CHESTERTON ART CENTER EXHIBITS RENOWNED ARTIST AMOS PAUL KENNEDY, JR. FALL 2022
Mark My Words: Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. + print works by regional artists
EXHIBITION: OCTOBER 3–NOVEMBER 29, 2022
PRINT WORKSHOP: AMOS PAUL KENNEDY, JR., FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 6–8 PM (MASKS REQUIRED)
ARTIST TALK: AMOS PAUL KENNEDY, JR., SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 11 AM (MASKS REQUIRED)
FREE FAMILY ART DAY: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 10 AM–2 PM
Chesterton Art Center is excited to announce a new group exhibition pairing renowned artist Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. and a large range of regional print artists. Mark My Words is a visual exploration of language and how it interfaces with and shapes contemporary material culture and social concerns. An installation of letterpress artist Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr.’s bold and poignant posters of social and environmental justice messages and calls to action covers the walls. Zines and self-published small-run works by artists, illustrators, and printers from the region and beyond are also showcased along with a Pop-Up Shop of artists’ works. The exhibit is on view October 3–November 29, 2022, with an artist reception on Saturday, October 8, from 11 AM–2 PM. CAC is also offering additional programming connected to this exhibition. On November 4, from 6–8 PM, CAC is holding a Print Workshop where Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. will discuss his letterpress works and participants will make their own small prints using a tabletop press. Kennedy will also give an Artist Talk on Saturday, November 5, at 11 AM. The following week CAC will host a Free Family Art Day, Saturday, November 12 from 10 AM–2 PM. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
Additional exhibiting artists are Katie Armentrout, Rachel Bard, Matthew Barron, Dan Breen, Terrence Chouinard, Georgia Geis, Corey Hagelberg, Laurel Izard, Olivia Jobbe, Connie Kassal, George Kassal, Casey King, Kelly Massei, Lindsay Mathers, Mythos Publications, Colleen Newquist, Briana Olivares, Josh Olsen, Ramiro Rodriguez, Ida Short, Kelsey Simpson, Eric, Isis, Drake Spruth, Jewlya Sturtevant, Suzy Vance, VU Creative Writing students, and Kay Westhues.
Kennedy is one of the most important letterpress printers working today. His posters champion a proverb, poem, or call-to-action that reflects contemporary social concerns, community health, power, race, and identity. He runs pieces through his letterpress multiple times to layer type and text in vibrant colors and patterns. While this process creates unique posters, Kennedy’s love of printing is founded in creating editions and multiples for accessibility and distribution.
Kennedy’s practice thrives in community, and he is always eager to engage others in conversation and making. He is generous with his knowledge and time and conducts educational and collaborative workshops across the country. After 40 years as a System Analyst with AT&T, Kennedy earned his MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later taught graphic design at the Henry Radford Hope School of Fine Arts at Indiana University Bloomington. He has exhibited extensively and is included in many museum and library collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Library of Congress.
This exhibition and programming are supported in part by Valparaiso University’s Cultural Arts Committee, Communication and Visual Arts Department, English Department, and Office of Multicultural Programs.