SOPAC's Herb & Milly Iris Gallery Unveils a New Art Exhibition Starting September 8th

The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) unveils the latest in its rotating series of visual art exhibitions in the Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC. On view from September 8 - December 8, 2016, is POLITICO: ART & THE HUMANITIES, an exhibit that explores the cultural influence of politics and the humanities through the uses of various mediums of visual art. The intersection of art and politics provides an opportunity for exploration of the ideals of truth and transparency vs. censorship and political correctness as the tug-of-war between these ideological pursuits rages on.

The 2016 Presidential Election process and has been volatile, and it continues to challenge our ideals, opinions and perceptions of ethical behavior, intelligence, moral conduct, passion and concepts of leadership. The constant presence and influence of technology and media have stoked the fires of divisiveness among the population at large, while simultaneously creating fervent unity amongst cultural sub-groups. No matter one's affiliation or orientation, private or public, POLITICO: ART & The Humanities is a "pressure-release valve" in the examination of the current state of national affairs and should be seen as a safe haven for discussion and expression of the important topics of our day.

POLITICO is part of a collaboration that showcases four arts organizations (SOPAC-South Orange; Arts Unbound- Orange; The Baird Center's Pierro Gallery- South Orange; and Valley Arts Firehouse Gallery- Orange) connected by geography, and the desire to create a richer experience for viewers. This four-part exhibit gives artists a voice in some of the sizeable issues that are informing the 2016 November presidential election. The exhibitions can be enjoyed separately, as well as in conjunction with each other.

Arts Unbound (Orange) will present POLITICO: ACCESS ABILITY, a multi-media exhibition including exploring the politics around the often under-recognized issues that impact people living with disabilities of the body or mind, including issues such as lack of access and inclusion in education, employment, housing, transportation, health care, civic and social life.

The Pierro Gallery of South Orange will present POLITICO: (DO YOU) KNOW YOUR PLACE? Running Wednesday, November 2, 7pm through Saturday, December 3, 2016. "Know Your Place"- an idiom often used to keep people from challenging the status quo, seems particularly relevant in this election cycle just as one national party has for the first time in US history nominated a woman as a candidate for President while the opposing party's nominee stands charged with racism, bigotry and misogyny. Curators Raleigh Ceasar and Sandy Martiny investigate the ways artist have responded to the election issues regarding race and feminism.

Featured artists are Luis Alves, Aileen Bassis, Eric Beckerich, Kevin Bradley (Church Of Type), Kathy Cantwell, Russell Christian, Christopher Cox (Change The Thought), Lawrence Ciarallo, Jenny & Dean (A Frightening Prospect), Ron Freeman, John Friedland, Cheryl Gross, Betty McGeehan, Anne Oshman, Jay Santiago, Steve Singer, Felix Sockwell, Onnie Strother, Florence Weisz, Miguel & Alejandro Vega (The Art Of Twins Vega), and is curated by Micha Hamilton. The artwork on exhibit is for sale with partial proceeds supporting SOPAC.

VENUE INFORMATION:

SOPAC- One SOPAC Way, South Orange, NJ 07079
Mon- Sat noon-6pm, and 2 hours prior to performances.

Pierro Art Gallery at the Baird Center- 5 Mead St., South Orange, NJ 07079
Monday- Thursday 11-4pm & by appointment.

Arts Unbound- 544 Freeman St, Orange NJ 07050
Monday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm Saturday noon- 5pm

Valley Arts Firehouse Gallery- 580 Forest St, Orange, NJ 07050

Curator of The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC since 2013, Micha Hamilton is originally from Los Angeles, California, and is a published photographer, filmmaker, writer and graphic designer. Since 2009, Mr. Hamilton has been curating events and exhibitions in the greater New York/New Jersey area, drawing on his passion for the arts and utilizing his extensive production, live entertainment and multi-media events experience. In 2010, he co-founded the visual arts exhibition and production space GAS Gallery and Studio in Maplewood, NJ. He is Owner and Art Director of Micha Hamilton Photography + Design, a boutique creative company providing clients with visual imagery for commercial, non-commercial and private needs. For more information, visit www.michahamiltonphotography.com.

The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery showcases emerging artists and brings contemporary art to a broader audience. The Gallery was the initiative of SOPAC Board Member Milly Iris, a South Orange resident and arts advocate, and inspired by her love of art and young people. Mrs. Iris enjoyed an extensive personal art collection, was an art teacher and the former owner/director of South Orange's Whichcraft Studio and Gallery. Both Milly and her husband, Herb, were longtime supporters of SOPAC.

Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The multidisciplinary arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC - a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is also a home for Seton Hall University Arts Council's performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz N' the Hall performances and Seton Hall Theatre productions. For more information, visit www.SOPACnow.org.

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