Silent Art Auction Preserves Weaving and its Traditions for Early Artists

On January 14, 2014, United South End Settlements (USES) will co-sponsor an opening reception for The Theresa Show: Fiber Arts Exhibit & Silent Auction from 6 – 8 PM in honor of the late Theresa-India Young. Since her passing in 2008 after a brief battle with cancer, the Theresa-India Young Scholarship Committee has carried on her life work and final wishes to preserve the art, history and diverse culture of weaving through the ongoing efforts of the Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship established at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.

Theresa-India Young was a former resident of the Piano Factory Craft Guild and has since left her mark on everyone and everything she touched; “Theresa was a vibrant and knowledgeable teacher. Her ability as an accomplished artist and activist allowed students to see in new ways and make change in society through art and activism. I adored this woman and she was truly a change agent”, Reflects Prilly H. Sanville [Ph. D], Director of The Arts, Community and Education Masters Degree at Lesley University. The exhibition will highlight and celebrate her dedication and devotion to the South End community.

Among the participating artists is Susan Thompson who works in a variety of methods such as fabric art quilts, applique, piece work, hand-dyed and printed fabrics, and encaustic painting. Thompson studied with the late painter and printmaker Allan R. Crite who began his career in the early 1920’s attending classes at United South End Settlements’ Children’s Art Centre (CAC). Thompson later went on to teach classes at the CAC, introducing young children to Crite’s work. Currently affiliated with the African American Master Artists-in-Residency Program and the Museum of Fine Arts, Thompson continues to inspire early artists with a passion for the arts.

The Theresa Show, on view at the Harriet Tubman Gallery through January 14 – February 28, 2014, features the support of emerging artists and jurors including:  Beverly Arsem, Ariel DiPersio, Arlette L. Doherty, Mary Geisser, Lana Jackson, Karen L. McCarthy, Selina Narovlyansky, Christle Rawlins-Jackson, Susan G. Thompson, Janet Kawada, Lois Richardson, Adrienne Sloane, Stephanie Angelo, Edie Bower, Kate Sullivan, Matt Theodos, Guadulesa, and Charles Mbaziira. Each represents diversity in perspective, styles, processes, and material usage, while simultaneously illustrating and sharing art forms with various audiences.

Each artist is donating a portion of their proceeds from the silent auction sales to the Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship at Massachusetts College of Art & Design. Fundraising is ongoing, and donations can be made to the United South End Artists, P.O. Box 181114, Boston, 02118.

The Harriet Tubman Gallery showcases a range of diverse, cultural and community-driven works that foster a strong sense of neighborhood appreciation where all individuals are welcome. Located at 566 Columbus Avenue in Boston’s South End, the Harriet Tubman House is open to the community and hosts a range of programming for adults and seniors. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am – 8 pm. The Gallery is wheelchair accessible and limited meter parking is available in the area.  Only a 5 minute walk from the Massachusetts Avenue Orange Line stop or the #1 and #43 buses.

For more information please visit United South End Settlements website at www.uses.org or contact Chelsea Revelle, Director of Arts & Culture at 617-375-8159.