Memorial Day 2014, exhibitions of art, dance and film will converge in Athens, Georgia to illuminate the influence and history of art in Athens 1975-1985. What is less known, however, is that artists from the era of 1975-85 gave rise to the music, and then the music went on to influence the art. Art Rocks Athens Foundation, a non-profit organization, was formed to explore and document that time pe
riod, and to present a retrospective of the work of artists who were living and making art in the vortex of creativity that centered on Athens. Through the conservation of both artworks and music-related artifacts, Art Rocks Athens Foundation seeks to make a verifiable record of our history and its lasting importance to the town so many people love. Beginning on May 1, 2014, UGA Special Collections Library will host an exhibit of music artifacts from the time period. Look for wigs, rare guitars, original drum kits, and gorgeous stage outfits to set the stage for this show. Converging Memorial Day weekend of 2014, the Art Rocks Athens Foundation will present a retrospective exhibition of art of the period, which will be on display at the Lamar Dodd School of Art beginning May 23, 2014, for approximately two months. Off campus, a large graphics show at the Lyndon House Art Center will include posters, flyers, album and magazine covers, buttons, bumper stickers, and other ephemera. Additional planned activities include satellite art shows around town in smaller venues, screenings of rare archival film footage at Ciné and other venues, panel discussions, performance art, the re-creation of student dance works from the era, and concerts at the 40 Watt Club and Georgia Theatre. In that order. Learn more about who's involved and see more work at www.artrocksathens.com
