Driftwood, fish bone and stingray casings never looked so good. Local sculptor Caesar Morton uses found objects from the natural world to inspire his free-standing and wall-mounted sculptures on display at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center. The Heritage Center at the Jefferson School City Center will host an opening reception for Morton on Friday, April 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Center director Andrea Douglas states, “We want to support local artists, especially those who have little access to the art industry. Morton is a serious artist who has been working at his craft for over 20 years and we felt his work was thought provoking. He uses very original materials.”
Highlighting Morton’s work in an exhibition also expands the Heritage Center’s stable of artists to help educate the public. “We’re providing him an avenue to show his work, photographing the images and helping him develop a webpage,” said Douglas. “In return, he will come to this place and talk to students and provide an educational experience for us.”
Largely untrained, Morton began his career as a painter but has since found his artistic voice in sculpture. His manipulation of such incongruous materials results in images of women, aquatic-scapes, and tigers that reside in the space between invention and reality.
The show will be on display through June 2. The Heritage Center is open Tuesday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 3 pm, and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm.
Preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Test
Literacy Volunteers is now accepting registrations for a new 12-week class, Preparing to take the Citizenship Test. Designed for intermediate ESL Learners, the class will meet on Monday evenings from 6 to 8 pm. Assessment and registration starts on April 8 and the class will run through June 17. Homework and English practice are required. There is $25 registration fee, but books and materials are provided.
“We’re looking forward to having diligent students,” said Program Director Deanne Foerster. “Because of these classes some of our students will be able to obtain Citizenship sooner than expected. We have a great teacher who will lead them through the whole test. Toward the end of the semester we’ll even have some mock Citizenship interviews.”
Literacy Volunteers is providing this class in collaboration with the International Rescue Committee in Charlottesville. To register, call 977-3838.
Singing with Barbara
Just about every Wednesday morning from 11 am to 12 pm, participants at the Mary Williams Community Center at the Jefferson School City Center can be heard throughout the halls. Barbara Harris from Union Ridge Baptist Church has been leading the group in singing for many years. JABA’s program at the Mary Williams Community Center is designed for independent adults over 60. They offer a variety of activities and a gathering place for different generations to build relationships.
Children’s Playgroups at Carver Rec
Carver Recreation Center offers indoor playtime in the gym for children up to 6 years old on Tuesdays from 10-12, Wednesdays 9:30 to 11:30, and 1-3 pm, and Fridays from 10-12. Active parental supervision is required, and there is a $2 drop-in fee. Pre-register by calling 970-3059.
Jefferson School City Center is a voice of the nine nonprofits located at Charlottesville’s intergenerational community center, the restored Jefferson School. We are a legacy preserved . . . a soul reborn . . . in the heart of Cville!
