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Merced area artists highlighted in Carnegie exhibit
CHAA press photo of group
Members of the Contemporary Humanitarian Artists Association out of the Merced area will have their creations on exhibit at the Carnegie Arts Center from Jan. 11 to April 23. - photo by Photo Contributed

The Carnegie Arts Center is presenting the exhibition The Rebirth of the Muse: Works by Members of the Contemporary Humanitarian Artists Association in the Lobby Galleries from Jan. 11 through April 23.

Humankind is one of the few species that contemplate creativity, beauty, and the various aspects of life and our society.  The Merced-area artists’ collective called The Contemporary Humanitarian Artists Association is committed to supporting its members in exploring the many themes that define art.

“Our goal is to bring greater awareness and appreciation of the importance of the visual arts to our existence, to our community and society as a whole.  Creativity, contemplation, and exploration are key to the human spirit and we celebrate and encourage that humanitarian endeavor,” says group member Cheryl Barnett.  “We meet once a month to discuss our works in progress, share personal goals and plan thematic exhibitions together.” 

CHAA members conceived the theme of “Rebirth of the Muse” for this group show at the Carnegie, curated by Carnegie Director Lisa McDermott. Each artist has defined their own inspirational “muse” that is the subject of their individual creative quest. The theme encourages the artists to explore what inspires them.  Many artists dig deeply over many years in techniques and ideas that are familiar and provide continuing inspiration. It is also exciting to push oneself by exploring new materials or subjects — venturing into “uncharted” creative territory. The members were asked to consider how inspirations come to them, through the seeds sown in the past and through the opportunities of new challenges.

This show is dedicated to the memory of Rose Eager, a beloved member of CHAA who recently passed.  Rose dedicated her life to her artistic muse, her lovely family and nursing. Paintings from the last year of Rose’s rich and creative life are included in the exhibition.

Artists included in the exhibition include: Iris Asai, Cheryl Barnett, Gail Benedict, Rose Eager, Lisa Gilliland-Viney, Kate Jackson, Carolyn Reed, Ruben Sanchez, Sue Thompson, and Oscar Torres.

An artist reception will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Carnegie.  Admission to the Lobby Gallery is free. The Carnegie is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday.