Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery to Present "Earthy Delights" June 21, 2016 COLUMBUS, Ohio —The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery presents Earthy Delights, an exhibition of contemporary photography by 15 Ohio artists, on view August 4 – October 9, 2016. Curated by Kenyon College Professor Marcella Hackbardt, Earthy Delights features Earth’s varied textures and places, as well as imagery inspired by it. Artists’ methods vary from traditional analog to digital; they utilize new tools like social media and virtual reality. “Throughout the exhibition there are multiple references to human presence and needs, from footprints to shelter, and a responsibility to truly comprehend the notion that we are part of the Earth, an Earth that gives us life and delight,” Hackbardt stated. These artworks showcase a variety of photographic processes, employ great technical skill,and also explore relationships in their themes—particularly of humans and Earth. FEATURED ARTISTS Darren Baker | Waverly Robert Ladislas Derr | Columbus Javier Gutierrez | Columbus Virginia Kistler | Gahanna Paula Willmot Kraus | Oakwood Kent Krugh | Fairfield Joseph Minek | Lakewood Emily Hanako Momohara | Cincinnati Deborah Orloff | Sylvania Jeannette Palsa | Hudson Ricky Rhodes | Lakewood Mark Slankard | Rocky River Jordan Tate | Cincinnati Jessica Wascak | Lakewood Emily Joy Zeller | Gambier EVENTS All events and programs are free and open to the public. Opening Reception | Thursday, August 4, 5 – 7 p.m. Join us for a public reception and meet the exhibiting artists, curator, and other arts enthusiasts. The trio Studio 3 Jazz Ensemble will perform. Curator’s Tour | Friday, August 5, noon – 1 p.m. Marcella Hackbardt will lead an in-depth tour discussing exhibition themes, the selection process, and the artists’ work. ADULT WORKSHOPS Ohio photographers, Stephen Takacs and Shari Wilkins, will lead free workshops on Thursday, August 25, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Bring your imagination and a friend to experience one creative afternoon. Snap and Wear a Pic of _____. | Thursday, August 25, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Whatever it is that you love, get inspired and capture it with your smart phone or camera, and Stephen Takacs will hand transfer it onto a t-shirt! Snap a pic of your pet, a favorite meal, or a special place, and then flaunt what you love in our version of "show and tell." To ensure your spot, email your photo to riffefellow@oac.ohio.gov by August 23. Flip Found Vintage Photos | Thursday, August 25, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cleveland Print Room founder Shari Wilkins will lead a transformative workshop using found photography and other various media. Participants will embellish antique cabinet cards, launching antique portraits into imaginary worlds. FAMILY AND FRIENDS WORKSHOP Squeaky Clean Image Transfer | Saturday, October 1, 2 – 4 p.m. Photographer Stephen Takacs will teach a “squeaky clean” workshop where families and friends transfer their own photos using hand sanitizer to create mixed media collages. This workshop is geared toward participants ages 6 and up; participants ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a registered caregiver. Please register in advance at riffegallery.org from August 5 – September 27. Send digital photos, five (5) per person maximum, to riffefellow@oac.ohio.gov by September 27. WRITING WORKSHOP Excavating Stories through Creative Writing | Thursday, September 22, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. OAC Artist-in-Residence and playwright Michael London will lead participants through various creative writing exercises using the Earthy Delights exhibition as inspiration. With each unique exercise, writers will be challenged to focus on a single aspect of a story, digging deeper into its core until a great story is uncovered. Please register in advance at riffegallery.org, from August 5 –September 20. Earthy Delights is produced by the OAC's Riffe Gallery. Media support is provided by CD102.5, CityScene, Ohio Channel, WOSU, Ohio Magazine, and WCBE 90.5 FM. LOBBY EXHIBITION Art Inspired by the Front Lines | October 18 – November 13, 2016 A collaboration between the Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery and Ohio Department of Veterans Services, artwork with military themes by living Ohio veterans and active service members will be on display in the Vern Riffe Center Lobby, directly outside the OAC’s Riffe Gallery. Artist entries will be accepted until September 1, 2016. Click here for exhibition application details. ABOUT THE RIFFE GALLERY The Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery showcases the work of Ohio's artists and the collections of the state's museums and galleries. The Riffe Gallery is located in the Vern Riffe Center for Government and the Arts, across from the Statehouse on High Street in Downtown Columbus. Like the Riffe Gallery on Facebook and follow us on Instagram. ABOUT THE OHIO ARTS COUNCIL The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Connect with the OAC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or visit our website at oac.ohio.gov. ###