Art Picks

For the occasion of John Hope Franklin's 94th birthday, John Hope Franklin Center exhibition curator Kathy Hudson had the notion of commissioning artist Stacy-Lynn Waddell to create artworks based on his life and work. Waddell, a recent MFA student at UNC-Chapel Hill, makes work from a palette of burned and singed materials. She has used these means to make a body of work titled "From That Point On...," which specifically reflects on the life of Franklin while remaining true to her own artistic vocabulary. Waddell met with Franklin on several occasions during the course of her project and decided on a portrait made from his words. The opening pieces of the show, on view in the spare, effective New Media Space, are in fact calligraphic representations of his apt middle name, Hope. In a series of singed and burned papers, Waddell gives us "Hope," "Hopeful," "Hopefully" and finally, in a maze of overlaid words, "Hopelessness." Other works reference an exceptionally accomplished, honorable life of service and scholarship in signs, symbols and words taken from Franklin's own writings, such as a panel bearing the quotation "I was learning all the time," and another that reads "I have not cried about that anymore." The singed words, executed in a medium that accentuates visible drips, suggest teardrops, rain, the passage of time and the possibility of erasure, among other interpretations. The act of burning may also powerfully suggest experience seared into one's being. Through April 30. Be aware of limited viewing hours, Monday through Friday, 2204 Erwin Road, Durham; 684-2765, www.jhfc.duke.edu.

On Saturday in Raleigh, art lovers will have the choice of two outdoor events: the N.C. Museum of Art's Earth Day celebration on the Museum Park grounds, and "Artspace Creates on Fayetteville Street," co-sponsored by the Raleigh Convention Center, between Davie and Hargett Streets. Both are suited to families. At the NCMA, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can experience artist Steed Taylor's "Invasive," which has been described as a series of "road tattoos" depicting invasive plant species. Steed and volunteers have painted winding vines in patterns that curve along the park's paved footpaths. A new trail, "The Ramble," will be unveiled, as well as Jim Galucci's "Whisper Bench." Live music, including the bluegrass sounds of Kickin' Grass, pop music Bowerbirds, and Sandbox, for the kids, will be playing. Storytellers Louise Omoto Kessel, Doug Elliot and Kat Littleturtle will be on hand. Deepika Bhatt will paint invasive species henna body tattoos, and Travis and Bayle Owens, whose parents are Vernon and Pamela Owens of Jugtown Pottery, will demonstrate on the potters wheel and facilitate clay experiences for children. In keeping with the Earth Day theme, information and demonstrations on recycling, composting and rain collection sponsored by the City of Raleigh will be featured. Food from Blue Ridge, the museum's cafe, will be available. "Artspace Creates on Fayetteville Street" also combines activities for children and adults (including wine tasting) from 2 to 5 p.m. Work will be created on site by 20 Artspace artists who work in diverse media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking and fiber. Among them will be Alison Overton, who hand-tints her ethereal photographs. 821-2787, www.artspacenc.org.