Michelle Cotugno will speak about her artwork, followed by brief presentations by letterpress printers, including: Gary Metras (Adastra Press); Barry Sternlieb (Mad River Press) with collaborating artist Julio Grande; Greg Joly (Bull Thistle Press); Ed Rayher (Swamp Press); Robin Price (Robin Price Printer); Jenni Friedman (Stone Dragon Press); John O’Donnell (Counterproof Press). Event hosted by Jim Finnegan.
ArtWalk, Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Part of the exhibition…
WORDS in CLAY, WORDS on PAPER
March 11 to April 24, 2022
ArtWalk, Hartford Public Library
500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06105
https://www.hplct.org/classes-seminars-exhibits/artwalk
This exhibit honors the written word, highlighting the dynamic collaboration between writers and artists. Sculptural clay works by Michelle Cotugno are displayed along with a selection of fine letterpress poetry broadsides selected by James Finnegan.
Words in Clay: Michelle Cotugno’s objects are made from clay, these “leaves” are hand-printed by the artist. Featuring the words of Walt Whitman, Gertrude Stein, Kurt Cobain, H.D., among others. Cotugno reverses the notion of ‘ekphrasis’ (writers speaking to/about art); here the artist creates the physical object from clay on which she prints, letter by letter, words of important poets and writers that speak to her.
Words on Paper: James Finnegan has selected the broadsides that will accompany Cotugno’s artwork. He called upon many letterpress printers throughout New England to contribute their broadsides, with attention to works by Connecticut poets. Most of the broadsides involve a collaboration between an artist and a poet and are printed on fine paper by a letterpress printer. Wallace Stevens, Susan Howe, Marilyn Nelson, Clare Rossini, Ada Limón, Yusef Komunyakaa, Cortney Davis, and many other poets are included in the broadsides presented.
Upcoming Event—
Poetry Reading: Sat. April 9, 2PM
Featuring various poets whose work is included in the exhibit.
