Ohio State Mansfield Theatre and Arts Programs Come Together
to Explore Race, Identity and Contemporary Culture
Mansfield, Ohio (September 17, 2020) The Ohio State University at Mansfield kicks off the fall semester with arts projects focused on social justice. Exploring issues surrounding race, identity and contemporary culture, the three projects include a virtual art exhibition showcasing five artists from across the country, a mural project by Ohio State Mansfield students and a virtual theatre performance of the one-act play #Matter by Idris Goodwin.
The Pearl Conard Gallery at Ohio State Mansfield is proud to premiere the virtual art exhibition Our Voices: 5 Artists Exploring Race, Identity, and Contemporary Culture on September 24. The artists for this virtual exhibition were selected by a jury of artists and scholars andwill be featured on the gallery’s social media pages and website at u.osu.edu/pcagallery through October.
The online art exhibition will also include documentation of an ongoing mural project designed by Ohio State Mansfield students Maleah Garrabrant and Kat Wilson in collaboration with Mankind Murals. Titled Different Flowers in the Same Garden, students, faculty and staff were invited to add their personal touches to this mural as a collaborative campus project during the fall semester’s Welcome Week. When finished, the mural will hang in the Ohio State Mansfield Student Union.
“The piece represents a lot of what society should be like,” Garrabrant said. “Similar to the way each of us is special, the mural celebrates how each flower is different.”
On the same day, September 24, the theatre department will open its season with #Matter. The production focuses on the story of two individuals who discuss the difference in saying All Lives Matter versus Black Lives Matter. An open panel discussion moderated by Ohio State Mansfield Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Tiffany Mitchell will take place after each performance.
“This is a great show for us to be preforming with everything happening in the world right now,” student actor Jeffrey Hutchison said. “I hope that our audience can take something away from our characters’ conversation. I certainly have.”
Visit www.mansfield.osu.edu/theatre for details on how to join these virtual performances. #Matter performs Thursday, September 24 at 12:45 and 7 p.m. and Saturday, September 26 at 2 p.m. All performances, and the discussions that follow, are open to all and can be accessed at no charge.
Accessibility: The Ohio State University is committed to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of campus life. We will be providing live closed caption services during our event on Saturday, September 26. If you are unable join us on Saturday and wish to request accommodations for our performances on Thursday, September 24 please email fahey.9@osu.edu. Typically, a 4-day notice will allow us to provide access.
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For more information, contact Janine Robinson at 419-755-4129 or email robinson.2787@osu.edu.