February 02, 2012
Morris Library to host ‘18 Tigers Art Show’
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Inspired by a tragic incident last fall, the 18 Tigers Art Show will open at Morris Library on Friday, Feb. 3, and run all month long.
Local artist Beth Martell is coordinating the show in the library’s Rotunda Art Space. It will feature 18 of her intense tiger paintings along with a selection of works from other artists, including children. An opening reception is set for 6-8 p.m. on Friday on the first floor of the library. Everyone is welcome to attend the reception or visit the show throughout the month whenever the library is open.
Martell’s show is an artistic response to the horrific events of Oct. 18, 2011, when the owner of a wild animal preserve in Zanesville, Ohio, opened the gates of his compound, releasing dozens of animals before killing himself. In the interest of assuring public safety, law enforcement officers killed 18 endangered Bengal tigers, 17 lions and 24 bears and other wild animals. The exhibit by Martell encourages viewers to embrace a new perspective as they view and consider the endangered tigers, their plight and the effects of decisions about survival.
Slated to appear in the 18 Tigers Art exhibit are works by Cathy Daesch, Tod Kington, Megan Christine Lotts, Andrea Snow, Gypsy Obermiller, Theresa Smith, Tabitha Tripp, Fran Jaffe, Retha Daughtery, Sarah Lewison, local first-graders and others. To learn more about the project, visit http://www.facebook.com/events/329945110355778/.
For more information about the event or the Morris Library Rotunda Art Space, you can contact Megan Lotts, fine arts library and assistant professor, at mlotts@lib.siu.edu or by calling 618/453-2663 or look online at http://www.lib.siu.edu/footer-portlets/about-the-library/rotunda-art-space. You can also view previous exhibits at http://www.lib.siu.edu/footer-portlets/about-the-library/photo-galleries.