Hillel brings Jewish art to Athens
By Susannah Elliott, Entertainment Editor
September 16, 2006 | 4:29 a.m.
Hillel is presenting “A Selection of Prints” in conjunction with the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. More than two dozen framed pieces will adorn the walls of the Multi-Purpose Room until Oct. 3, when the exhibit will close. From 12-4 p.m. Monday through Friday, any member of the community may visit the center to see the work of Jewish artists Ed Bernstein, Cima Katz and Deborah Weiss Waimon.
The Open House is set for Thursday, Sept. 21 from 4-6 p.m. in Hillel’s Multi-Purpose Room. Hillel will provide refreshments, and at 4:30 p.m. Cima Katz will be prepared to discuss her artwork. The artwork displayed is for sale, and visitors who would like to make a purchase can find pricing information at the Hillel office.
The Hillel “Selection of Prints” is just one of dozens of events that are part of the Mid America Printmaking Council’s 2006 Conference, titled “Forging Connections.” From Sept. 20-23, there are dozens of events from which to choose, from concerts and exhibitions to panels and lectures.
“We are very excited to be hosting this event for our colleagues, students and friends next week,” said Karla Hackenmiller, associate professor and print area chair.
Hackenmiller said all of the exhibitions hosted by Hillel are open to public, as well as the opening receptions.
The three artists’ works in Hillel’s exhibition contrast greatly. Visitors could start with Bernstein’s inkjet prints, then marvel at Waimon’s woodcut prints before ending their journey with Katz’ digital collages. Bernstein, currently a professor and co-head of printmaking at the Hope School of Fine Arts at Indiana University, uses photographs of glass chandeliers and architectural models as a metaphorical vehicle. He has said that he uses architecture in his artwork because we can relate to it as a vehicle of expression, and that any type of architecture can “define” us.
Cima Katz uses colorful, layered collages to convey her artistic messages, which she will discuss at the open house. Seemingly random images are juxtaposed to present artwork that commands attention to its place on the wall and directs your thoughts to her theme. Each series of her prints showcases organization that is abstract, yet the careful placement is still aesthetically pleasing. Some of Katz’ work has also been exhibited in the Kennedy Museum of Art, and she is currently a professor of drawing and printmaking at the University of Kansas.
Deborah Weiss Waimon has exhibited in galleries and universities all over the world, and currently maintains a studio and residence in Ridgefield, Conn. “I explore the dichotomy of the natural world,” Waimon said. “There is symmetry on an intimate scale as well as a mesmerizing chaotic presence. Delicate patterns, overlapping foliage inform and inspire my work.”
Waimon carves woodblocks to layer and overprint images in her “Architecture of Nature” and “Light and Shadow” series. “I seek to translate the compelling elements of nature into the finished print,” she said.
“I think [the exhibition] is very strong, and hopefully the community will appreciate it as well,” Hackenmiller said. “Cima and Ed have been important figures in the field of printmaking for a long time, and I’m happy to showcase their work here.”
Ohio University’s Hillel center serves as the Jewish Community Center for Southeast Ohio. Located at 21 Mill St. in Athens, its vision is to “create a dynamic environment where everyone is welcomed.”
Besides its religious services, the center hosts barbecues, hikes, brunches and “Cornhole and Kippot,” a gathering every Friday at 5 p.m. for games and Shabbat Services. Among several other events, Hillel also brings Jewish artists to Athens to share their works and talents.
Later in October, Hillel will be hosting two film events for the community. On Thursday, Oct. 5, the center will be presenting “From Philadelphia to the Front,” a film by Judy Gelles. The screening will be held in room 401 of Seigfred Hall at 7 p.m. The film covers what it was like to be a Jewish soldier in World War II. Gelles tells the stories of six elderly Jewish men who grew up in Philadelphia and served their country in World War II.
“Between Us,” a film by Nancy Schwartzman, will be shown Thursday, Oct. 19, at a location and time to be announced later. “In October 2000 I was traveling and working on a film in Jerusalem. At the end of my stay in Israel, I was raped.,” Schwartzman said. “This story is about returning to Israel to confront my perpetrator and take back the part of me that was left behind. Through this in-depth look at my personal story, the film sheds light on a much larger problem of sexual violence and our society’s double standard.”
There are plenty of Hillel events to come, so visit their Web site at www.OhioHillel.org and check the calendar for more.