Southwest Tennessee Community College Hosts Art Exhibition by SIX POINTS

For more information, contact Diana Fedinec, Southwest Tennessee Community College Director of Public Relations and Media, at 901-333-4247 or dfedinec@southwest.tn.edu.

6 Points logoSouthwest Tennessee Community College is hosting an art exhibition featuring the work of SIX POINTS, a dynamic collective of six professional female artists. The exhibition has opened and will run until Nov. 30, 2024, at the Bert Bornblum Library's Art Gallery, located on the Macon Cove Campus, 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, Tennessee. The exhibition will be closed from October 1–3, but visitors are welcome during the gallery’s regular hours on all other dates. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibition will culminate with an artist talk and reception on Nov. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering the public an opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their creative processes, and engage in discussions about the artwork. 

About SIX POINTS

SIX POINTS is an artist collective comprising of six talented female artists—Paula Kovarik, Mary K. Van Gieson, Kerri Dugan, Carol Harding M. Tyre, Sharon Havelka, and Mary Jo Karimnia. Their work spans a wide range of artistic disciplines, including painting, drawing, fiber arts, sculpture, and mixed media. Together, these artists form a collaborative group dedicated to inspiring, supporting, and engaging with one another through their artistic journeys.

The collective draws inspiration from each artist’s individual practices, weaving them into a shared creative dialogue. Their work speaks to the broader themes of collaboration, growth, and exploration of both form and content.

Origins of SIX POINTS

The origins of SIX POINTS date back to 2015, when artist and curator Mary Jo Karimnia organized an exhibition titled “you+me.” During a gallery talk following the exhibit, the participating artists found themselves in deep conversation about their creative journeys, challenges, and opportunities, including the exploration of grant proposals. This shared dialogue sparked the formation of a monthly gathering, where the artists would meet to share ideas, provide feedback, and discuss their creative aspirations. Over time, these gatherings became the foundation for SIX POINTS.

Artistic Inspiration

The name SIX POINTS is inspired by the seminal work of Russian painter and art theorist Wassily Kandinsky, particularly his book Point and Line to Plane. Kandinsky’s exploration of geometric abstraction and the connections between point, line, and shape resonated deeply with the group. The collective adopted the concept of points and lines as metaphors for their individual and shared artistic paths. Each artist’s journey serves as a point of origin, with their collective practice forming a dynamic, interconnected plane of creativity and expression.

The Artists

  1. Paula Kovarik is known for her intricate fiber art and textile-based works that explore themes of memory, connection, and time.
  2. Mary K. Van Gieson creates large-scale, vibrant paintings that explore color and movement.
  3. Kerri Dugan works with sculpture and mixed media, creating works that often engage with space and texture.
  4. Carol Harding M. Tyre focuses on drawing and painting, with an emphasis on figurative works and abstraction.
  5. Sharon Havelka is a painter whose works are deeply rooted in emotional expression and personal narrative.
  6. Mary Jo Karimnia is a mixed media artist and the founding member of SIX POINTS, known for her multi-layered works that often blend cultural commentary with personal reflection.

Exhibition Details

  1. Exhibition Dates: Sept. 17 – Nov. 30, 2024 (excluding Oct. 1-3)
  2. Location: Bert Bornblum Library’s Art Gallery, Southwest Tennessee Community College, Macon Cove Campus, 5983 Macon Cove, Memphis, Tenn.
  3. Artist Talk & Reception: Nov. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m.
  4. Cost: Free and open to the public
  5. Gallery Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

SIX POINTS exemplifies the power of collaboration in art, showing how individual voices can come together to create a stronger collective vision. This exhibition is a celebration of the creative process and an invitation to the public to explore the intricate connections between medium, message, and the human experience.