Piece by Piece

Image: Corey Pemberton, Sage Wisdom (crusty feet), 2023.

August 1 – October 19, 2024

Corey Pemberton: Piece by Piece, invites viewers to explore a collection of mixed media paintings, blown glass sculpture, and quilted installations that celebrate the ordinary, the marginalized, and the deeply cherished aspects of our lives. Through this unique blend of mediums, L.A.-based artist Corey Pemberton delves into the essence of being and belonging. The work is a testament to the power of representation. The everyday moments captured on canvas, the curving forms of glass, and the soft quilted spaces invite viewers to slow down, appreciate the present, and find beauty in one’s surroundings.

Using an array of media more commonly associated with craft projects than painting, Pemberton captures intimate scenes of the Black, queer, female, and nonbinary individuals that make up his community. The viewer is invited to delve into the ordinary spaces these individuals inhabit, to examine the objects that hold significance in their lives, and to discover commonalities within the work. Pemberton states, “This material exploration speaks to the complexity of the sitters and places emphasis on the slow, thoughtful curation of their spaces. The viewer is urged to spend time getting to know the subject and their world. I create entry points for viewers and collaborators to find common ground within the work in an effort to build community. This has become my work in a space and time that seems to be obsessed with divisions.”

This exhibition’s diverse showcase of work demonstrates the interconnectedness of various mediums in conveying a cohesive artistic message. Viewers are invited to explore and contemplate the different facets of Pemberton’s practice, appreciating the beauty in ordinary moments and objects that carry narratives beyond their physical form. Through this body of work, Pemberton aims to honor craft traditions while challenging perspectives and nurturing a sense of unity.

Corey Pemberton: Piece by Piece was curated by Cecily Cullen.

Opening in conjunction with Piece by Piece, CVA presents Crafting the Future: Layers, an exhibition of six artists from the Crafting the Future (CTF) artist residency program in L.A. CTF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting racial and ethnic diversity within the art world. Through avenues like residencies, scholarships, internships, and exhibition opportunities, the goal is to facilitate pathways for aspiring artists of color to enter and flourish within the art world.

Corey Pemberton is the co-founder and director of Crafting the Future.

Exhibiting Artists:

Edmund Arevalo, Ashley Cole, Terrick Gutierrez, Adrienne Muse, Will Raojenina, and Shannon Scates

Image: Valerie C. White, Love, Hope and Faith Inspired to Fly, c. early 2000s.

Cultivating Threads of Memory

Opening in conjunction with Piece by Piece and Layers, the 965 Project Gallery is pleased to present Cultivating Threads of Memory. Through her vibrant quilts, Valerie C. White weaves a story of the natural world and humanity’s traditional and spiritual connections to its beauty.

Curated by MSU Denver students Bridget Ebert and Alyssa Williams. The exhibition will be on view August 1 – October 19, 2024.

Valerie White will give an artist talk at CVA on October 3, 5:30-7pm.

965 Project Gallery is a student-led space located within CVA. This gallery provides professional development opportunities for MSU Denver students interested in fine art curation and arts administration.