High art at the Centre

Painter, writer, feminist Francoise Gilot shares her work

WHAT: Francoise Gilot Exhibition, “Masterpieces of the Gilot Collection”

WHERE: Francoise Gilot Exhibition, “Masterpieces of the Gilot Collection”

WHEN: January 20 - February 29

HOW MUCH: Francoise Gilot lecture, $15 per seat; exhibition is free.

FOR MORE INFO: For more information visit BBandT.com. or phone Karen Stacy 770-254-2787.

One of the 20th century’s noted artists will be making a rare public appearance in the region this week to kick-off her show.

The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts in Newnan is hosting an exhibit by internationally renowned artist Francoise Gilot. Gilot is the only woman to have painted with art icons Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Her exhibit, which will be on display at the Newnan Centre from January 20 through February 29, will include “floating pieces,” oils on canvas and works on paper. There will be a reception for the opening of the exhibit on the 20th at 7 p.m.

Gilot, 83, will also hold a rare workshop on January 20 for 50 faculty-selected high school and middle school students from Coweta, Fayette and surrounding counties.

BB&T Bank is helping to underwrite the cost of the exhibition.

”Part of the mission at BB&T is to help make the communities we serve better places to live,” said Stephanie Nix, BB&T’s Fayette city executive. “We’re delighted to help bring this very prestigious art exhibit to Newnan. It is a cultural coup for this great community when you look at how far cities will have this exhibit and it’s also tremendous educational opportunity for a deserving group of local students.”

“We are certainly thrilled to present an exhibit by none other than Francoise Gilot, as well as offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a fortunate group of students to interact with legendary artist,” said Don Nixon, executive director for The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts. “This is another way that BB&T has demonstrated its commitment as a very caring corporate citizen.”

The French artist will present a lecture to the general public January 20 at 8 p.m.

Gilot is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Musee de Tel Aviv in Israel, the Women’s Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Bibliotheque Nationale de France and Musee d’art Moderne in Paris.

In 1990, she received the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, the French government’s highest honor, for her work as a painter, writer and feminist.

The Newnan exhibit will include a few of Gilot’s rarely seen works, including five large floating pieces which haven’t been on public display since the 80s. The exhibit is the first of only four that Gilot has granted for 2005. The others will be held at galleries in Las Vegas, Budapest and Amsterdam .


		Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005

What do you think of this story? Click here to send a message to the editor.

High art at the Centre

Painter, writer, feminist Francoise Gilot shares her work

What do you think of this story?

Click here to send a message to the editor.