Contemporary Folk Artist Leonard Piha Returns to the MJCCA with an Exhibition Entitled, 'Between Thoughts: Images of Life, Love and Being Jewish'
Exhibition Celebrates Jewish Life and Traditions, Including the Festive Holiday of Hanukah
With Hanukah rapidly approaching, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA, 5324 Tilly Mill Road) is pleased to open an exhibition of new work by contemporary artist Leonard Piha in its Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery entitled, Between Thoughts: Images of Life, Love & Being Jewish. The exhibition features 25 works of oil on wood and glass, and includes abstracts as well as depictions of holidays including the festive holiday of Hanukah, celebrations, life-cycle events, and family portraits. For information, visit atlantajcc.829stage.com.
The late Donald Keyes curated Piha’s work for many years and said, “Piha's art concerns spiritual beliefs that are based in history, fables, and imagination as much as the dogmas of Judaism. For all their humor and playfulness, Piha's works represent his spiritual personal expression that is not bounded by any single set of religious beliefs. Piha has great respect for his materials, not unlike folk artists. Rough and slightly awkward, his sculptures suggest ancient crafts and hence the ineffable spirituality so easily expressed by these artists. Through his use of such common materials Piha provides a glimpse into his and perhaps the viewer's heart.”
About the Artist
Leonard Piha’s Seattle, Washington, roots include growing up in a religious Jewish home. While many works reflect his Jewish background, many more address universal themes of peace and the mysteries of life. “For the past 30 years I have been on continual guard. I look out for relationships, past images, unusual feelings…trying to discover and solve a mystery I can’t even verbalize…” Piha states. “It seems that no matter what I do, my experiences and my ancestors’ experiences keep me on guard trying to find an answer to a question I have not yet figured out.”
Piha earned his M.F.A. at the Cranbrook Academy of Art and now teaches art in Athens, Georgia. His work is included in collections in New York, Beverly Hills, and Atlanta.
About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA), is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly-regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. From preschoolers and teens, to young adults and seniors – the MJCCA offers unique and engaging programs, events, and services for every member of the community.
Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery: Location and Hours
The Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery is located at the MJCCA, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody.
Gallery hours: Mondays – Thursdays, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm; Fridays 6:00 am – 6:00 pm; Saturdays 8 am – 6 pm; and Sundays, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. Admission is Free.
More Information
For information: call Kim Goodfriend, Gallery Manager at 678.812.4071, kim.goodfriend@atlantajcc.org.
Media inquiries: call Lora Sommer, MJCCA Public Relations Manager at 678.812.4078, lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org.
Visit us on-line at atlantajcc.829stage.com.