Merging Visions 2017 — PRESS RELEASE

This beautiful exhibit contains 44 works of art and 44 poems. Each piece of art is hung beside a poem with which it is paired. Either the artist or the poet initiated the process of ‘pairing’ their works.  Various art media, such as paintings, drawings, imaginative fiber or textiles, prints, and photographs, comprise the works from 38 VAST artists. A wide range of poetry from 24 of the DPA poets completes the ‘pairings’ in the exhibit.

The public is invited to a reception opening the Merging Visions Exhibit, Sunday, May 21, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the UNT Lightwell Gallery.  As an added feature during the reception, 15 of the poets will read one of their poems while an image of the art paired with their work is being shown.  The public also is invited to cast a vote for which of the poets and artists created the best ‘pairing.  A tally of the votes will determine which of the top 3 poets and artists will receive the “People’s Choice Award” for this year.

To commemorate the works in the exhibit, VAST and the DPA have published a 100-page catalog, entitled “Collections,” in which all the exhibited works are displayed. This year the Denton Benefit League granted funds to assist VAST in the catalog’s production. A limited number of catalogs will be available for purchase at the reception.

For the past 6 years, volunteers from VAST and DPA have accomplished the remarkable task of producing both an exhibit and its accompany color catalog.  The catalog also underscores the basic theme of this endeavor, that collaboration and new perspective benefit everyone. Through it, the artist, the poet, and the viewer continue to share the ‘voice’ these two forms of art lend to each other.

The Denton Public Library and the Special Collections Department in the University of North Texas Libraries have archived single copies of each consecutive issue of the catalog.

After the reception, those wanting to see the Merging Visions Exhibit can visit the UNT Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry, Denton, TX, from May 22 through June 27th, during Gallery hours:  Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 10:00pm; Saturday and Sunday, noon – 8:00 pm.

Please join us in celebrating these written and visual arts.