Vol. 2, Issue 2
A publication of the Old furnace artist residency
INTRODUCTION The Valley AIDS Network (VAN) is a 501c3 non-profit AIDS Service Organization based in Harrisonburg and serving the central Shenandoah Valley. VAN provides a multitude of services to clients and also provides free rapid HIV testing within the community. VAN helps to ensure that clients are able to access their medications and maintain their medical treatment plans; VAN pays for transportation, mental health counseling, dental services, stocks an onsite food pantry and also provides assistance for HIV related medical bills. In addition to providing these services VAN strives to create opportunities for clients to find support and encouragement in their life journeys. One such opportunity occurred last month when we teamed up with Jon Henry from the Art Department at JMU. Through this collaboration we were able to provide a collaging workshop to clients which in turn gave clients an opportunity to connect with each other and engage in a project that was stress relieving and empowering. — ALEXANDRA deHAVILLAND
In line with SLAG Mag Vol. 2 theme of co-curating, this edition of SLAG Mag was developed in collaboration with the Valley AIDS Network based in Harrisonburg, VA. I have always felt that art presents a perspective and space that can become transformative, empowering, and socially involved. This edition of SLAG presents an opportunity to incubate and practice these ideas through a collaboration with VAN. I invited VAN staff and their clients to a collage making workshop at JMU; this presented an opportunity for clients to socialize with each other and staff, outside of traditional gathering spaces. The resulting collages serve as documents to an afternoon of conversation around history, space, medicine, life, faith, and community. — Jon Henry, OFAR and SLAG founder
The Old Furnace Artist Residency is an ongoing artist project curated by Jon Henry. The residency is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It is open to all forms of artistry: sculpture, painting, video, sound, conceptual, poetry, fiction writers, critical theorists etc. Special attention is given to practices which are focused on social justice and being socially engaged. Emerging artists are especially encouraged to apply. O.F.A.R. is accepting residents through 2015. Visit oldfurnace. tumblr.com for more information and to apply.
SLAG MAG, Vol. 2, Issue 2 © 2015 | published by Jon Henry Edited and designed by Elizabeth Ygartua A production of the Old Furnace Artist Residency
ERNIE SLAG MAG
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JBD 2 SLAG MAG
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Romae
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Alex 4 SLAG MAG
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Victor M. Ortiz
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Jon Henry 6 SLAG MAG
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H.L.
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Rodney 8 SLAG MAG
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sigi
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RW Showelter 10 SLAG MAG
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Kim Yoder
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Jon HENRY 12 SLAG MAG
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ROME
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oldfurnace.tumblr.com