In 1990, Mary Chapin Carpenter released a song that, in my mind, was one of the most masterful examples of storytelling ever composed or performed. “Halley Came To Jackson” was a heartfelt folk melody inspired by the literary works of Eudora Welty. Welty’s writings recounted the arrival of Halley’s Comet in 1910, through her recollections of growing up in Jackson, Mississippi. The song begins with the lyrics:
Late one night when the wind was still
Daddy brought the baby to the window sill
To see a bit of heaven shoot across the sky
The one and only time daddy saw it fly
Later, the song narrates:
Now daddy told the baby sleeping in his arms
To dream a little dream of a comet’s charms
And he made a little wish as she slept so sound
In 1986 that wish came ’round
Halley’s Comet graces Earth’s skies only once every 75 or 76 years, meaning a child witnessing its celestial journey in her father’s arms in 1910 would not see it again until she reached the age of 75 or 76 in 1986. This is an indisputable scientific fact.
Mary Chapin Carpenter’s eloquent portrayal of this scientific truth, however, touches our hearts in its poignancy and personal meaningfulness. Art moves us to experience nature and scientific phenomena with emotional depth in a way that reaches beyond its scientific narrative. Through art, we are moved to engage with nature and scientific phenomena on a level that transcends mere facts, reaching into the realms of heartfelt connection and emotional resonance.
From ancient primitive art to the Renaissance and beyond, artists have expressed their fascination with the sky and universe in diverse ways. As anticipation for the 2024 total solar eclipse grew in my community, I sought to join fellow local artists in continuing this tradition. The “Celestial – Exploring Cosmic Curiosities in Art” art exhibit was born, aiming to evoke a similar impact as Mary Chapin Carpenter’s song did for me in 1990. An eclipse or a comet – both are celestial events that leave a lasting impact upon us as we experience them, recognizing the awe inspiring majesty of the sky.
My artist friends did not disappoint in creating a varied and inspired body of work. Every artwork offers a unique perspective, inviting viewers to contemplate the wonders of the sun, moon, stars, planets, galaxies, and more. As Stark County, Ohio finds itself within the “Path of Totality” during the remarkable solar eclipse event on April 8, visitors will enjoy this thought-provoking and visually stunning celebration of human inquiry and creativity. Artists featured in the show include: Clare Murray Adams, Emily Vigil, Scott Simler, Brenda Case, Iszy Rucker, Tom Wachunas, Chris Wurst, Sarah Shumaker, Tom Delamater, Keeli Serri, Sally Priscilla Lytle and BZTAT.
There will be an opening reception for the art exhibit on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 5:30PM – 8:30PM. The exhibit will be on display until May 24, 2024. The first 20 attendees will receive a free pair of ISO certified eclipse glasses. Additionally, there will be a “Celestial Independent Film Festival” presented by The Cut Cinema on April 6, 2024, from 6 PM to 9 PM, which will be an exploration of the mysteries of the sky and universe through the lens of independent filmmakers.
Will you be inspired to create and articulate your own fascination with the heavens above? The sky is the limit…
Life is an Adventure!
BZTAT
BZTAT Studios, located in the new Canton Creator Space at 730 Market Ave S. in Canton, exhibits artwork by local artists, including wall art, sculpture, jewelry, wearable art and other unique art gifts. Canton Creator Space is a brand-new collaborative workplace and gallery for artists and creative entrepreneurs. Open to the public, Canton Creator Space allows visitors to experience a behind the scenes view of the dynamic world of local artists and enjoy a more personalized arts encounter beyond typical galleries and museums. The gallery is open 11am-5pm on Mondays through Fridays and 12-5pm on Saturdays.