Rutgers University to Present Artists Kevin Blythe Sampson and Renée Stout in Conversation

Artists Kevin Blythe Sampson and Renée Stout will have a conversation about their artwork, the themes represented therein, and their processes, on Thursday, October 25, from 6-8 PM, at Rutgers University's Box Gallery in Newark.

Sampson is recognized for tackling difficult issues through socially-engaged artwork. His sculptures draw spiritual energy from the community at large and reflect an intimate understanding of the contemporary African-American experience. Renée Stout is an American sculptor and contemporary artist known for assemblage artworks dealing with her personal history and African-American heritage. Born in Kansas, raised in Pittsburgh, and now living in Washington, D.C., she is strongly connected through her art to New Orleans, and has strong ties to these regions of the US. Her art reflects these connections with a thematic interest in African diasporic culture throughout the country.

Sampson's work is currently on display at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, under the exhibition title Kevin Blythe Sampson: Black and Blue, which will be on view through January 27, 2019. The work presented incorporates mixed-media sculptures, drawings, a site-specific mural, and a recent series of porcelain sculptures responding to the Black Lives and Blue Lives Matter movements. Stout has also previously exhibited work at the Art Center as part of the group exhibition, "Oh, what a world! What a world!" Sampson's work is also on display in the exhibition Olde Soul at the Box Gallery through February 23, 2019. This show presents a selection of rarely-seen drawings alongside early mixed-media sculptures and ephemera from Sampson's studio.

Kevin Blythe Sampson in Conversation with Renée Stout is presented in partnership with Paul Robeson Galleries, Rutgers University. The talk will take place on Thursday, October 25, from 6-8 PM, at Box Gallery, Express Newark, Rutgers University-Newark, Hahnes Building, 54 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Visit artgallery.newark.rutgers.edu for more information.

About the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey

For 85 years, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey has been exclusively dedicated to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Recognized as a leading non-profit arts organization, the Art Center's renowned studio school, acclaimed exhibitions, and educational outreach initiatives serve thousands of youth, families, seniors, and people with special needs every year.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey is located at 68 Elm Street in Summit, New Jersey. Adult and children's group tours are available throughout the year. Gallery Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 10 AM-5 PM; Thursday, 10 AM-8 PM; and Saturday & Sunday, 11 AM-4 PM. Please call 908-273-9121 to confirm holiday hours. Visit artcenternj.org for more information.