THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 25, 1996 TAG: 9602230053
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TERESA ANNAS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
A QUARTER CENTURY ago, New York artist Miriam Schapiro courageously hacked her way through the macho jungle of the art world.
She started on her journey as the Age of Aquarius was dawning. Over the years, the feminist artist cleared a path for other women who wanted to make art that was more deeply expressive of themselves.
The much-honored artist speaks at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at The Chrysler Museum of Art. Her free talk is sponsored by The Norfolk Society of Arts. A coffee with the speaker starts at 10 a.m.
Born in 1924 in New York City, Schapiro was taking art classes at the Museum of Modern Art when she was in high school. By 1957, after having earned a master of fine arts degree from the University of Iowa, she was in a group show at MOMA. Her work drew the attention of Andre Emmerich, who represented her in his prominent Manhattan gallery for 16 years.
She achieved recognition for her work in the mainstream styles of abstraction. Then, in 1971, she and fellow feminist Judy Chicago started the Feminist Art Program at the California Institute of the Arts.
``At the age of 48 I entered the world of women through my consciousness-raising experience and found a language for my discontent and a new audience - the women,'' Schapiro has written.
``I felt freed from the constraints of the male world. Now there was a reason to celebrate through my art.
``What did I celebrate? The dance of life, the pursuit of identity, imagery produced by women before me who used the needle and thread and women artists whose names were not in the academic vocabulary. I celebrated the victory of overcoming ignorance and finding a tradition of my own.''
Call 664-6200 for more information. The museum is at 245 W. Olney Road, Norfolk. PRIVATE SECTOR PITCHES IN
Regarding arts support, it hasn't exactly been a bull market lately. That in mind, Davenport-Dukes Associates Inc. has taken the bull by the horns, so to speak.
The Virginia Beach financial planning firm has organized its first showcase of Virginia artists, a two-week exhibit that continues through Thursday. This is no lobby installation of a dozen minor works. The show presents a sampling of art by 28 of the region's strongest artists, and includes paintings, prints, glass sculpture, ceramics and mixed media.
During the gala Feb. 15 reception, more than 300 guests packed the offices. What's on view constitutes a strong, diverse showing of regional art - from Mathew Fine's abstract marble sculptures to Jeanne Goodman's naturalistic paintings.
The firm wasn't shy about price tags for the art. A sale room had been set up in a conference room, and a sign announced which credit cards could be used.
The firm staged the event at its own expense. Artists were not charged to show, and will receive 85 percent from sales, with the remaining 15 percent going to painters Ken Wright and Constance Fahey, who helped organize and hang the show.
During the reception, $4,800 in art was sold, said Jaclyn Harrell, the firm's publicist. Her goal was to sell $6,000 in art before the show closed.
Best-in-show votes were taken during the reception, with Davenport-Dukes committed to buying the winner. Harrell said three works tied for first place, and the firm's associates opted to buy J. Robert Burnell's ``Chesapeake Morning'' for $450.
The firm plans to make this an annual event. Davenport-Dukes' offices are at 448 Viking Drive, Suite 350, Virginia Beach. The art can be viewed 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Call 431-1199. HERMITAGE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASSES
Classes in black-and-white photography are being offered at The Hermitage Foundation Museum. The teacher is Phil Morrison, the museum's director and an award-winning photographer.
Morrison has an artful eye and is skilled in techniques for shooting and darkroom. Eight-week sessions begin on March 5, 6 and 7. Fee is $125. All supplies except film and a 35mm camera are provided. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
The museum is at 7637 N. Shore Road, Norfolk. Call 423-2052 to register. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
SEBASTIAN PIRAS
The much-honored artist Miriam Schapiro will give a free talk at
10:30 a.m. Wednesday at The Chrysler Museum of Art.
by CNB