Judi Weisbart’s ‘World Series’ brings 15 causes to Art & Soul Gallery

By Daniel Okafor

Judi Weisbart will present World Series, an exhibition of 15 assemblage sculptures (works assembled from familiar objects), at Art & Soul Gallery from November 12 through November 29.

Each of the 15 unique pieces addresses a different social, environmental or humanitarian concern, Weisbart said. The subjects include hunger, homelessness, animals, protecting children and terrorism. Her aim is for art to act as an “instigator of conversation” about major issues in the world today.

The announcement calls Weisbart “one of the busiest and most kindhearted artists in town.” That is a civic compliment with no metrics attached. Her project nevertheless joins artistic production, charitable giving and public discussion within one gallery presentation.

How will sales support the causes?

A portion of proceeds from sales will honor community nonprofits, according to Weisbart. The project associates each participating organization’s work with a sculpture and donates a percentage of sales to that organization. The announcement does not specify the percentage.

The named beneficiaries are CALM, WEV, CEC, S.B. Neighborhood Clinics, New Beginnings, Lotusland and Planned Parenthood. The arrangement resembles a charity bazaar with wall labels replaced by saleable sculptures: a visitor can support a named cause while taking home an artwork.

What will Birth of Reason add?

Birth of Reason is a digital storytelling initiative (an online companion built around commentary and interviews) developed by Weisbart. Belle Hahn co-produced and hosts the project. Ciara Barnes created it in large part.

The initiative uses artist commentary, interviews, personal stories and perspectives from young people to examine the human experiences behind each sculpture’s subject. Its episodes feature artists, activists, nonprofit leaders, educators and other people seeking constructive responses to the challenges addressed in the artwork.

The gallery presentation centers on Weisbart’s objects, while the digital series places artist commentary, personal accounts and outside perspectives around those same subjects.

Why do the sculptures carry old questions?

Some of Weisbart’s sculptures have been decades in the making, she said. Their questions remain urgent decades later. She uses familiar objects, unexpected juxtapositions (deliberate side-by-side placements of unlike things) and symbolism to turn complex global problems into tactile works.

“This represents my life’s work,” Weisbart said. She also said: “Art is one of the ways we speak to each other about the issues for which we feel passionate concern. It is our universal language.”

Her stated theme is simple: people share one planet despite their differences, and their individual futures are deeply interconnected. The pieces ask viewers to consider their own place in that arrangement. The method can look quirky. The questions are not.

When and where can visitors see it?

Art & Soul Gallery, at 1323 State St., is open Thursdays through Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., with private viewings available on request. The exhibition information directs visitors to artandsoulsb.com and birthofreason.com.

The exhibition closes November 29. Its longer test will be whether the conversations continue through Birth of Reason after that date.