701 Center for Contemporary Art presents a solo exhibition by Mana Hewitt, commemorating women

Mana Hewitt: Persistence 

Exhibition: July 25 – September 8, 2019 

Artist Talk: Thursday, July 25, 6:30 pm 

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 25, 7 – 8:30 pm 

Reception Admission: $5 suggested donation for non-members 

Contact: Hannah Shepard 

701 Center for Contemporary Art 

701 Whaley St., 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201 

(803) 319–9949 

[email protected] 

www.701cca.org 

Columbia’s 701 Center for Contemporary Art presents a solo exhibition by  interdisciplinary artist Mana Hewitt. This exhibition, tilted Persistence, presents is comprised  of over fifty commemorative medals that recognize the courage and perseverance of women  who have challenged societal perceptions and worked to improve conditions for all. Hewitt  created the series to “familiarize and instruct, lest we forget the women that have forged a  path to give us voice today.” societal gender norms by highlighting women throughout history  achievements  

Persistence runs from July 25th to September 8th. The exhibition will open with an  artist talk at 6:30 pm on Thursday, July 25th, directly followed by an opening reception from  7-8:30 pm. The reception is free for 701 CCA members: there is a $5 suggested donation for  non-members. In conjunction with the exhibition, a Women’s History Trivia Night will be held  on Tuesday, August 20, 7:30 pm at 701 CCA.  

 In her this solo gallery-wide exhibition, the artist addresses the challenges women have  faced and overcome throughout history. Each medal is unique and reflects some aspect of  the individual portrayed, whether that be through portraiture, quotes or biographies. Made of  etched brass, copper, sterling silver and enamel, they are presented in either a glass domed  vitrine or in a framed shadow box. As a medal is meant to be worn, every piece includes a  clasp, so that they may be fastened or hung. a related photo collage behind the medal. In  addition, the exhibition will includes banners with related inspirational quotes.  “I wanted to recognize women and their struggle to be heard. Historically [only] men have  received medals for service and bravery,” said says Hewitt. 

Mana Hewitt is on the faculty of the University of South Carolina’s School of Visual Art and  Design, where she is the Director of the McMaster Art Gallery, as well as Director of  Undergraduate Studies in the Art Department and teaches jewelry-making. She holds a B.A.  and an M.F.A. from the University of South Carolina. Although her studio practice is rooted in 

jewelry and metalsmithing, her work varies in media, scale and execution – ranging from  jewelry to sculpture to painting.  

Her work is included in numerous collections including the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine  Art, the Arkansas Arts Center, the SCANA Corporation, First Citizens Bank Headquarters, the  Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State Museum, and the Federal Reserve. Among  

numerous awards, she received the South Carolina Arts Commission Artist Fellowship in  Crafts, was named a Southern Arts Foundation Artist, and was included in 100 Southern  Artists and 2017/8 JAMS. 

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701 CCA is a non-profit visual arts center that promotes understanding, appreciation and  enjoyment of contemporary art, the creative process and the role of art and artists in the  community. The center also encourages interaction between visual and other art forms.  Admission to all exhibitions is free. 

701 CCA is located at 701 Whaley Street, 2nd Floor, Columbia, SC 29201. During exhibitions,  hours are Wed-Sat 11–5; Sun 1-5. For more information, visit www.701cca.org. For further inquiries or high-resolution images, contact [email protected] or call (803)  319-9949. Please check the 701 CCA website for additional information on the exhibition and  associated events.  

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