Jiminez display on view at ANC

"One Vision," an exhibition of artwork by Barbara Gay Jiménez, a respected singer and pianist, is currently on view at the Adams/Vines Gallery at Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville. This collection of work, formed from repurposed parts of old pianos and organs, pays tribute to her passion for music. The Jiménez sculptures will be on exhibit in the Adams/Vines Gallery through Jan. 22. The gallery will be closed Dec. 24- Jan. 2 to observe the holidays. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m.--5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Jiménez says of her sculptures, "While viewing my creations, I dream that the onlooker is inspired to consider the musical instruments from which these keys were birthed, and the infinite scenarios that might have evolved because of their music: Whose hands touched the keys? When did the keys become someone's first love? What memories were created by those who cherished them? Why did a player's emotions, so intimate, escape the heart, seep through the hands, land on the keys, and become contagious melodies? If this occurs, my purpose is achieved."

Jiménez has also had a success career as a musician. Her performances have been enjoyed by audiences throughout the United States, Canada, and South America. She has sung and played with many well-known musicians and orchestras drawing notable media attention. She stated, "I have been fortunate to enjoy a lifetime of music. Creating my own and interpreting others through performance, I would be honored if any of it lingered in the hearts and minds of those who heard."

Director of the Adams/Vines Gallery at ANC, Mary Ann Garren, commented, "I am thrilled to have this beautiful work hanging in our facility. These unique pieces definitely 'strike a chord' with our visitors." She continued, "The first words that come out of people's mouths is 'These are amazing!' I want to thank the artist for sharing her unique vision with us."

The exhibition curator, Les Christensen, Director of the Arkansas State University Bradbury Art Museum remarked, "Unlike a painting, drawing, or sculpture of bronze or stone, an interesting aspect of artwork made from found objects is that those objects are by nature laden with meaning of their own. Thus the artwork is imbued with an extra layer of content. This is certainly true of Jiménez's work. She shares her passion for music and in particular the piano with her elegant, playful assemblages."

The ANC art events are offered to enhance the educational experience of the arts in Northeast Arkansas. For more information contact Mary Ann Garren with Community Education at 762-3168, or email mgarren@smail.anc.edu.