David Moss to be Artist-in-Residence in April

Excitement is building for the start of the David Moss exhibit and Artist-In-Residence in Columbus. "The JCC is excited to host this amazing artist. David Moss's residency will take our JCC Jewish cultural programming to new heights. To have an artist of this stature with us for a week is truly a gift to the community and we thank all the sponsors and committee members who made it possible," said JCC Executive Director Carol Folkerth.

On a recent wintery morning, several pieces of Moss' work were laid out on the JCC's board room table. Bits of illumination from a page in his famous Haggadah caught the light and demanded attention. Muted sandstone reds, outlined in printers' black, evoked images of the Southwest - despite their obvious Jewish themes. On one side of the table was a print of a wheel of Shofarot, looking much like a Hindu mandala, while nearby was a print of Moss' tools tipped by a few examples of the art he creates with them.

What might start out as a brief glance at his works makes the eye pause long enough to get the viewer to simply think. Strong patterns, such as those found on his pomegranate pottery jar, possess subtle undertones of Judaica, while other pieces unabashedly celebrate the joy found in Jewish festivals.

"David Moss' extraordinary calligraphy, papercuts, bookmaking, and designs infuse traditional Jewish rituals and texts with meaning for contemporary audiences. His stories, demonstrations, and workshops are sure to provide wonder and insights for those who are familiar with Jewish traditions and those who are not," said Dr. Carole Genshaft, Adjunct Curator of Education at the Columbus Museum of Art.

While in Columbus, from April 3 to 9, Moss will give lectures and conduct workshops at the Columbus Museum of Art, OSU Libraries, Columbus Jewish Day School and Columbus Torah Academy. Additional programs and events during his residency may be scheduled as time allows.

Moss' visit is being arranged by Michael and Betty Klapper, proprietors of Art at the Center, located in the JCC lobby, and is being financially supported by grants through the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Columbus Jewish Foundation, and the Myer & Selma Mellman Fund to Support the Visual Arts at the JCC.

"The Jewish Arts Committee of the Columbus Jewish Foundation is proud to support the upcoming David Ross Residence," said Debby Kane, Jewish Arts Committee chair. "Rarely does the Jewish community have the opportunity to showcase a premiere Israeli artist, particularly one skilled in a variety of mediums such as calligraphy, illustrations, book designing and spiritual architectural interpretations.

"We are thrilled that we could award major funding to a program that will serve the Jewish community and extend its reach to the Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio State University and area schools," she said. The Columbus Jewish Foundation's grant is funded by the Lenore Schottenstein Jewish Arts Endowment and the William and Rose Schiff Jewish Arts Fund.

Mark your calendars now so you won't miss this important event! For more information, contact Tim Kauffman, assistant executive director, at (614) 559-6226.