For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Matthew Bizoe
Marketing & Events Manager
269.983.0271
Colorful, large-scale photography portraits and gravity-defying wooden sculptures come to Krasl Art Center
Beat the winter doldrums with vibrant art exhibitions.
St. Joseph, Mich. - If the winter blues have you down, Krasl Art Center is ready to inject vibrancy into to your routine! Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits features 20 colorful, large-scale photographs filled with vibrant and stylish models highlighting his passion for showcasing strong subjects. In the art lab gallery, sculptor Barbara Cooper displays wooden forms inspired by the ability of nature. These exhibitions will be on view March 13 - May 31 and offer several unique opportunities for the public to interact with the artists and learn about the work on view.

Influenced by the cultural richness of his Caribbean heritage and Pan-African studies, Jones unwaveringly removes the veil of self-conscious inhibition by eliminating preconceived notions of beauty. Instead, he masterfully reveals true splendor and regality, even amidst vulnerability. Jones relentlessly pushes the characterization of beauty not often seen. Encompassing a mixture of texture, hues, flesh and heavy contrast in his editorial photography, his expertise in justly capturing women of vast shades is indicative of his strong matriarchal upbringing. Jones is driven by an infectious passion that is distinctly exposed in the strong subjects he portrays.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jones works on artistic projects, editorial assignments and creative collaborations in both photography and film. Storied Portraits is Jones’ first solo show outside of New York and features 20 images produced in large-scale, further enhancing the vibrancy, strength and appeal of his artwork.

Chicago-based sculptor Barbara Cooper uses wood, books and glue to create elegantly structured artworks. Using nature as her starting point, the artist is inspired by the stresses and obstacles nature confronts. These evolutions in growth and form provide the foundation to her stunning sculptures. 

Interested in viewing these exhibitions with your group or organization? Docent-led tours are available for schools and special interest groups. School groups can sign up for KAC’s Understand Art tours, which include a 45-minute gallery tour and a 45-minute hands-on art lesson with a trained docent. Contact the Education Department at 269.983.0271 or email [email protected] to book your tour today!
Mark your calendar!

There are multiple ways you can enjoy the exhibitions at KAC.

All events are FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 7 PM

Join art lab artist Barbara Cooper for a sneak peek of her work and learn about her creative process. Image: Barbara Cooper. Fuse . Wood, glue, books.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 12 PM

Walk through the galleries and enjoy exciting discussion while learning about the artwork on view with Deputy Director & Curator Tami Miller. Featuring KAC premier coffee provider Forté Coffee.
Meet artist Dex R. Jones (above) at KAC's closing party.
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 6 – 9 PM

Dress to express your personal style and story for the closing weekend of Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits. Sport your favorite look as you mingle with the artist, play in our photo booth, and enjoy light refreshments. Stick around for an after party performance in dialogue with the art on view.  

6 PM - GALLERY TOUR WITH DEX R. JONES
Join Dex R. Jones in the galleries for a close look at the inspiration and process behind his bold photography. 

6:30 – 8 PM - EXHIBITION CELEBRATION 
Featuring a cash bar and complimentary small bites by Bistro on the Boulevard.

8 – 9 PM - AFTER PARTY WITH FABLE THE POET & P.O.E.T.tree
Keep the party rolling with spoken word performances featuring local group P.O.E.T.tree and Grand Rapids Poet Laureate Fable the Poet.
Dex R. Jones features vibrant colors, patterns and forms in his large-scale photographs. Left: Say it to My Face . Photography. Right: Wrap Goddess . Photography.
Barbara Cooper creates striking forms out of glue, wood and books. Left: Link . Glue, wood and books. Right: Matrix . Glue, wood and books.
About Krasl Art Center:
Krasl Art Center is a nonprofit art museum and learning center that enriches the lives of people living in or visiting Southwest Michigan by delivering enlightening art experiences through diverse education opportunities, meaningful events, and high quality exhibits and collections. KAC’s mission is to inspire meaningful change and strengthen community through the visual arts. To learn more, visit krasl.org.
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269.983.0271| Email | krasl.org