Caelan Jeffery: Appalachia--Latch-not-Lay Opening Reception

Opening Reception: Saturday, July 12, 5-8pm
On View: July 12 – September 25
Morean Arts Center
719 Central Avenue

Continuing a tradition at the Morean, we are proud to present last year’s Margaret Murphy Steward Best of Show winner, Caelan Jeffery. In addition to a cash prize, the winning artist receives a solo show in our gallery to coincide with the following year’s members show. Caelan is the 13th artist to receive this opportunity, and we are pleased to showcase her latest paintings during this time.

Caelan Jeffery’s Artist Statement

“My work is primarily designed to bring awareness to different social issues, to validate and invoke emotions, and hopefully to serve as an aide in processing through life.

“I am self-taught and have had many intense life experiences that have molded my outlook and perspective on living and art in a way that deeply resonates with others. I hope my work is seen by those who appreciate my efforts and who may alter their beliefs, feel seen, or be heard by what they see.

“For this particular exhibition, over 20 works of art were imagined and created for the series “Appalachia, latch-not-lay.” All of the paintings are the exact same size and made of hand cut leather on a wooden frame. Mediums include shoulder stock leather, wood, spray paint, acrylics, watercolors, leather dyes, archival inks, brad tack nails, upholstery tacks, artificial sinew, studs, and fur.

“Each piece was carefully rendered from selected historical black and white photographs taken throughout the 1900s that represent Appalachian history. Some of these include influential regional born musicians, significant periods of labor rights struggles, classism, racism and poverty, iconic architectural buildings, or other depictions of what life was like in rural and urban Appalachia, spanning from Alabama to Maine.

“My primary goal of this series has been to bring color and vibrance to history, to highlight the strength and resilience of Appalachian peoples, to discuss inspirational people born there, and to bring to light the forgotten history of Appalachian struggles.

“Let us appreciate those who inspire us. Let us learn from and remember the past. And let us never forget that people help people survive, not politicians and governments.”