“Loren Schwerd: Mourning Portrait” Exhibition
Opening Reception with the artist Friday April 9 6-8pm
April 9, 2010 – June 6, 2010
Loren Schwerd, Exhibiting Artist talk and demonstration
“Objects of Sentiment”
Saturday April 10 ~ 1-3pm
In the Dominion Room
Artist Loren Schwerd will present images of her work and the documentation of the origins of the Mourning Portrait work. She will take you through the steps she devised to create the houses from human hair on view in the Visual Arts Center gallery. Techniques will include a demonstration of the plaiting, weaving and embroidering with hair.
Artist Sonya Clark, Chair of the Department of Craft/Material Studies at VCU
“A Hairy Subject”
Saturday April 24 ~ 1-2pm
In the Dominion Room
From Victorian hair wreaths and 16th century West African sculptures to a wealth of contemporary artists such as Loren Schwerd, hair as a medium and subject has a long and deeply rooted history. Artist Sonya Clark, Chair of the Department of Craft/Material Studies at VCU, will discuss the use of hair as a medium in historical and contemporary artworks.
Suzanne Savery, Director of Collections & Interpretation
Valentine Richmond History Center
“Hair, Art & Remembrance in the 19th Century”
Saturday May 8 ~ 1-2 pm
In the Dominion Room
Using images and objects from the Valentine Richmond History Center’s extensive collection discover how people in the 19th century memorialized loved ones by creating jewelry and art with their hair. Learn how strands of hair were developed into elaborate and intricate brooches, earrings and bracelets, as well as framed wreaths and horseshoes for hanging in the Victorian home. See how these works of art were developed and worn to honor and remember lost family members and friends.
Exhibitions are supported by a grant from Altria Group, Inc.
