Kennedy Museum creates community

The Kennedy Museum of Art kicks off the 2009 continuation of the Inside/Outside: Art Talks at the Kennedy series at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with local stained glass artist John Matz.

The talks provide university and community members with the chance to hear local visual artists in every discipline speak about their work and their viewpoints about art in an intimate environment.

Matz, a self-taught artist, is the owner of Sunflower Glass Studio in Amesville, Ohio. All of Matz's designs are original and inspired by Tiffany works. Each design is completed by hand and his collection includes mirrors, one-of-a-kind stained glass pieces and large windows.

During his talk, Matz will question who we consider to be artists and where art comes from, among other things. "The talks bring together students, staff, current and retired faculty and community members who share an interest or appreciation of the process and product of art," said Beth Tragert, administrative associate at the Kennedy Museum of Art.

According to Tragert, the name "Inside/Outside" shows how the artists come from both inside the university and outside -- from the larger community.

"It's really an opportunity for participants, both artists and audience, from each group to come together at a place devoted to art and share their interest."

The Kennedy Museum of Art is located in Lin Hall at The Ridges. All events are free and open to the public.