Opening Reception - Sitting up with the Dead – Gallery 210

Opening Reception - Sitting up with the Dead 

Gallery 210 

1015 South Cooper

July 16th 

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The latest show to hit Midtown Memphis’ still new but increasingly potent Gallery 210 is a collaboration between Chris Nadaskay and Melinda Eckley titled "Sitting up with the Dead"—according to them a distinctly southern tradition—a vigil over the recently departed. “Who’s passed?” one might ask. According to Nadaskay and Eckley it is modern culture’s place of archeological importance; it is the enforced expectations of heirlooms restricting the future, both individually and culturally. 

The show will exhibit a museum like atmosphere in an attempt to encapsulate the feeling that each piece is a “remnant of some future past”—excavated and historically meaningful. But what is it present-humanity culturally esteems, and how will its treasures be perceived when exhumed? What contribution, if any, will they make? Will they liberate, enlighten or impede?

Nadaskay and Eckley are both artists of repute who have a local tradition. Both are professors at Union University; Eckley is also an alumni of Memphis College of Art. Nadaskay currently works in “mixed media/ceramic wall relief”; while Eckley creates sculptural installations.

The show opens with a reception and artist lecture and runs from July 16 – August 15, 2010. The opening night reception (July 16th 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.) is open and free to the public. General gallery hours are from 9:00 a.m. – Noon, Monday thru Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sundays. For more information please call (901) 377-3372.