Curating an exhibition is a seventh grade tradition at Ross School in East Hampton. Each year, students meet with and interview professional local artists, take photos, write biographies, select work, install the show, and plan and host the opening.
This year’s Ross seventh graders are proud to present “Layered Meanings: Three East End Artists,” an exhibition featuring the work of Kara Hoblin, Ruby Jackson and Denise Gale. The class is supported by art teacher Jon Mulhern, dean of visual arts Jennifer Cross and core teacher Carol Crane.
Kara Hoblin works in various media, including chalk, drawing, painting, photography, and collage. A sense of childlike wonder is apparent through the whimsical narratives of her work. Ruby Jackson works in wood, ceramic, pen and ink, polymer clay, oil, acrylic, and gouache. Her imagery typically takes inspiration from natural forms, which she abstracts and explores using original techniques. Denise Gale’s large-scale abstractions are painterly, bold, and full of movement. She cites as influences the paintings of the Abstract Expressionists, including Willem de Kooning.
The show will include paintings, prints, sculptures, and chalk drawings by the artists, as well as artwork that the students have created, drawing inspiration from the featured artists’ works. The show will open with a reception on Tuesday, May 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. It opens to the public and refreshments will be served. The exhibition will remain on view through May 24 at the Ross Gallery in Building 3, 18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton.