Testify: Alternative Views on Society
The Burchfield Penney Art Center is hosting a seasonal art festival, Testify: Alternative Views on Society, from January 10 to 14 that features artists, musicians, filmmakers, poets, and historians.
The first in a series of quarterly “launches,” that are each connected to center exhibitions, Testify is dedicated to the memory of Buffalo-born comic artist Manuel “Spain” Rodriguez, who died November 28. His exhibition Spain: Rock, Roll, Rumbles, Rebels, and Revolution is currently on view at the Burchfield Penney.
Tamara McMillan, associate director of student life, will help kick off the festival by facilitating the free panel discussion “Reclaiming Our CommUNITY: Where Are We Now?,” Thursday, January 10, at 6:30 p.m.
“We will discuss unique ways of serving and how to incorporate service into our busy lives,” McMillan said. “You don’t have to give 40 hours a week. You can ask your boss if the office can host a clothing drive or a canned food drive a few times a year. There is a need in our community 365 days a year—not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas. We want people to begin thinking outside the box about service.”
Panelists include Charles Burgin Sr., community activist and founder of Brother Man’s Progress; Deidra Wright, Jericho Road partner development liaison; and Jacqueline Tarry, artist whose work with her partner, Bradley McCallum, is featured in the multimedia exhibition McCallum Tarry: Intersections that runs through January 20 in the east gallery of the Burchfield Penney.
“They will share heartwarming stories from the wonder years, and how these experiences positively shaped our identities and why the ‘village’ has dramatically changed,” said Renata Toney, manager of visitor services/rentals at the Burchfield Penney.
McMillan added that audience members are encouraged to join the dialogue and will be invited to share “their time, talent, and treasures” with three community agencies that will be introduced. At 6:00 p.m., prior to the discussion, Tarry will lead a guided tour of McCallum Tarry: Intersections.
Other events include:
Friday, January 11
“Che Guevara - His Life, Myth and Reality”
Albert Michaels, professor of history and social studies education and Burchfield Penney associate curator, examines the life of Che Guevara in this free lecture at 6:00 p.m.
Ralph Gibson: Performance and Book Signing
Photographer, musician, and independent publisher Ralph Gibson will present a multimedia performance incorporating film, photography, and live guitar composition at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for Burchfield Penney members and $10 for the general public.
Saturday, January 12
Alternative Press Discussion
Artvoice editor Geoff Kelly and Hall executive director Ed Cardoni will discuss the history and future of the alternative press industry and the importance of the alternative press to the underground comix medium at 2:00 p.m. Free to Burchfield Penney members; non-members can make a donation if they choose.
Ed Sanders: Poetry and Musical Performance
Ed Sanders, the leader of the 1960s folk-satire group the Fugs and author The Family, Investigative Poetry, and Let’s Not Keep Fighting the Trojan War among other works, will give a poetry/musical performance at 8:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for Burchfield Penney members and students; $10 for the general public.