Crosstown Arts

Scott Carter: Counterpoint
2019-08-23 - 2019-10-21 | Crosstown Arts, West Gallery, Crosstown Concourse, 1350 Concourse Ave., Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Join us for an exhibition of new work by Scott Carter. The artist’s intent is that this body of work reflects a fragile intertwining of music, performance, and sculpture while reflecting both digital and intuitive methods of problem solving in the studio.
About the exhibition:
This exhibition emphasizes a relationship between disparate voices. As a metaphor, these
voices represent contrasting and divergent forms of the artist’s creative practice. Carter’s
interest in music, performance and sculpture oscillates between utter failure, disinterest and frustration to moments where both practices seemingly make sense existing in the same place, both physically and metaphorically. This body of work represents the struggle to produce in both creative fields.
During his recent residency at Crosstown Arts, Carter was allowed the freedom and space to work intuitively and pursue both of these creative endeavors with the assistance of digital tools and advanced fabrication equipment. The artist’s intent is that this body of work reflects a fragile intertwining of music, performance and sculpture while reflecting both digital and intuitive methods of problem solving in the studio.

Artist statement:
The connections between humans and the built environment interest me, serving as the
primary source material for my work. I formulate thoughtful assessments of my environment, exploring connections between art, design and sound.
The physical development of my work is related to a tactile sense for materials. Through
the process of examining materials and their function, I am interested in bestowing new
value and subverting function. My practice often involves a re-purposing of materials ranging from drywall, carpet, and fluorescent lights to used guitars, drum sets, and
electronic components. Metaphorically, these material transitions allow me to explore my
interests in the way we experience culture, objects and physical environments.

About the artist:
SCOTT CARTER (b. 1984, United States) is a Wisconsin-based artist, whose work is influenced by the experience of living amongst mass-produced materials, spaces and objects that are inherent in contemporary architecture and design. His work manifests as immersive installations and interactive objects that facilitate subtle shifts in value and attempt to redefine utility in relation to everyday experiences. His practice parallels contemporary discourse in art, design, architecture, and sound.
Scott received his MFA in Sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in
2011, where he was the first recipient of the Eldon Danhausen Fellowship for Sculpture.
He has attended funded residencies at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont and the Ox Bow School of Art in Saugatuck, Michigan. In addition he is a recipient of the Efroymson Contemporary Arts Fellowship for Midwestern artists (2013) and a first place recipient of the Beers Contemporary Emerging Artist Award in Sculpture (2013)
Selected solo shows include include Velocity – Linda Warren Projects, Chicago, Il (2017); The Nature of Being – Pinnacle Gallery, Savannah, Ga (2015); The Shape of Things – Beers Contemporary, London (2014); Disonar – Evanston Art Center, Evanston, Il (2013) and Force Majeure – Linda Warren Projects, Chicago, Il (2012); Recent group exhibitions include as site specific installation for In Situ and Linda Warren Projects at Expo Chicago (2014), Building Stories – Kohler Arts Center, Sheboygan WI (2014) and I am What I am Doing – La Esquina Gallery, Kansas City, MO (2014).
In addition, he was a visiting artist as part of DeFINE Art 2015 at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah Georgia and recently completed a three month residency as part of the Kohler Arts/Industry program in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Opening Reception — Scott Carter: Counterpoint
2019-08-23 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago)

Opening Reception — Masterworks: Abstract & Geometric
2019-05-10 13:00 - 16:00
On view through July 28
International quilt show illustrating the diversity of quilting today. These works of art represent a range of styles across the abstract art spectrum.
From 1965 through today, the art quilt movement has grown to become one of the most exciting art forms of the 21st century. The Masterworks: Abstract & Geometric show brings artwork from 29 internationally known artists working in the quilt medium to Memphis.

This event is in conjunction with Stitched: Celebrating the Art of Quilting — a festival at Crosstown Arts with art exhibitions, public quilting workshops, and a Gathering of the Guilds showcase. Stitched runs from May 10-July 28, 2019.

