The Jewish Federation of Chattanooga has launched a new exhibit designed to inspire acts of compassion.
“Radical Kindness III” features 23 artists from the greater Chattanooga area, as well as Berlin, London, Israel and elsewhere in the U.S. The exhibit comes to the Jewish Federation from Vector Artist Initiative (VAI).
Founded in 2013, VAI facilitates partnerships between Jewish artists and arts organizations interested in using artwork as an educational opportunity. Previous “Radical Kindness” exhibits were based on the concept that misery and hatred are the products of intolerance, supremacism and an unwillingness to listen to what others have to say.
VAI first contacted the Jewish Federation about hosting the exhibit two years ago. The local association agreed to a joint exhibit that included both Jewish and non-Jewish artists and an open call to Chattanooga-area creatives.
In addition, Ann Treadwell, chief impact officer and gallery curator at the Jewish Federation, would select the local works.
VAI agreed. The combined exhibit features works in all media and will be on display in the gallery at the Jewish Cultural Center (5461 North Terrace Road) until Thursday, Feb. 27.
A tallit titled “As Clay in the Hands of the Potter” is part of the display courtesy of Northwest Georgia artist Ruth Simon McRae. A tallit is a fringed garment religious Jews wear as a prayer shawl.
A Yom Kippur prayer based on a verse in the Book of Jeremiah inspired the raiment. The verse reads, “As clay in the hand of the potter, who thickens and thins it at will, so are we in your hands, oh God of love.” McRae says her tallit’s inwardly spiritual message encourages outward understanding and kindness.
“I used imagery of layering and building to express this concept, incorporating collaged shapes from a variety of textiles and stitching on a plaid taffeta silk material,” McRae explains. “The first part of this prayer is embroidered in Hebrew on the ‘atarah,’ or neckpiece of the prayer shawl.”
Claire Vassort, a silk painting artist also from Northwest Georgia, joins McRae in contributing a locally produced work to “Radical Kindness III.” Her piece is a lantern titled “Dancing Leaves.”
“’Dancing Leaves’ expresses how kindness is a form of light aimed at all those around us,” says Vassort. “The dance of leaves is a metaphor for the way various individuals might interact to produce this kind of beauty, regardless of differences.
“I’ve not displayed at the Jewish Cultural Center in the past, but the association of the words ‘radical’ and ‘kindness’ had a strong appeal, as I interpreted it to mean ‘kindness at all costs.’ This goes toward all individuals, creatures and our planet.”
McRae says being included in “Radical Kindness III” is a privilege for her.
“The Jewish Federation of Chattanooga brings a variety of ideas and global perspectives to our community. I’m honored to be included alongside such accomplished local, national and international artists as Shoshannah Brombacher from Berlin and Ronit Joy Holtz from Israel.”
Likewise, Vassort is grateful for the opportunity to share her artwork and the message it offers with other Chattanoogans.
“It’s a pleasure to contribute to a show that our local community will enjoy, and it’s an eye opener to be featured alongside artists from all over the world, all of whom are expressing their vision of ‘radical kindness,’” she says. “While I don’t speak or read the Hebrew language, I’m fascinated by language in general. Hebrew characters in themselves are a work of art.”
There’s no cost to view “Radical Kindness III.” Gallery hours are Monday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and by appointment.
Call 423 493-0270 to schedule a visit and learn more at www.jewishchattanooga.com.