“Negatively Positive” is a contradiction in terms offering all kinds of creative possibilities, and now it’s an exhibit at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center running April 25 through May 31.
“Negatively Positive” suggests conflict and contradiction and can open up a visual dialogue about how we process the world, according to event organizers. Left to interpretation, the phrase can bring the exploration of spatial variations or the search for a deeper more personal discovery.
The show is being produced by Exhibitor’s Co-op, a New Jersey-based group of artists that meets weekly in South Orange to critique each other’s work and present exhibitions. Founder and leader Barbara Minch said, “My aim was to create a forum to share art ideas and information and to support each other’s creative expression. Over the years, Exhibitors’ Co-op has evolved into a thriving community of talented individuals, working in their own diverse styles.”
Group exhibits are curated throughout the year in New York and New Jersey galleries and museums. Corporate clients, including Nabisco, Johnson and Johnson, ADP, Merrill Lynch and Pfizer have also hosted shows, and some have purchased work for inclusion in their private collections.
Member artists have enjoyed individual success with New York City gallery exhibits, commissions and been accepted into national and international juried shows. Many have won awards and some have been published as book illustrators and in art books.
“The excitement each week comes from sharing members’ successes. It may be that someone has made a sale, received an award or is to be featured in a national art magazine. Or it may be that someone has made a breakthrough on a problem piece, or has mastered a new medium,” said Minch.
Negatively Positive will be on exhibit at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center from April 25 to May 31. An opening Reception will be held on May 3 from 2 to 5 p.m.
1978 Gallery is located at 1978 Springfield Ave. in Maplewood. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5pm. For more information, visit 1978artscenter.org.
