February 19, 2014

3 Things: Martha Jackson Jarvis’ Markings II

In mid-January, Martha Jackson Jarvis installed her Markings II on our front lawn as part of AAC’s exhibition CSA: Forty Years of Community-Sourced Art. Here are three things to know about Martha’s artwork:

Martha Jackson Jarvis at Arlington Arts Center
Martha Jackson Jarvis at Arlington Arts Center

1.) Martha’s work frequently reflects the vernacular of the south and specifically agriculture. The form of her piece is loosely based on a winnowing house – a structure used in farming to separate the grain from the chaff.

2.) Markings II depicts severed chicken feet, but the forms are meant to be read in a variety of ways – perhaps too as hands or tree roots.

3. Martha’s Markings series began with an installation that she did in an unmarked slave cemetery in 2000 at Montpelier, James Madison’s plantation in Orange, Virginia. More info here.

If you’re planning to stop by the grounds this weekend to check out Martha’s work, bring the kids to our Tiffany Workshop while you enjoy our 40th anniversary exhibition in the galleries or on the grounds.

One more interesting thing to note, is that while our public art pieces are part of the CSA show, they will be in place more than a month longer than the indoor exhibition – Martha’s piece and the other two on the grounds will be on view until May 20.

Martha Jackson Jarvis incorporates forms that reference chicken feet, but that also evoke hands and roots, among other things.
Martha Jackson Jarvis incorporates forms that reference chicken feet, but that also evoke hands and roots, among other things.

Artist Talks with Andrew Barco and Elliot Doughtie

Saturday / October 21 / 1pm-3pm

Join artists Andrew Barco and Elliot Doughtie for conversations about their solo exhibitions currently on view at MoCA Arlington.

Neon Nights: Gala & Silent Auction

Wednesday / September 27 / 7pm

Join us on Wednesday, September 27 for a special gala and silent auction to benefit the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington. Tickets range from $250 to $500 and include a 3-course dinner, silent auction, and the joy you’ll feel knowing you’re supporting the museum! Can’t attend? Consider sponsoring an artist to attend in your place!

MoCA on the Move at Met Park

Sundays 10am-12pm

MoCA Arlington at Met Park
Fun for the whole family! No Experience Required offers playful art making activities for children (and their curious adults) every Sunday morning. There will be collaborative, community-built art works, and opportunities to “make and take” works, too.

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