Watkins Students Curate Five-Part Exhibition Series

Kendall Rogers’ ‘The Bucket List’ on tap for April 4 at Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

Watkins College of Art, Design & Film announces a series of five exhibitions created and presented by students in the “Producing, Curating, Exhibiting” class, to be held throughout the city from April 4 through May 4. This special projects class provides students with the opportunity to learn about exhibition practices as well as gain practical, hands-on experience in curating a show of their own, from selecting the work to presenting the final exhibition.

Kendall Marie Rogers, a photography major, kicks off the series on Wednesday, April 4, with an exhibition entitled The Bucket List, featuring her work and that of local artist Don Berger and based on the idea of “Be Here Now.”  Like its theme, the exhibition is temporary: one night only, April 4, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center (1900 Davidson Street, adjacent to Shelby Park in East Nashville)

Roger’s work will include shadowbox images using the ephemeral Polaroid “lift” process along with a video addressing the fleeting nature of life.   Berger’s ink illustrations approach the topic in a more literal sense. He uses design elements mixed with literal symbolism of life and death to emphasize the impact of time on our lives. He aims to give his viewers motivation to live life to the fullest.

Rogers’ says, “As children, time was not a factor that we paid much attention to.  Growing up comes with responsibilities. Time became hard to stretch and we forget to appreciate the people who come and go, and the moments that mean so much. Time is fleeting. The Bucket List is a means to take a moment for that recognition.”

Seven students in the “Producing, Curating, Exhibiting” class, taught by adjunct instructor Erika Wollam-Nichols, have worked to create five exhibitions in locations throughout the city; additional sites include The Building in East Nashville (April 19), The Parthenon (April 19), onsite at Watkins (April 27), and Love Is Earth on Church Street downtown (May 4).

For more information, including updates to the exhibition schedule, visit Watkins.edu or call 615.383.4848.  For directions to Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, call 615.862.8539.

(Pictured:  Forgiveness, by Kendall Marie Rogers)

Remaining exhibition schedule: