Studio 527 Julia Presents New Works
by Tina Freeman, Robert Tannen,
Rashida Ferdinand and Clifton Webb

The new show at "pop-up" Studio 527
presents the latest work of a group of
artists who live and work in New Orleans.

Their diverse, but complimentary ideas
about creative life in New Orleans
presents a seamlessjourney through the
warehouse-cum-gallery.

Rashida Ferdinand is both a ceramic
and installation artist, who is working
on a project about her grandmother.

Tina Freeman is a photographer who has
recently been documenting historic
warehouse and industrial buildings.

Robert Tannen is exploring the
relationship of ball games to human
evolution and to celestial bodies.

Clifton Webb has been working for
many years as a sculptor exploring
the history and relationship of African
and African American art.

Freeman's photographs are particularly noteworthy, as they represent
the second in a series focusing on New Orleans warehouses. Her
architectural portraits of graffiti-laden, abandoned, titanic
structures are a metaphor for the decline of the city's commercial
past and the emergence of its burgeoning art scene. A show of
warehouses in the warehouse district puts the art scene in New Orleans
into context.

Ms. Ferdinand's installation, "Lullaby" uses a wall of the gallery as
a memorial to her grandmother's. Through a sequence of letters and
photographs, Ms. Ferdinand has captured the essence of a past era
while emphasizing the importance of familial memories to identity. The
installation also explores the unique relationships between women and
the foundations of heritage.

Mr. Tannen's "Show of Balls" is a continuation of the artist's
lifelong fascination with celestial bodies and the role man has played
in defining the planet. Through his abstract representations of
tennis, bowling, foot, and basket balls, he explores the relationship
between natural objects and everyday objects. His installation,
"Ballpaper" is a series of over 150 graphite drawings of sports spheres.

A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Tannen's ball drawings
will go to the Sula Foundation for a New Orleans population that also
appreciates balls: dogs.

The gallery will have a "Dog Art" afternoon on Friday, May 1, from
noon to 3 p.m. Dog owners may bring their pets to the gallery to see
the ball installation and receive a free ball.

The show opens with a reception on Thursday, April 23, 2009, from 6 PM
to 10 PM, and continues through May 30.

Studio hours are Thursday through Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM. For an
appointment, call Morgan Molthrop at 504 388 3128.
Studio 527 is a "pop-up" gallery located at 527 Julia Street, New Orleans.

It is the home to many of Robert Tannen's sculptural pieces. Exhibits focus on
contextual art by local artists.

CONTACT:
Jeanne Nathan
218.4807
jnyno@aol.com