Artwork by Toni Ardizzone

In the Zoe Golloway Gallery, a select group of students who study with Carrie Ann Baade and Mark Messersmith at Florida State University will also explore the theme of art as social commentary. Working though a variety of mediums, these students use their art as a platform for social change. Artwork by Toni Ardizzone, Elton Burgest, Kelly Hanning, Brian Holcombe, Caroline Manuel, and Michelle Wilcox will be on display.

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Past Events

Opening Reception

View Photos on Flickr

Art as Action: A Panel Discussion

A panel discussion considering the impact of art in facilitating thought, discussion, and action regarding social issues, and the specific impact of Mark Messersmith’s art to create awareness of challenges facing Florida’s environment and native cultures. Panel was moderated by Gadsden Arts Curator Angie Barry and include exhibiting artist Mark Messersmith, Viki Wylder of the Museum of Fine Arts FSU, and Janet Bowman from The Nature Conservancy. Included with the price of admission and open to the public, Sara May Love Gallery, 1st floor.
View photos on Flickr.

Artists Talks

Saturday October 20, 10:30am & 11:30am

In depth Gallery Talk with Mark Messersmith (10:30am): Included with the price of admission and open to the public, Bates Community Room, 2nd floor.
In depth Gallery Talk with Carrie Ann Baade (11:30am): Included with the price of admission and open to the public, Bates Community Room, 2nd floor.

Arts Career Night

Thursday November 8, 4-8pm

College students and emerging art and museum professionals are invited to Arts Career Night at the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum from 4-8pm. From 4-7pm, sign up to have your portfolio, CV, and/or resume reviewed by a local arts professional, and then join us for a panel discussion at 7pm focusing on careers in the arts and museums. The galleries and ArtZone will be open throughout the night to view the Art as Social Commentary exhibitions and create your own artwork.

View the Exhibition Catalog

With essays by Angie L. Barry, Curator of Exhibitions & Collections.

Or click here to download a PDF of the exhibition catalog.

< Back to Current Exhibitions

Current Exhibition

The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum is hosting a trio of exhibitions centered on art as a catalyst for conversations about social change. In response to the social ills of the world, artists Mark Messersmith and Carrie Ann Baade have created bodies of work that challenge humanity’s impact, and relationship with, the environmental, sociological, economic, and social climate. When No One is Watching features Mark Messersmith’s moody, chaotic landscapes feature crimes against the environment and indigenous cultures and evils specific to Florida and its unique ecosystems. A Foreshadowing of Events features Carrie Ann Baade's imaginative, surrealist meta-narratives detailing her view of the apocalyptic climate the world has adopted due to religious and sexist dynamics. MFA and BFA Students of Messersmith and Baade attending Florida State University are also exhibiting their own interpretations of art as social commentary.