“Not In Repose” – inspired by the recent actions of SCOTUS – opens at Goodyear Arts on 8/26

Charlotte-based multi-disciplinary artist, Meredith Connelly, was outraged by recent rulings by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). 

To share and explore her feelings and invite others to do likewise, she’s turned to the world of art. She’s cultivated a diverse group of 20+ local, regional and national artists eager. Theyare united in a desire to express their emotions and thoughts on the current climate in the United States through their artwork. Starting August 26, these works will be on display at Goodyear Arts for three weeks. 

“I found myself sitting alone at my kitchen table, filled with rage, grieving and feeling helpless,” said Connelly. “Then, I remembered the power of art is to give voice to those who may be feeling voiceless and experiencing emotions in need of an outlet. I reached out to a few local creatives, and it was clear – they wanted to speak out about reproductive rights, indigenous genocide, gun reform, civil unrest, immigration, climate justice, LGBTQIA+ rights and so much more. What started out as a handful of calls gave rise to an overflow of desire to be part of this installation.”

“From my initial contact with a handful of local creatives, more and more reached back,” said Connelly.  “My hope is that this is more than a moment. I want it to be a movement that continues beyond the exhibition as we take a stand for true justice.”

Laying the Foundation for Not In Repose

With support from Connelly’s colleague and creative interventionist, Katie Causey Miller, what began as a few intimate conversations has taken shape as the dynamic and passionate exhibition, Not in Repose. Goodyear Arts, an artist-led nonprofit residency and events program, immediately offered the use of their space for the exhibition. They also chose to donate their commission fee to the Carolina Abortion Fund.

Presenting sponsor Charlotte Is Creative donated the funds necessary to make sure that all participating artists were paid. Woman-owned Resident Culture Brewing is contributing beer for the opening reception along with Free Range, High Branch and other local breweries. The Arts & Science Council provided support through a Cultural Vision Grant.

THE DETAILS

WHO: This exhibition is curated by Meredith Connelly with assistance from Katie Causey Miller of Ash & Ochre. Additional support provided by Goodyear Arts, Arts & Science Council and presenting exhibition sponsor Charlotte Is Creative

WHERE: Goodyear Arts – 301 Camp Rd #200, Charlotte, NC 28206  

WHEN: Opening Night: Friday, August 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The exhibition will remain on display during normal gallery hours through September 16.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The exhibition features work from more than 20+ local and regional femme & LQBTQIA+ artists. (Find a full list of participating artists here.)

At the opening reception, poets Kurma Murrian and Erin Rose Coffin will be performing at 7:30 pm, followed by local musician Kayde Ballard who will debut her new song This Body You Dream written after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, along with other originals. Viewers are also invited to engage with This Burning Place, a community installation by Katie Causey Miller. Artists will be on hand to discuss their work in the show.

Help Us Spread the Word

If you’d like to share information about Not In Repose, here are some materials you can use:

LOGO & GRAPHICS FOR USE: Download here. 

Please tag @meredith.connelly, @cltiscreative, @goodyeararts when posting on Instagram

FOR INTERVIEWS, CONTACT:  Tim Miner at tim@charlotteiscreative.com or Meredith Connelly at artbymeredithconnelly@gmail.com