Dixon Gallery and Gardens is soon to open its newest exhibition, celebrating the “ingenuity and dedication of emerging Memphis artists” as part of its larger campaign to feature more work by local contemporary artists. From January 16 to March 6, museum-goers will have the opportunity to view works by 10 local artists under the age of 30.
Organizer Julie Pierotti, under the age of 30 herself, has put together a collection of some of the top emerging artists in Memphis— the first show of its kind at the Dixon. “For a while I’ve been in charge of these shows and most of the artists we’ve done have been older, more established artists,” says Pierotti. “Some of the younger artists I would meet at these shows and then get around to seeing their work and they’re really talented. I wish I could give an individual show to all of them, but I felt like a group show would be a great way to expose a good number of artists.”
Featured artists include Kate Bradley, Eric Bork, Lauren Coulson, Eli Gold, Joel Halpern, Kyle Holland, Jesse Nabers, Emma Self, Rhonda Spight and Alex Warble. Limiting the number of artists to ten was not easy for Pierotti. She began with a few in mind, but was quickly introduced to more and more young artists as word of her project got around. “Some of these artists I have known or have met through the Dixon. A few of them came recommended to me from professors and universities, either Memphis College of Art or University of Memphis. And some of them I’ve met through just kind of meeting people and I’ve really been taken by their art,” says Pierotti, adding, “It’s kind of overwhelming how much talent is here. Especially when you take into consideration who’s working in the schools and in the art programs.”
The show will highlight the diverse talents of young artists in Memphis. “We have a range of ages, from a 21 year old to someone who’s almost 30, a range of styles from craft art to photography to more traditional oil painting,” says Pierotti. “I wanted to show that range that young artists are experimenting with. I think things are going more out of the box.”
Working with young artists has been eye-opening for Pierotti. “One thing I’ve really learned is there is a whole generation of artists, people my age, who are really committed to staying in Memphis. They aren’t looking to leave the city and establish themselves somewhere else, but feel like Memphis is a place where they can establish themselves. Memphis is such an art city, arts in general. There’s this crop of artists who see Memphis as a visual arts city, and they’re dedicated to staying here, using Memphis, working here, and making names for themselves here.”
The exhibition will be on display in the Mallory and Wurtzburger Galleries. An opening reception will take place at Art After Dark on January 20 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, 4339 Park Avenue, 761-5250, dixon.org
