Flora Rosefsky – STOP Series
Harriet Goren – Bereshit
Rachel Reindl – Write to Keep Memories Alive
Laurie Wohl – Will There Be Enough Justice
Carole Landisman – My Mitzrayim
Gabrielle Mizrachi-Mallin - A Great Miracle Happened There
The Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga invites the Chattanooga community to view the Jewish Words exhibition at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road through October 11. The exhibit includes art works from twenty-one artists, from all over the nation, producing work in all media. The exhibit can be viewed during gallery hours Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm and Fridays from 9am to 4 pm. except during Jewish holidays. The exhibit may also be viewed virtually at www.Jewishchattanooga.com after September 1. For more information, to schedule a group tour or confirm hours please call (423) 493-0270.
Each artist’s label contains a description of his or her piece, a short biography and where he or she lives. Artists from Massachusetts to California and from Florida to Ohio share work from traditional quilting and quilling, to sculpture and photography. Several of exhibiting artists have shown their work at the Jewish Cultural Center in the past, but more than half are new to the Jewish Cultural Center.
Visitors will view pieces that focus on Judaism in a solemn way. Where possible, an artist will tell you what verse or Jewish story inspired their artwork. Additionally, the exhibit contains works with Yiddish proverbs. There are pieces combining Hebrew and Arabic with English translations on the labels. There are pieces that should bring a smile, maybe even a laugh, as they poke fun at Jewish traditions. In addition, there are pieces that are commentaries on our current social situation and remind us of our responsibility to the greater community.
Exhibit curator Ann Treadwell reminds us “Words make us human. Words are mighty swords. They can be dangerous and swiftly kill, or gentle and loving. Words, in the context of reflecting on community, are powerful resources in times of sorrow and fear. Words can build hope.” Ms. Treadwell says this was the impetus for creating the exhibition.
The Jewish Cultural Center, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, offers programs, classes, and exhibits; social services; and a preschool—all rooted in Jewish values. The facility enables the Jewish community to raise its visibility, foster relationships, and strengthen its identity in the Chattanooga area. Located at 5461 North Terrace, the Center and its programs are open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.