March 2, 2009

CBU Gallery Displays "The Lost Scrolls of Poverty"

Memphis --The Beverly and Sam Ross Gallery at Christian Brothers University (CBU) announces the exhibit, "The Lost Scrolls of Poverty: Prayer Cloths and Altarpieces" featuring the art of Nancy Wellington Bookhart. Her work will be on display March 20 through May 1 with an opening reception on Friday, March 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the gallery on the lower level of Plough Memorial Library.

Bookhart's exhibition is a deeply personal experience. She describes her art as "the scratched illiteracy of my father, the incessant prayers of my mother, the hollowed out confusion, bordering insanity of my sisters and brothers who stood in dark places that had no promise of light." Each artwork includes a piece of her family and their history as well as herself. These works are her visual expression of falling and picking one's self up.


The Prayers of my Mother, by Nancy Wellington Bookhart

In addition to exhibitions in numerous galleries, Bookhart's work has been displayed in the Governor's House and Mayor's Office in Augusta, Georgia. Bookhart earned a Master of Fine Arts from University of Georgia, Athens and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Augusta State University, Jonesboro. She has taught basics of art at both of her alma maters, as well as, various primary and secondary schools in Georgia.

A collection of photography by members of the Memphis Camera Club will be displayed in the foyer of the gallery.

Hours at the Beverly & Sam Ross Gallery are Monday-Thursday, 7:45 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 3:00-11:00 p.m. Hours may vary due to University schedules. Call (901) 321-3243 to verify, or visit the website at www.cbu.edu/library/gallery. ###