Harmon Pottery
FL3TCH3R EXHIBIT
Stich Together
CURRENT EXHIBITS
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Harmon Pottery: A 19th Century Story & Modern Collectability ( October 21 - December 13)
Harmon Pottery, located in Greene County, Tennessee, is an example of utilitarian, 19th century material culture that is a physical reminder of a region riddled by war and conflicting political views. Pottery employees and related family who were directly involved with production were significant participants in the American Civil War, five of whom did not survive. Harmon Pottery tells a story of a region’s struggle, but it also is a valuable modern collectable for lovers of history and collectors of 19th century wares. Collectors value the rarity of Harmon pieces, as surviving and identifiable pieces are much more rare than other, more common pottery of the time. Collectors also value the direct connection to history. Holding a piece of Harmon Pottery allows the possessor to share ownership of history. It serves as a reminder that times and struggles change, but the humanity of it all remains the same.
Curated by Edwin J. Swatsell
Rev. Edwin J. (E.J.) Swatsell is a native of Greene County, Tennessee. He is a lover of history. He enjoys telling history with the media of material culture: every piece has a story. Rev. Swatsell holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Milligan University, and this project is part of the requirements for completion of his Master of Arts degree in Appalachian Studies. Rev. Swatsell would like to recognize both the B. Carrol Reece Museum and the Archives of Appalachia. Rev. Swatsell is a tuition scholarship recipient with the B. Carrol Reece Museum whose faculty and staff have been amazing supporters of his research and exhibition. Rev. Swatsell is also a recipient of the Archives of Appalachia’s Margaret Ann Byrd Huffman Grant, which has funded portions of this project. Appreciation is also extended to friends and family who have been supportive in his educational endeavors.
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FL3TCH3R EXHIBIT: Social and Politically Engaged Art (September 30 - December 6)
International ‘FL3TCH3R Exhibit’ highlights Artists at ETSU’s Reece Museum
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The 12th annual international “FL3TCH3R Exhibit: Social & Politically Engaged Art” has opened at East Tennessee State University to reflect social and political concerns — at a time this year when nearby communities are united in efforts to overcome an unprecedented natural disaster. Housed in the university’s Reece Museum, the exhibition runs through Dec. 6.
While the opening was delayed by several days due to scheduling disruptions related to the ongoing emergency surrounding the devastation of Hurricane Helene, museum staff and other organizers said the exhibition is on track and will coincide with the museum’s role as a collection point for flood-relief donations.
Renowned for its exploration of contemporary social and political movements, the FL3TCH3R Exhibit features a diverse array of artworks that address pressing global issues. The 2024 juror, Meaghan A. Dee is an associate professor and chair of Graphic Design as well as a senior fellow at the Institute of Creativity, Arts, and Technology at Virginia Tech. Dee is both a practicing graphic designer and design educator bringing expertise and vision to the selection process.
“There is no specific theme for entries this year, allowing artists to focus broadly on socially and politically engaged art,” co-directors Barb, Wayne, and Carrie Dyer said. Holding the exhibition so close to the national election, however, has attracted works that highlight the importance of voting and democracy.
Submission categories include audio/sound, ceramics, digital, fiber, glass, graphic design, jewelry/metals, mixed media (2D and 3D), painting, performance/installation (via video), photography, printmaking, book arts, sculpture, video/film, and medical/health care visual artists’ works.
The exhibition was created to forward the legacy of former student, artist, graphic designer, and the Dyers’ son, and brother Fletcher H. Dyer, age 22, who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Nov. 5, 2009. A portion of proceeds from the exhibition help fund the Fletcher Hancock Dyer BFA Graphic Design Scholarship, benefiting ETSU Art and Design students.
Fletcher envisioned art as a powerful medium for social change. His legacy inspires the exhibit’s mission to foster dialogue on critical social issues through artistic expression. Fletcher created works that addressed social and political issues that concerned him through visual means. He believed that everyone should have their own ideas about their environment and the world around them and a safe way to express whatever they are.
“I dream of making a difference in some way with my art,” Fletcher said. “I might attempt to right political, social, and religious wrongs by showing the rest of society a glimpse of how I feel about serious issues in the world... Hopefully the awareness that I can help create will spark an interest in a movement that others will follow.” Fletcher’s work embodied a purposeful, deliberate perspective and it was his personal endeavor to employ art as social commentary.
“We continue to support artwork that advocates for democracy, voting rights, and confronts systemic racism,” co-director Carrie Dyer said, underscoring the exhibit’s commitment to social justice.
More than $2,000 in awards will be presented during the exhibition reception and juror talk on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. at the Reece Museum, offering artists an opportunity for recognition and discussion of their work.
For more information about Fletcher Dyer, visit http://fletcherdyer.com/about.html. For more information about the exhibit, visit http://www.FL3TCH3Rexhibit.com.
The Reece Museum is a unit of the Center of Excellence for Appalachian Studies and Services. The Reece Museum is located on the campus of ETSU and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit etsu.edu/reece or call (423) 439-4392.
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Stitch Together: The Social Seamstress in Southern Appalachia (July 29, 2024 - January 10, 2025)
Stitch Together: The Social Seamstress in Southern Appalachia explores the social connections of seamstresses by showcasing the fashion and clothing of the Reece Museum's permanent collection.
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Ballet in Appalachia: 75 Years with Bristol Ballet (July 17, 2023 - EXTENDED to October 18, 2024)
The Reece Museum, in collaboration with the Archives of Appalachia and Bristol Ballet, present Ballet in Appalachia: 75 Years with Bristol Ballet. The exhibition is a historical retrospective of one of the oldest arts institutions in the Tri-Cities region. This Tennessee Music Pathways exhibition includes photographs, program books, costumes, and other archival materials from the 75-year history of this local arts organization in both Tennessee and Virginia."We are thrilled to be partnering with ETSU's Reece Museum and Archives of Appalachia to highlight our historical milestone in such a special way! We can't wait to share Bristol Ballet's unique history and its connection to music with our community,” says Moira Frazier Ostrander. “Our hope is to give access to ballet through this exhibition and through the Ballet’s continuing contributions to the permanent collections in the Archives and Museum."
Bristol Ballet, in its 75-year history, has a long tradition of serving and being a part of the Appalachian community surrounding it. The ballet company has provided quality dance training and performances since 1948, and has integrated and interacted with the Appalachian region from the beginning, when Constance Hardinge, the founder, fell in love with the mountains. Throughout the years Bristol Ballet staff have donated artifacts such as photographs, programs books, and other documents to the Archives of Appalachia, recently donating a number of original costumes to the Reece Museum. These artifacts will serve to tell the story of Bristol Ballet and provide opportunities for further research.
In addition to the exhibition, Bristol Ballet hosted a special 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2023 at Paramount Bristol. During this performance Bristol Ballet premiered two new dance pieces set to Appalachian music. Both pieces are jointly choreographed by Moira Frazier Ostrander and Amanda Hairston. Myth is a singular dance piece that will be performed to the song of the same name by Amethyst Kiah, a native of Johnson City and ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program alum who has achieved national and international recognition. Another piece, Love Letter to Appalachia will feature Dolly Parton’s My Tennessee Mountain Home. This ballet piece utilizes beautiful Appalachian imagery to craft a “love letter” to the region we call home.
Tennessee Music Pathways connects you to the people, places and genres that make Tennessee the Soundtrack of America. From the largest cities to the smallest communities, this state-wide program identifies, explains, and preserves the legacy of music in Tennessee. Whether it is a story of the past, a star of the present, or the promise of the future, Tennessee Music Pathways let you follow the music. It’s an experience that can only be Made in Tennessee.