Two exhibits, Interpretations: Contemporary Jewish Art and Windows of Identity, will be open to the public at the Jewish Cultural Center from Oct. 22-Nov. 30.  Each exhibit proclaims the unique visual dimensions of religion.  

A reception to meet the regional artists, and view both exhibits will take place on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road, Chattanooga.

Interpretations: Contemporary Jewish Art is mixed media exhibit which includes concrete sculptures such as Hebrew Letter Eggs, by Chattanooga artist Kem Alexander, multi-media paper works and handmade artist books such as a Box for Queen Esther by South Carolina artist Jane (Sheindal) Muller, and collage paper cuts such as Sabbath by Atlanta artist Flora Rosefsky.

The exhibit includes the artists’ interpretations of Biblical stories in Hebrew, Yiddish and English as well as the visualizations of Jewish rituals and festivals, and the joyous journey of spiritual life.  

“We are excited to showcase high quality art work that is playful, educational and celebratory.” says Ann Treadwell, program director and exhibition curator. “Each artist has made her mark illustrating significant life cycle events.”

Kem Alexander: Kem’s work has recently been purchased by the Tennessee State Museum after winning Best in Show at the 2012 TACA Best of Tennessee exhibit. Her work has shown in Chattanooga, Nashville, Birmingham and Atlanta. 

Jane (Sheindal) Muller: Jane is a self-taught artist, a poet, and is the director of Jewish Studies at the Columbia Jewish Day School. Her work has been exhibited in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.   

Flora Rosefsky: Flora began her career as a self-taught folk artist while living in upstate New York and later studied art at Syracuse University and Binghamton University. Rosefsky has exhibited her work in one woman shows as well as juried competitions and selected invitational shows.

The second exhibit is a part of P2G (Partnership Together) a program of the Jewish Agency for Israel and local Jewish Federations.  Windows of Identity is a joint exhibition of artists from the Hadera-Eron region of Israel and the Southern United States.  A total of 50 artists were engaged in a project to express through their art, their Jewish identity, Israeli and Zionist character.  Each artist was given a 40 inch by 40 inch format on which to create his or her work.  This exhibit has shown in Israel, in Nashville and is scheduled to continue touring through the Southeastern United States.  Local papercutting artist, Deborah Tepper, is among the artists whose work is included in the exhibit.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga and its programs are open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.  The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga builds and fosters a strong unified Jewish community and strives to ensure its well-being and continuity locally, in Israel, and throughout the world.