Recollections: Washington Artists at WPA, 1975-1988
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) will salute Washington-area artists in an exhibition commemorating the rededication of its newly renovated facility, the Jenifer Building, 400 7th Street, N.W.
On view from December 8, 1988 through January 21, 1989, the exhibition, “Recollections: Washington Artists at WPA, 1975-1988,” is a major retrospective featuring more than 100 works from 62 artists who have enjoyed support from WPA through solo or group exhibitions since its founding in 1975. These works were borrowed from 48 private collections.
In addition, WPA has commissioned an original work from each of 10 area artists. Seven of the city’s master printers have donated their services to produce a limited number of prints of these artworks, which will be incorporated into the exhibition.
“Recollections: Washington Artists at WPA, 1975-1988” and the print project are sponsored by Philip Morris Companies Inc.
“Our affiliation with WPA is a natural one,” said Stephanie French, director, cultural and contributions programs, Philip Morris Companies Inc., “because we both share the same faith in taking risks and nuturing the new. By assisting emerging artists, WPA discovers unrecognized sources of inspiration and creativity.”
Jock Reynolds, executive director of WPA, is curator of the exhibition, which includes abstract and figurative paintings by Sam Gilliam and Joe Shannon, the wood sculptures of Yuriko Yamaguchi, Jackie Hayden’s color photographs and John Ryan’s miniature portraits.
“Through this exhibition we are able to honor local artists and the private and corporate collectors who have contributed to the growth and expansion of WPA,” said Mr. Reynolds. “Each piece in the exhibition was borrowed from members of the community who have steadfastly supported area artists over the years.”
A color-illustrated, 32-page catalogue will accompany the exhibition. The catalogue includes an essay by Mr. Reynolds describing the exhibition and the evolution of WPA from its inception to its newly expanded facility.
WPA’s renovated Jenifer Building will house newly designed exhibition galleries, a sculptural stairway, a media viewing room and video editing area, an artist’s apartment and BOOKWORKS, nationally recognized as Washington’s leading artbook store. The store’s space was designed by Dog Dreams, an artists’ collective based in Washington, D.C.
Washington Project for the Arts is a multi-disciplinary artists’ organization founded in 1975 to provide support, through solo and group exhibitions, to living artists in Washington, D.C., throughout the nation and abroad. WPA regularly hosts artists in residence, commissions new work and sponsors a diverse array of exhibitions, screenings, forums, readings, performances, public art shows and educational programs open to the Washington community.
WPA is located at 400 7th Street, N.W. Gallery hours are 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., Tuesday through Friday, and 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., Saturday.
Since 1958, Philip Morris Companies Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates around the world have contributed to more than 1,000 cultural organizations, programs and activities. A leading supporter of the contemporary arts, the company has sponsored the 1988 SPECTRUM series at The Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s NEXT WAVE Festival and “UP Tiempo! Performing and Visual Artists of the Americas.”
