Our own Hammonds House Museum has a new exhibition entitled Beau McCall Divas, Blues and Memories, curated by Souleo is on display through June 28th. Donna Watts-Nunn, executive director at the Hammonds House, joins us to discuss the new exhibition.
I asked Watts-Nunn to tell those not familiar with the artist to speak about his medium and work. She explains that McCall is known as “the button man." He uses buttons and textiles to create 3-D images. McCall also creates paintings and collages.
McCall is also known for producing “wearable art.” I ask her what that means in the art world, and whether people actually “wear” the art. Watts-Nunn speaks about some wearable art that is made to be worn. You may have special instructions for cleaning, but you should feel comfortable wearing t-shirts or painted items. She also speaks about some wearable art that may be worn on special occasions and then immediately stored for safekeeping, and other types that are never worn.
Watts-Nunn indicates that this exhibition, like many at the Hammonds House, is immersive and walks the viewer through McCall’s coming-of-age story. This includes music, paintings, collages, and textiles. As with all exhibitions, the Hammonds House has curated engagement events, including a Button Ball in the garden, an upcoming Diva’s panel, and a night of salsa dancing on February 27th.
As with many arts organizations, the Hammonds House has been impacted by budget cuts, and Watts-Nunn encourages the community to become Hammonds House Museum members.