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From the tunnels of New York’s subway system to the walls of international galleries, GATEWAY: From Graffiti to Gallery charts how five artists formalized unauthorized acts of self-expression into an artistic language that commands institutional recognition. From Basquiat’s cryptic script, Haring’s energetic subway drawings, and Scharf’s pop surrealism, to KAWS’ advertising interventions, and Banksy’s political stencils, the exhibition creates a dialogue between the raw immediacy, public accessibility, and cultural commentary that define these artists’ origins in graffiti. As their art moves from ephemeral public spaces to permanent collections, GATEWAY celebrates these artists’ relationship to an underrecognized movement that has made a lasting impact on contemporary art.

Immersive presentations of KAWS’ CHUM paintings and Kenny Scharf’s Evolution Revolution series highlight the roles repetition and scale play in graffiti, while the unconventional surfaces and iconography of Basquiat, Haring, and Banksy bring the grit of city streets onto gallery walls. Drawing fully from works held in the collection of the Masterworks Foundation, GATEWAY: From Graffiti to Gallery, does not seek to be a comprehensive history of the graffiti movement’s impact on contemporary art, but rather an investigation into how graffiti influenced five intertwined artistic practices beyond the street-level.

Ashley Overby and Leonard Ligon will present a joint USA Faculty Violin and Bass Recital on Thursday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Recital Hall. The entire program features the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, hence the title of the concert, “Bach to School.” This concert will mark the beginning of the USA Music Department’s Musical Arts Concert Series, and USA faculty pianist Dr. Robert Holm will collaborate with Dr. Overby and Dr. Ligon on this recital.

Tickets for this Musical Arts Series event will be sold at the door only. Admission is $8 general and $5 for USA faculty & staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens (cash or card accepted). Musical Arts Series season passes will of course be honored for admission to this event. Persons needing more information about this event or in need of special accommodation may call 251-460-7116 or 251-460-6136.

On September 10 from 6PM – 9PM, the region’s top bartenders are stepping behind the bar to battle it out, and guests get to be the judges. This inaugural competition brings together the Eastern Shore’s most talented mixologists for a night of creativity, skill, and friendly rivalry as they compete for the title of Champion. Guests will be able to sample cocktails from each competitor, cast their vote for the People’s Choice winner, and watch the showdown unfold live, all paired with bites from The Hope Farm’s culinary team. Tickets and additional information can be found HERE.