PJC guest artist exhibit opens Tuesday, April 4

Published or Revised April 03, 2017

An opening reception at Paris Junior College’s Foyer Gallery will showcase the work of guest artist Lena Spencer in her “One-Woman Exhibition.” The reception will be from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4. “My work conveys my perspective on relationships - motherhood, childhood, feminism and life,” said Spencer, “through images and materials that are reminiscent of the past and recomposed to create new, contemporary forms.” Her inspiration began with sketch night at the Sam Bell Maxey House, where a model was hired to dress in late 1800 period clothing. “The images were lovely and the history in the house compelling,” Spencer said. “The juxtaposition of today’s modern woman with historical images, cultural and historical references, pattern and design, resonated with me and I began to look for connections to create a personal narrative.” Repeated motifs stress similarities, unity and explore composition, while the collage medium emphasizes fragmentation and the nature of time. The images and objects chosen have symbolic and emotional content: repurposing the past, and adding value to what may have been forgotten. “I am interested in exploring the boundaries of what is expected from traditional printmaking works,” Spencer said. “I like working in many artistic mediums: printmaking, ceramics, photography, encaustic, installations/sculpture, mixed media, and found object assemblage. I look at everything as a potential art medium: a material to be used and transformed.” The public is invited to attend this free event. The exhibition will start with the April 4 opening reception and run through April 21. Spencer will also be guest judge for the PJC’s student art awards that are presented at the end of the spring semester. The student art exhibit will be from May 2 to 9. For more information contact PJC art instructor Susan Moore at 903-782-0438.