Joy.
That’s what Hunt Slonem said he hopes his artwork evokes from those who encounter it.
“We live in such a challenging age — not that other ages have been easier. I want to bring a higher energy,” said Slonem, whose works are featured in the “A Hunt Slonem Menagerie” exhibition at the Morris Museum of Art.
Slonem attended the exhibition’s opening March 3 which was held in conjunction with the Morris Museum of Art 30th Gala.
MORE: Morris Museum celebrates its 30th anniversary
Slonem’s works contain vivid colors, diamond dust and whimsical subjects such as butterflies, birds and bunnies. The rabbit theme played into the gala as well with bunnies incorporated into the dance floor under the tent in the museum’s parking lot.
The creature has special meaning to Slonem.
“This is the Year of the Rabbit,” said the artist who was born in 1951 – another Year of the Rabbit.
The gala boasted a sold-out crowd for the museum’s premiere fundraising event.
William S. Morris III, the museum’s founder, took part in the festivities and was pleased with the full house.
“This is a wonderful group of people who’ve come out to support the museum,” he said.
The Morris Museum of Art focuses on art with ties to the American South. Many of the artists are Southern born or have lived in the South at some point. Slonem is a native of Maine and currently lives in New York, but he has homes in Louisiana.
Kevin Grogan, the museum’s curator and director, said the gala provides vital resources for the museum’s mission.
The museum offers free admission on Sundays and provides programming outside its doors at One Tenth St.
“A lot of people who benefit from programs never come here,” he said.
One such outreach is with the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
Visitor restrictions brought on by COVID forced the museum to repackage its art outreach there. Now the museum supplies art kits for the hospitalized children. And Grogan said it works out better in the end because the hospital staff members are able to give the kits to the children at their convenience.
Slonem’s art will be on display through June 4. Also, Slonem will donate 20% of proceeds from items sold at his website through April 15. Bunny plates, butterfly scarves and other items are on sale. Use MORRIS20 at checkout.
For information on the museum and its’ upcoming exhibitions and programs, visit the website here.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the publisher of Augusta Good News. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Subscribe to the newsletter here.
