The Bath House Cultural Center presents an art exhibition about clichés by Rita Barnard, Anita Horton and Ann Huey

Opening reception with the artists:

Saturday, September 14, 2002 - 5:30-7:30 PM

(Joint reception with the artists of the concurrent exhibition THE ART OF COMPASSION)- Click on Icon to read about AOC)

cliché

I don't know much about art, but I know what I like

It has been said that the English language is one of the most difficult languages to learn. Is it any wonder? Phrases that we speak reflect our culture (both past and present) and they change daily.

According to the Dictionary of Clichés, by James Rogers, a cliché is an overworked and therefore banal expression. In contrast, however, Clichés can serve as the lubricant of language, summing up a point or adding a seasoning of humor to a discourse.

It is with this that Rita Barnard, Anita Horton and Ann Huey have submerged themselves in the visual language of clichés. Each artist has chosen an assortment of overly used clichés and composed artwork based on the pictorial idea that presents itself when trying to visualize (literally) the meaning.

As Picasso said, "An ordinary artist shows you the things everybody can see. The egotistical artist shows you the things only he can see. But the great artist shows you things nobody ever saw before."

"Put Your Best Foot Forward" (and detail) Mixed Media by Rita Barnard

Education - Mc Nay Art Institute, Texas Women's University, University of Texas at Austin.

Selected Exhibitions:

The MAC, "Picture Yourself"

Bath House Cultural Center, "Reserved Seating"

1313 Gallery, "Post 9/11"

Rockwall Alliance for the Arts, "National Juried Exhibition" - Purchase Award

Education - Southwest Missouri State University, Center for Biblical Studies

Selected Exhibitions:

Austin, TX, Fifth Annual Hope Arts Festival Exhibition

Bath House Cultural Center, "¡Lotería, Lotería!"

The Boyd Gallery, "Mirrored Image"

Stone by Stone Gallery, "The Dreamlife of Objects"

Education - University of Dallas

Selected Exhibitions:

Austin, TX, "Women and Their Works"

Armory Art Center, "Figurative Works 02"

Craighead-Green Gallery, "New Texas Talent"

Bath House Cultural Center, "Outside the Lines II, Juried Exhibition"

"I have loved art since my conception. There has always been an unseen hand pulling me or pushing me to express myself visually. I have always had a very strong need to use my hands and body to create, whether it was wielding a paintbrush or swinging a hammer.

I have had many experiences that have shaped me as a person, with a need to convey certain ideas, points of view or lessons I have learned. Recently I have come to realize that experience in partnership with my craft can create very powerful expressions.

My journey through life has changed my art to tell a more meaningful story and my art has changed my journey into a more meaningful life. That unseen hand is working through my hands to tell my story. It has just taken me this long to realize that my story is worth telling."

Rita Barnard, 2001

Left: From the "Little Red School House of Hard Knocks" Mixed Media by Rita Barnard