the former Troy Post Office.

The arts center is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free.

Group arrangements may be made by calling 334-670-2287.

Accommodations will be made for dates and time.