Every fall, Markeim Arts Center has a fall invitational exhibit open to regional artists. This year, the theme for the exhibition is “MERICA.” The work that has been entered is very diverse and eclectic.
Markeim Art Center’s call-for-entries simply asked for art work of all types that celebrates what makes our country great, unique, and/or quintessentially American.
“Merica” is a whole new way of saying America. Some use the term to humorously describe Americans doing things only Americans can do, such as trimming a hedge with a chainsaw. Some use the word to sum up the country with a stereotypical, one-word retort. While others use it when feeling a deep sense of pride in our country, as when looking over the Grand Canyon, or during deeply emotional and patriotic July 4th celebrations.
During this very unique election year, it seemed appropriate to have a political cartoonist be the juror of Markeim’s “MERICA” exhibition. MAC is honored to have Tom Stiglich as its juror.
Stiglich’s nationally syndicated cartoons have appeared in the USA Today, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Phila. Daily News, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Newsweek Japan, TIME magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, The Los Angeles Times, Mad Kids magazine, The Austin American Statesman, CNN and in the annual book series “Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year.”
Stiglich will be at the reception and available to sign his books that will also be available for sale.
In addition to Stiglich’s illustrations, the work of award-winning editorial artist Steve Breen, and nationally syndicated editorial/political artist Jimmy Margulies will also be in the show.
The show runs from Tuesday, Nov. 1 thru Sunday, Nov. 26. The opening reception is Saturday, Nov. 5 at Markeim Arts Center from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
As an interesting counterpoint and supplement to the work on the walls, some historical political memorabilia, including some depicting Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, will also be on display. These items come from the private collection of Joseph Murphy, some dating back to the 1800's.
To learn more visit www.markeimartscenter.org.