Masterworks: Abstract & Geometric
2019-05-09 - 2019-07-28
These works represent 29 internationally recognized artists working in the quilt form who have been featured in the new book Art Quilts International: Abstract & Geometric by Martha Sielman. Participating artists come from Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, and across the US. The works of art represent a range of styles across the abstract art spectrum.

This event is in conjunction with Stitched: Celebrating the Art of Quilting — a festival at Crosstown Arts with art exhibitions, public quilting workshops, and a Gathering of the Guilds showcase. Stitched runs from May 10-July 28, 2019.

Kenturah Davis + Desmond Lewis Panel Discussion
2019-02-16 08:00 - 09:00
Panel discussion with artists Kenturah Davis and Desmond Lewis. Moderated by Brian R. Jobe.

After the discussion, the public is invited to visit the studio of Desmond Lewis at 3:30pm. His studio is located at 2856 Lamb Place in Memphis.

About the show:
Seed Space + Delta Axis present: Kenturah Davis + Desmond Lewis

Memphis artist Desmond Lewis and Kenturah Davis (an artist working between Los Angeles, New Haven, and Accra, Ghana) were selected by Delta Axis and Locate Arts/Seed Space to exhibit their work together based on their innovative sensitivity to material, their exploration of social and relational content, and the critical acclaim associated with their work.
On view: February 15-March 10
Delta Axis and Locate Arts/ Seed Space share a mission to promote contemporary art in Memphis and to connect Memphis to the national arts network. After years of dialogue, a collaboration between the two organizations is emerging in the form of this exhibition. It features an artist practicing in Memphis (Desmond Lewis) and an artist practicing outside of Tennessee (Kenturah Davis). The two artists were selected to exhibit their work together based on their innovative sensitivity to material, their exploration of social and relational content, and the critical acclaim associated with their work.

This two-person show is one in a series of statewide exhibitions, organized by Locate Arts, that features Tennessee artists and artists from out of state, and partners with a local organization. These exhibitions are leading up to a major statewide event: The TN Triennial, which will be the largest contemporary art exhibition ever to occur in Tennessee. Its impact will be significant, both economically and socially, with an enduring effect, especially on our visual arts community. The TN Triennial will be a celebration of the experience of contemporary art in Tennessee, and will include works by renowned artists from inside and outside of the state. The curator has been selected, important venues are signed up and the dates are set. More information will be released this spring.
About the artists:
Kenturah Davis is an artist working between Los Angeles, New Haven, and Accra (Ghana). Her work oscillates between various facets of portraiture and design. Using text as a point of departure, she explores the fundamental role that language has in shaping how we understand ourselves and the world around us. This manifests in a variety of forms including drawings, sculpture, and performances. Davis was commissioned by LA Metro to create large-scale, site-specific work that will be permanently installed on the new Crenshaw/LAX rail line, opening fall 2019. Her work has been included in institutional exhibitions in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. Davis earned her BA from Occidental College and MFA Yale University School of Art.
Desmond Lewis is a sculptor who was born and raised in Nashville, TN. Lewis received his AA from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, MA in 2012, BS from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN in 2014, and MFA from The University of Memphis in 2017. Selected group exhibitions include Current Collapse at Ruddell Gallery in 2017 in Spearfish, SD, Price is Right at David Lusk Gallery in 2017 in Memphis, TN, Equality Matters at Mildred Cox Gallery in 2017 in Fulton, MO, and The Collective Presents: Liberation at the Clough-Hanson Gallery at Rhodes College in 2018 in Memphis, TN. Public and private collections include the Penland School of Crafts, Carolina Bronze Sculpture Park, City of Lenoir, NC, City of Hickory, NC, Vermont Carving and Sculpture Center, The University of Memphis, Soulsville USA, NexAir LLC, Skowhegan Parks and Recreation, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In 2017, He was named one of the 100 Interesting and Influential People of Memphis. Residencies include the Pittsburgh Glass Center (2018), Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture (2018), Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (2017), and the Vermont Carving and Sculpture Center (2016). Desmond is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. His studio is based in Memphis, TN.

Opening Reception for Kenturah Davis + Desmond Lewis
2019-02-15 12:00 - 14:00
Seed Space + Delta Axis present: Kenturah Davis + Desmond Lewis

Memphis artist Desmond Lewis and Kenturah Davis (an artist working between Los Angeles, New Haven, and Accra, Ghana) were selected by Delta Axis and Locate Arts/Seed Space to exhibit their work together based on their innovative sensitivity to material, their exploration of social and relational content, and the critical acclaim associated with their work.
Opening: Friday, Feb. 15, 6-8 pm
On view: February 15-March 10
Panel discussion: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 pm

About the show:

Delta Axis and Locate Arts/ Seed Space share a mission to promote contemporary art in Memphis and to connect Memphis to the national arts network. After years of dialogue, a collaboration between the two organizations is emerging in the form of this exhibition. It features an artist practicing in Memphis (Desmond Lewis) and an artist practicing outside of Tennessee (Kenturah Davis). The two artists were selected to exhibit their work together based on their innovative sensitivity to material, their exploration of social and relational content, and the critical acclaim associated with their work.
This two-person show is one in a series of statewide exhibitions, organized by Locate Arts, that features Tennessee artists and artists from out of state, and partners with a local organization. These exhibitions are leading up to a major statewide event: The TN Triennial, which will be the largest contemporary art exhibition ever to occur in Tennessee. Its impact will be significant, both economically and socially, with an enduring effect, especially on our visual arts community. The TN Triennial will be a celebration of the experience of contemporary art in Tennessee, and will include works by renowned artists from inside and outside of the state. The curator has been selected, important venues are signed up and the dates are set. More information will be released this spring.
About the artists:
Kenturah Davis is an artist working between Los Angeles, New Haven, and Accra (Ghana). Her work oscillates between various facets of portraiture and design. Using text as a point of departure, she explores the fundamental role that language has in shaping how we understand ourselves and the world around us. This manifests in a variety of forms including drawings, sculpture, and performances. Davis was commissioned by LA Metro to create large-scale, site-specific work that will be permanently installed on the new Crenshaw/LAX rail line, opening fall 2019. Her work has been included in institutional exhibitions in Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. Davis earned her BA from Occidental College and MFA Yale University School of Art.
Desmond Lewis is a sculptor who was born and raised in Nashville, TN. Lewis received his AA from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, MA in 2012, BS from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN in 2014, and MFA from The University of Memphis in 2017. Selected group exhibitions include Current Collapse at Ruddell Gallery in 2017 in Spearfish, SD, Price is Right at David Lusk Gallery in 2017 in Memphis, TN, Equality Matters at Mildred Cox Gallery in 2017 in Fulton, MO, and The Collective Presents: Liberation at the Clough-Hanson Gallery at Rhodes College in 2018 in Memphis, TN. Public and private collections include the Penland School of Crafts, Carolina Bronze Sculpture Park, City of Lenoir, NC, City of Hickory, NC, Vermont Carving and Sculpture Center, The University of Memphis, Soulsville USA, NexAir LLC, Skowhegan Parks and Recreation, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In 2017, He was named one of the 100 Interesting and Influential People of Memphis. Residencies include the Pittsburgh Glass Center (2018), Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture (2018), Haystack Mountain School of Crafts (2017), and the Vermont Carving and Sculpture Center (2016). Desmond is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. His studio is based in Memphis, TN.

Kenturah Davis + Desmond Lewis
2019-02-14 - 2019-03-10

Conversation with Larry Dodson Jr. & Shuronda Cauley
2018-12-01 07:00 - 08:00
Join us for an intimate conversation with the children of The Bar-Kays — Larry Dodson Jr. (son of Larry Dodson) and Shuronda Cauley (daughter of Ben Cauley).
In conjunction with Give a Damn! Music + Activism at Stax Records, on view at Crosstown Arts through Dec. 2.
