YNST to Fuse the Past With the Present at Gallery Show
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YNST Magazine's "New Traditions" exhibit, opening at the Wheeling Artisan Center Gallery on Friday, will feature local art celebrating the region's diverse culture, historic arts and unique craft practices.
YNST "(You're Not Seeing Things)" Editor in Chief Adam Payne explained that Appalachia is the muse for the gallery show, with the 21 featured artists seeking to connect the region's old art traditions with the new artistic techniques and materials.
"The exhibit is called 'New Traditions' because what is remarkable and unique about the arts and culture in greater Appalachia is that there are age-old traditions often described as cottage arts that are celebrated in this region," described Payne. "We want to create a gallery that sort of celebrates the history and like the traditions in Appalachian culture by creating new traditions and inspiring people to continue these practices while reimagining them for today."
The gallery's artworks will fuse the past and present in various ways, including using new materials in traditional Appalachian craft techniques and modern art methods to "tell the story" of the region's past.
A quilt weaved from plastic bags is an example of a work featured at the exhibit that reimagines Appalachian cottage arts in a modern context. Payne explained the piece "embraces sustainability" with its use of plastic bags while also carrying on the age-old Appalachian tradition of quiltmaking in a modern style.
In addition to quiltmaking, the exhibit will feature a wide array of other artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, weaving, ceramics and fiber arts.
A handful of Wheeling artists will be featured in "New Traditions," along with artists from other parts of Appalachia, including West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
For Payne, spotlighting the Appalachian artists of today by displaying their works that call back to the region's past ties into YNST's goal of highlighting Appalachian culture. He added that the exhibit will draw attention to local artistic practices used today that are based on long-held traditions.
"This is just an extension of what we're trying to do as YNST, which is to give opportunities to artists to showcase the incredible talent we have in the state and region," said Payne. "A wide array of works will be represented at the show, so there's something for everyone to see."
The opening reception for the exhibit presented by YNST Magazine and Wheeling Heritage will occur this Friday from 6-9 p.m. at the Wheeling Artisan Center Gallery on 1400 Main Street. Snacks and drinks will be available, and local musician Ananga Martin will provide entertainment.
"New Traditions" will remain on display at the Wheeling Artisan Center through Saturday, June 14. Admission to the exhibit is free.