Artists explore new frontiers in PIVOT Exhibition at Jamestown Arts Center

The Jamestown Arts Center is set to host a virtual conversation with internationally acclaimed artists Lesley Dill and Joan Hall on Aug. 14, offering insights into their creative processes and recent artistic transformations.

The online event, scheduled from 1-2 pm, will feature Dill and Hall discussing their artistic practices and the pivotal shifts in media that led to their inclusion in the PIVOT exhibition, currently on display at the center through Sept. 7.

Moderated by Jody Saarmaa, the conversation promises to delve deep into the creative journeys of both artists, who serve on the board of Dieu Donné, a non-profit cultural institution dedicated to supporting artists through collaborative papermaking.

The PIVOT exhibition, curated by Karen Conway and Jeff Foye, showcases the work of 21 artists who have ventured into new materials within their established practices. It represents a departure from traditional curatorial methods, encouraging established artists to take bold risks and explore uncharted artistic territories.

Dill, a New York City-based artist, has made her first foray into working with copper, creating a knitted chair inspired by Tom Slay’s poetry. This piece marks a significant shift in her artistic approach and materials.

Hall, a Jamestown artist known for her large-scale works featuring handmade paper and printmaking processes, has incorporated glass, copper ribbon, and handmade paper into her latest pieces. Her new glass mixed media works were one of the inspirations for the PIVOT exhibition.

“I don’t work with materials as convention dictates. I move freely from one material to another in the moment,” Hall states, emphasizing her fluid approach to artistic creation.

The virtual event is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $10. Interested participants can RSVP at jamestownartcenter.org/events to receive the Zoom link via email the day before the event.

The Jamestown Arts Center, a multi-disciplinary visual and performing arts space, has been a cultural cornerstone since its opening in 2010. Housed in a former boat repair shop redesigned by award-winning architects Estes/Twombly, the center has garnered recognition for its diverse programming and community impact.