Ground-Breaking Exhibition Showcases Incredible Versatility of Handmade Paper

Artist Pam McKee works with handmade paper and natural dye techniques

Thirteen contemporary North American artists inspired by centuries-old Eastern papermaking traditions display their cutting-edge work in an inaugural exhibition celebrating the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation’s new Eastern Paper Studio.  

Revive and Renew: Contemporary Artists & Eastern Papers will be presented from August 1 through September 20 in the arts organization’s remarkable facility in Cleveland’s Midtown neighborhood. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am- 4pm, and the opening reception for the exhibition will take place Friday August 1 from 7-9pm.  

Revive and Renew brings together visionary artists from thousands of miles away and right here in Northeast Ohio, each one with a unique approach to incorporating ancient Eastern papermaking techniques into their art.   
“When I researched Korean papermaking on a Fulbright grant six years ago, it transformed my studio work. Now, I am excited to see a growing number of artists who integrate Asian paper, techniques, and materials in their art—friends, colleagues, and former students alike,” says EPS Artist-in-Residence Aimee Lee.

Lee is among the artists featured in Revive and Renew. Others include Velma Bolyard, Melissa Jay Craig, Bill Lorton, Emma Nishimura, and Tom Balbo, a 35-year veteran paper artist and Morgan Conservatory’s Artistic Director.   

As a project of its new Eastern Paper Studio, this exhibition marks a major expansion of Morgan Conservatory’s vision.  

Revive and Renew and Morgan Conservatory’s new Eastern Paper Studio are supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, The George Gund Foundation, The Eaton Corporation, and by numerous individual donors.

Mason Milani

I am the Exhibition Coordinator at the Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation. I have a background in papermaking and printmaking and am an active local artist myself. I live on the West side of Cleveland and am excited to be managing exhibits at the Morgan and promoting the paper-based arts throughout our local neighborhoods.

Read More on Art News
Volume 6, Issue 7, Posted 10:06 PM, 08.04.2014