Artist Shirley Cunningham, whose upcoming exhibit “Cloth Journey” will be on display in the John Brown University Windgate Visual Arts Gallery, did not begin her career until the age of 60, proving that it is never too late to pursue your passion. The show will open with a reception on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 6 – 7:30 p.m., and will feature a gallery talk by the artist at 6:30 p.m. The opening reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.
Cunningham spent 30 years in the world of fashion before pursuing unique art forms of using fabric as paint. The exhibit includes hand-made tapestries, pieces of “wearable paintings” and assemblages from her series titled “Wonderful Words of Life: Visions from the Broadman Hymnal.” All pieces of artwork are made from the artist’s collection of vintage garments dating from 1890-1970, each recovered from flea markets, antiques malls and second-hand stores across the United States.
“We are excited to present the artwork of Dallas artist Shirley Cunningham on the JBU campus,” said Charles Peer, director of the JBU visual arts department gallery. “Cunningham’s work is very different from any of the other exhibits we have hosted in our gallery.”
Cunningham has been recognized as a master artist in her field and has been included in many competitive exhibits. Her work has been included in several collections curated by Christians in the Visual Arts, a national organization that tours the United States.
The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 21 – Feb. 14. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., or by special arrangement. For further information contact the JBU Department of Visual Arts at 479-238-8561.
John Brown University is a private Christian university, ranked No. 2 overall and No. 1 Best Value among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News and World Report. JBU enrolls more than 2,500 students from 42 states and 45 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.