Clarissa Sligh, Blessing of the Men (detail), 1996-2017, mixed-media installation including nine silver-gelatin prints, 2000 gold and silver foil and acid-free black paper origami cranes strung with glass beads, 48 × 192 × 60 inches. Randy Shull & Hedy Fischer Collection of Contemporary Art, promised gift to the North Carolina Museum of Art. © Clarissa Sligh
Appalachia Now! artist Clarissa Sligh and special guest Kimberly Purser perform a reading of excerpts from Sligh’s artists’ books: Transforming Hate: An Artist’s Book (2016) and My Mother, Walt Whitman and Me (2019). Historical elements, photography, and memory are used as framing devices to construct the evolution of personal and social identity. Both books were published in Asheville.
Clarissa Sligh has published 10 artists’ books. She was the recipient of fellowships and awards from the John & Robyn Horn Foundation (2016), the Puffin Foundation (2014), Anonymous Was a Woman (2001), International Center of Photography Infinity Award (1995), the National Endowment for the Arts for photography (1988), and the New York Foundation for the Arts for photography (1988, 2000) and artists’ books (2005).
Kimberly Purser is an artist, poet, and Stone Medicine teacher. Her 36-year meditation practice led her to combine interests in the arts, social justice, and healing. A licensed clinical social worker, she currently works with young people and professionals at Eliada Homes. Inc.
Presented in conjunction with Appalachia Now!
Dance, poetry, storytelling and other live performances bring artworks in our Museum's Collection and exhibitions to life. Performances include discussion of the intersections between art forms. To be included in our Performances mailing list, click here.