KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 11, 2024

Juried exhibition "Playful Encounters” examines the importance of play as a source of creativity

The Zuckerman Museum of Art (ZMA), a unit of the School of Art and Design, is pleased to present a new exhibition featuring the work of metro Atlanta area art teachers. The Third Biennial Exhibition for Art Educators,  “Playful Encounters,” runs now through October 4, 2024. In this popular exhibition, pre-K to 12th grade teachers who primarily teach art are invited to highlight their own work. 

Juried by Athens-based artist Didi Dunphy, the exhibition is on display in the Fine Arts Gallery in the Wilson Building on KSU’s Kennesaw campus. 

Elizabeth Thomas, Education and Outreach Coordinator at the ZMA, said “We are pleased to provide an outlet for art educators across our region. These 26 teachers exhibiting represent 13 different school systems. It is an amazing show, and I hope patrons will see it.” 

Artists selected for the exhibition are Karrie Arana, Morgan Auten, Kim Barge, Alaa Belkasim, Mary Besel, Lauren Bozone, Shakirah Bryant, Karen Campbell, Kathleen Clark, Tory Daniel, Julie Denison, Robert Foster, Jordan Glastetter, Marea Haslett, Natalie Hudson, Ree Lambert, Aimee Miller, Lauren Moret, Jennifer Peck, Kara Rice, Tara Thieleke, Terence Tirpak, Gina Trickett, Kerri Waller, Cathi Warren and Linn Zamora. 

Thirteen different school systems are represented, including: Buford City Schools, Cobb County School District, Dalton Public Schools, Fayette County Public Schools, Forsyth County Schools, Fulton County School District, Georgia Connections Academy State Charter School, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Hall County Schools, Heard County School System, Marietta City School District, Oconee County Schools and Rockdale County Public Schools. 

Each exhibition in the biennial series has a unique theme reflected in the title and connects conceptually to the work of the chosen juror. This year’s theme, “Playful Encounters,” considers how art may be about play, and how artist-educators engage artmaking for enjoyment and recreation. Play often carries the imagination to unexpected destinations and supports unbridled, generative work.

Playing as a source of creativity is not lost on juror Dunphy. Rooted in the concept of recess play time, she seeks to bring the "free time" of recess indoors and reintroduce play to adults through sculptural furnishings. She says, “I am interested in the intersection of art and design, and I fabricate furniture objects that facilitate interactive, cooperative play.” 

Dunphy will share more about her work and her decision-making process of selecting the work for “Playful Encounters” on Thursday, September 12 from 7:00–8:00 p.m. via Zoom. The public is welcome to attend by registering online. 

The Fine Arts Gallery is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm and Wednesday and Friday by appointment. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.  

Learn more about the  ZMA and register for the talk.  Follow the ZMA: #zuckermanmuseum on Instagram or @ZuckermanMuseum on Facebook. 

--Kathie Beckett