BOSTON, Mass.- Sisal, raffia,
twine, rope, jute and wool are just some of the materials that the late artist
Theresa-India Young utilized in her creative process. Young created many of her
major pieces by weaving, quilting and on occasion using macramé, plaiting, and
braiding techniques to achieve textures and depth in her exquisite, nature
themed fiber arts work. Since her passing in 2008 after a brief battle with
cancer, the Theresa-India Young Scholarship Committee has carried on her life work
and final wishes to preserve the art, history and diverse culture of weaving
through the ongoing efforts of the Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship
established at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.
On
January 24, 2013, United South End Settlements (USES) co-sponsored a Silent
Art Auction and Opening Reception in honor of Theresa-India Young
to highlight and celebrate her dedication and devotion to the South End
community.
“Theresa was a wonderful person with a
non-judgmental spirit, community activist, and a prolific artist.” After a long career as a lecturer, teacher, activist
and artist, Young left behind a legacy in each institution she touched from the
Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) to Harvard University and as co-founder of the Kush
Club, a youth organization dedicated to studying and promoting public awareness
about the history, culture and artistic achievements of Africa in antiquity. “Theresa was an artist who created not only
with textiles but with the inspiration she provided to the young people in the
community…When it came to art and her beloved community, Theresa’s energy was
boundless and she was a force in getting others involved” reflects Francisco
Mendez-Diez, Manager of Community Arts at the MFA.
The
Theresa Show, on view at the Harriet Tubman Gallery through January 17 –
February 22, 2013 features 14 emerging artists in a variety of 2D art forms
such as watercolors, photography, oil, acrylic, and various multi-media works
who are donating proceeds from the sale of their art work to be evenly split
between the Theresa-India Young Ethnic Weaving Scholarship at Massachusetts Art
& Design. Fundraising is ongoing, and donations can be made to the United
South End Artists, P.O. Box 18114, Boston, 02118.
You
are invited to share this in-depth perspective to further acknowledge the
diversity of weaving as a means of transmitting culture, language, and literacy
to thrive in the forefront of an educational arena.
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