An international exhibit entitled "International Joomchi and Beyond", traditional and contemporary reflections on "joomchi", the ancient Korean papermaking techniques, is the latest exhibit at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill, a gallery space managed by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA). The Atrium Gallery show features art from Korea, the United States, Taiwan, Australia and the Netherlands, all reflecting this ancient art form. The work is on display now through August 10, 2012 at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill.
An artist reception will be held on Thursday, July 12 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill, which is located on Smith Street in the State's main administration building. The reception is free and open to the public with plenty of free parking available in the State building parking lots. It will be presented in conjunction with Gallery Night Providence. The artist will conduct a hands on demonstration of the traditional Joomchi papermaking at the reception.
"International Joomchi and Beyond" is part of RISCA's New Visions/New Curators Series. This program is designed to support the next generation of artists and curators, primarily from communities of color in Rhode Island. The program, administered by Elena Calderón Patiño, RISCA's Community Arts Program Director, offers mentorships and opportunities to organize, curate and develop exhibits by individuals in the Asian, African, Latino and Native communities during the Atrium Gallery season.
The current show is curated by Jiyoung Chung, an artist, painter and freelance writer who lives in Providence, RI. Jiyoung describes the method of creating art by saying that, "joomchi is a unique way of making textured and colored handmade paper simply by using water and eager hands."
Maria Tulokas, RISD Textiles professor, states "Joomchi medium is versatile and rich in its expressive potential. Pieces from different cultures do not show distinct differences: the technique has spread from Korea to global arena."
Elena Calderón Patiño, RISCA's Community Arts Program Director, said, "we are thrilled to present this beautiful work through the Atrium Gallery's 2012 New Visions/ New Curators Series. This program encourages the development of new curators and gallery directors from communities of color, it also provides mentorship and opportunities to curate and organize exhibits at the Atrium Gallery at One Capitol Hill.
The Atrium Gallery is located in One Capitol Hill, the state's main administration building, and is managed by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. It is open weekdays from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and closed on all State holidays.
About the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts is a state agency supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders.
About the Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill
The Atrium Gallery @ One Capitol Hill was developed to exhibit the work of Rhode Island artists in the State Capitol Complex. It hosts exhibits on a rotating basis, in partnership with several State Agencies & Organizations. The art gallery enhances Capitol Hill as a destination point for visitors, as well as for the many people who visit Administration offices or attend conferences at One Capitol Hill. It also enriches the work environment for the hundreds of state workers who spend their workdays in the building.