Preservation Society hosts 40th anniversary art show

Inside the picturesque Horace Williams House, the Preservation Society of Chapel Hill is hosting its 40th Anniversary Retrospective exhibition.

The exhibition features an eclectic collection of pieces, celebrating the society’s art committee and its work with artists in Chapel Hill.

The range of artists involved showcases a diversity of mediums.

“This is an assortment. We’ve tried to show the different artistic disciplines we’ve seen over the years,” said Nerys Levy, co-chairwoman of the society’s arts committee.

“We have people in this community who are nationally and internationally famous … It’s been a very special experience.”

One such artist is Nancy Whittington, whose fabric creations have been featured around the country. She has been exhibiting with the Preservation Society since 1998.

“This is my favorite place to show in Chapel Hill,” Whittington said.

“Because it’s so homely, people love coming here.”

Whittington praised the variety of artwork on display in the exhibition.

“It’s a very fine show because the artists have been practicing for decades and there’s a real range of mediums,” she said.

Marvin Saltzman, a painter, said he remembers the beginnings of the Preservation Society’s art exhibits in 1972.

“There was the one show gallery in Chapel Hill and that was it,” he said.

“Now you have FRANK and other commercial galleries.”

Cheri Szcodronski, the society’s interim executive director, said the location of the exhibition is key.

“Our program is important to our community — it is part of our adaptive reuse of the Horace Williams House,” she said.

“Through this program, we are able to be an example of successful historic preservation.”

After watching the art committee develop during her 18 years of involvement, Levy said this exhibit is an example of the importance of the preservation that the society undertakes.

“It’s important we have a venue where art is revered and supported so there is a record of continuity. Going back you can see trends in the art styles, it’s interesting,” she said.

“Art is a force. It’s a major cultural force in this community.”

Contact the desk editor at arts@dailytarheel.com.