Media release from Rome Area Heritage Foundation:
In celebration of Historic Preservation Month, the Rome Area Heritage Foundation (RAHF) and Chiaha Arts Guild are proud to present “ARCHITECTURE OF ROME,” a free student art show hosted at Swift & Finch Coffee Roasters during the month of May. “ARCHITECTURE OF ROME” invites guests to explore Rome’s architectural heritage through visual art, bridging arts education and local history. The month-long showcase celebrates Historic Preservation Month through the eyes of Floyd County’s young artists and the historic buildings that make Downtown Rome unique.
“History and art belong to everyone. RAHF and Chiaha share many common values, among them inspiring our youth to treasure and preserve our area’s rich culture in its many forms,” said Chris Davidson, president of the Chiaha Arts Guild board of directors. “We are so excited to use this partnership to build creative communities by showcasing architecture as a living, accessible art form.”
This year’s exhibition also features a special collection of work by other local artists honoring the Historic Floyd County Courthouse, which was damaged by fire on March 23.
RAHF first launched the annual student art show in May 2018 to deepen the next generation’s connection to historic preservation. This year’s unique collaboration with Chiaha was a strategic opportunity to demonstrate architecture as one of the most enduring art media, encouraging students to see their community’s built environment through an artistic lens while inspiring appreciation for historic preservation.
“Through this program, students develop an understanding of and personal connection to Rome’s architectural history,” said Jeb Arp, a RAHF board member who has coordinated the initiative since its inception. “Being able to partner with Chiaha not only elevates both the arts education and historic preservation components, it engages even more of the community to experience the importance of the history that is brought to life through the tangible links to our past that line our Broad Street.”
Artwork from more than 75 students representing seven local schools will be on display throughout the month of May: Darlington School, Garden Lakes Elementary, Model Elementary, Model Middle, Model High, Pepperell High and West End Elementary. Each student chose their favorite among 12 pre-selected significant buildings and landmarks and created a two-dimensional interpretation in the medium of their choice, where perspective and composition vary greatly across the collective body of work represented in the showcase. Alongside each piece is an artist reflection that shares why they chose their subject matter and why they feel the location is important. Each of the seven participating schools received an art education grant from RAHF and Chiaha to help offset the cost of additional supplies.
“The students are very excited to exhibit their work, and for them, just having it on view for the public really legitimizes their talent and ability to contribute to this larger conversation around preserving our history,” added Davidson.
Guests are invited to experience the landmarks that inspired the show with a walking tour brochure, available for free at Swift & Finch and also downloadable online. Filled with background history on each location, the brochure encourages guests to take exploring Rome’s architectural heritage one step further.
“The exhibit inspires an appreciation for Rome’s historic places and the importance of preserving them,” added Arp. “It educates our students about Rome’s strong cultural heritage, and Historic Preservation Month serves as the perfect backdrop to introduce these ideas and community values.”
Every year in May, local preservation groups, state historical societies, and business and civic organizations across the country celebrate Historic Preservation Month through events that promote historic places and heritage tourism, and that demonstrate the social and economic benefits of historic preservation. In 1973, the observance began as National Preservation Week. In 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended the celebration to the entire month of May to provide an even greater opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of cities and states throughout the U.S.
The local exhibition officially runs through Monday, June 1, and is available to view during Swift & Finch’s regular business hours.
RAHF and Chiaha wish to thank Andrew Rayn Photography, Swift & Finch, Fast Printing & Signs, Nena Dake and the Rome Area History Center for helping to make this showcase possible.
To learn more about the “ARCHITECTURE OF ROME” student art show exhibition and access the walking tour brochure, find RAHF and the Chiaha Arts Guild on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.RomeAreaHeritageFoundation.org and www.Chiaha.org.
Comments