Talk: Archiving Histories and Decay with Arden Cone and Jeff Arnal

Upstairs Artspace will host “Archiving Histories and Decay: An Artist Conversation with Arden Cone,” a free community event. Cone is a local artist currently exhibiting Time's Witness: Work by Arden Cone and Millicent Kennedy. She will be in conversation with Jeff Arnal, Executive Director of the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC) in Asheville. The public is invited to attend to learn how Cone incorporates found objects and the complex stories behind her work.

“Guests will leave with a more-complete understanding of my work in material and concept,” Cone said. “It will help them understand how the works in Time's Witness transcend their materials (found objects) and speak to themes of history, legacy, labor, and the passage of time. People can expect this conversation to unpack the exhibition and really enhance their viewing experience. Regardless of whether they are a casual art viewer or an art enthusiast, the context provided by the conversation will show them into the work in a deep and fruitful way.”

Arnal has worked in the arts and nonprofit sector for the past two decades. He was appointed Executive Director of BMCM+AC in 2016. Previously, he worked as a Senior Specialist for the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, a nonprofit grantmaking organization and knowledge-sharing hub for arts and culture in Philadelphia, PA. He is also an accomplished percussionist.

“Jeff’s work at BMCM+AC has a lot to do with archiving history and legacy through visual means,” Cone said. “This parallels some of the themes I present through my own work, so I think it will be a great conversation. It will start off as a Q & A with questions about my work, but I expect it to grow organically into an engaged exchange where we delve into the issues underlying the surface of my work. At some point, the guests will be invited to ask questions and share experiences.”

Time’s Witness is on display at Upstairs Artspace through Friday, June 16. It can be viewed at no cost Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.