Everson Museum to present contemplative video project ‘Sitting Still’ led by VPA’s Anne Beffel

Everson Museum to present contemplative video project ‘Sitting Still’ led by VPA’s Anne BeffelApril 16, 2009Sarah Massett

The Everson Museum of Art will present “Sitting Still,” the end result of a contemplative video project led by Anne Beffel, a New York-based public artist and associate professor of foundation in Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). This diverse exhibition, which displays visions of Syracuse youth, will be shown May 16-July 12 at the museum, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse.

“This project allowed the youth of Syracuse to experience their city in a completely new way,” says Pam McLaughlin, Everson curator of education and public programs. “By slowing down and simply observing the scenes and situations that unfolded before them, students gained a new perspective on everyday events that can otherwise be easily overlooked.”

Beffel, the Everson’s artist-in-residence, received a B.F.A. from the University of Michigan’s School of Art and an M.F.A. from the University of Iowa. Her past exhibitions have included public arts residencies at the World Financial Center as well as at the New York Downtown Hospital in Lower Manhattan.

“Sitting Still” is supported by an Everson Museum of Art grant from the New York State Council for the Arts, an Enitiative grant and an academic fellowship from the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, with support from the Fetzer Institute and VPA’s Interdisciplinary Research Group. Additional support is provided by SU’s School of Information Studies.

The Everson is open to the public Tuesday-Friday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. For more information, visit http://www.everson.org.