The exhibits “Blue Vase Series” and “Marks, Lines, Images, Objects” will be on display in Slocumb Galleries from Oct. 1-24.
The “Blue Vase Series” will present an installation of the ceramic works of Priscilla Hollingsworth, associate professor at Augusta State University in Georgia.
Hollingsworth’s artist statement reveals her art is inspired by plant, animal, rock, landforms, sexuality, gender, femininity and masculinity.
Her installations also address the phenomenon of collecting and being overwhelmed by what is accumulated.
“When I saw Priscilla’s work, I thought it was so beautiful,” said Alison Pack, director of Slocumb Galleries.
Pack said Hollingsworth’s art is “aesthetically fresh, new and contemporary” and distinguished by its “funky” treatment of a traditional, functional art form.
“These are goblet forms that are very animated,” she said.
Also featured is the exhibit “Marks, Lines, Images, Objects” which showcases the abstract oil paintings of Knoxville artist David Wolff.
Pack said Wolff’s minimal paintings are impressive because of how skillfully the artist controls the picture space with “simple” brush strokes, marks and lines.
“He has just a good sense of a beautiful design,” she said.
Pack said abstract art is difficult for some people to accept and there are some who think a “baby” could paint an abstract painting.
Abstract art is a challenge to the viewer.
Pack said abstraction forces the viewer to consider what the artist is trying to communicate but does not provide any answers.
For Pack, Wolff’s abstractions are “math transformed to art.”
The fact that his art does not provide easy interpretations or understanding is its strength.
“It makes you stop and think,” she said.
An opening reception will be held Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information, call 439-5315.

Author