ELLISVILLE –A Magnolia, Mississippi native and current Alabama State University art professor’s work will be on display through March 19, at Jones College’s Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery in Ellisville. ASU’s visual arts associate professor, Charmagne Andrews will be on campus, Tuesday, March 19, at 1 p.m. for an “Art Talk” and reception in the art gallery. This free event is open to the public.
As a former French language instructor in New Orleans, Louisiana, Andrews earned a bachelor’s of art degree in sociology/social work and a B.A. in fine arts from Xavier University. She also earned her master’s degree in social work from Tulane University and worked in the two different fields for almost 30 years before launching a new career in art. Andrews earned her master’s in fine arts with an emphasis in sculpture at Michigan State University in 1993 after discovering a love for art. During her graduate study in sculpture, Andrews’ world view changed while working in the African Media Center in Michigan State’s African Studies Center.
“My first exposure to African and African-American art was awe-inspiring. These works resonated within me emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Through researching my interests in masquerades, metalworking, textiles, religious beliefs, and mythology, I found inspiration for my artworks,” said Andrews.
The opportunity to travel in the United States and internationally changed her world perspective. Studying in Cuba, France, Nicaragua, and Zimbabwe allowed Andrews the priceless possibility to experience the similarities, differences and richness of these various cultures.
“My approach to art combines research interests with art making. My works have been primarily inspired and influenced through my study of the dynamic, expressive cultures of Africa and her diaspora,” Andrews shared.
Her large fabric quilt-like works, along with artwork featuring collagraphs, pastels and handmade paper are on display at Jones College.
For more information about the JC art show contact the gallery at 601-477-4148 or visit the gallery which is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The gallery is closed for lunch daily from 11:30 until noon. If you want to know more about the Jones College Fine Arts Department check out the JC Fine Arts Facebook page at JCJCFineArts.