Staff Writer
Series to spotlight emerging artists
A group of young professionals is trying to help people answer the question, “What is Art?”
The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens’ Up & Cummers group launched its “What is Art?” program Tuesday. It was created to allow up-and-coming local artists in emerging genres to exhibit their work while giving young professionals the opportunity to experience the Museum’s permanent collection and network with other young professionals.
“Fashion Forward has traditionally been the organization’s big annual fundraising event,” said Elizabeth Ingram, president of Up & Cummers.
“We decided we wanted to create a program that would take place throughout the year, so we came up with the ‘What is Art?’ series,” she said.
Each “What is Art?” event will showcase the work of three to four artists and provide opportunities for attendees to interact with each artist. The first event featured the photography of Jacksonville natives Cameron Beard and Shepherd Boggs and local artist Tiffany Manning displayed in the Mary Virginia and C. Herman Terry Gallery of the Museum.
“You may ask why we chose photography to be featured at this event,” Hope McMath, museum director, said to the nearly 100 attendees.
“Many people think that contemporary art has a place at the Cummer. Looking at what contemporary artists are creating today will be a big part of our future,” she said.
Some of those contemporary artists were asked to explain how they developed an interest in photography.
“My dad was big into photography and I got to play with a lot of his gadgets as a kid,” said Beard. “It also allows me to pursue my passion for travel.”
Boggs explained how his fondness for exploring drives his desire for photography.
“I like nature photography. I was fortunate to have a family that was in tune with nature. I grew up fishing and hunting,” said Boggs. “It’s really great to get into a world that you are not supposed to be in and pull the trigger and come away with a great picture.”
Manning became interested in photography for its ability to preserve the beauty she sees all around her.
“I’m drawn to photography because I love colors and textures,” said Manning. “You can see that in the work that I have on display here. I was in New York at night and it was raining. It may not have been the best environment to shoot in, but I grabbed an umbrella and went out and shot pictures of reflections on the ground throughout the city.”
The event also featured live music and food and beverages from local chefs and restaurants. The next “What is Art?” will feature graphic design Aug. 17.
The mission of Up and Cummers is to engage and inspire young professionals 23 to 40 years old through the arts, gardens and education available through the Museum. For more information on the group, visit www.cummer.org.
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