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APSU celebrates Obama’s first 100 days

Austin Peay State University LogoIn commemoration of President Barack Obama’s 100th day in office on April 29, the Austin Peay State University Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, the Goldsmith Press in the Department of Art and the Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center will conduct a parade through the APSU campus and surrounding areas.

The event will occur at noon, Thursday, April 30, the day after Obama’s 100th day in office. The parade will begin with a walk through campus and around the perimeter of the college and will end with a unique recitation of the inaugural address in front of the Browning Building at 1 p.m.  Refreshments will be provided by the African American Cultural Center.

Titled “The First 100 Days,” this exhibition will involve 100 students, faculty and volunteers wearing T-shirts bearing a portion of the president’s inaugural address.

The Printmaking III class will print the T-shirts, each containing roughly 25 words of the president’s inaugural address. The inaugural address is 2,383 words in length.

A number of printers in the Nashville region have heard about the project and have volunteered their service to help with the daunting task. Art groups from all across the country have expressed interest in getting involved.

The project began in February with a three-day printmaking event conducted by students in professor Cindy Marsh’s Printmaking III class and visiting print artist Amos Kennedy. During the event, students began the task of printing Obama’s inaugural address on shirts, posters and fabric squares for a quilt.

The event was conceived and initiated by Marsh, director of the Goldsmith Press and Rare Type Collection at APSU, and students in her Printmaking III class.

The Goldsmith Press and Rare Type Collection is one of the largest collections of wood type in the realm of fine art higher education. Traditionally, wood type was used from 1800-1950 for rural posters announcing traveling shows, county fairs, athletic events, etc. The use of this type was an appropriate choice to celebrate a grassroots president. The press has received nine local, regional and federal grants.

“The First 100 Days” is funded by the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, the APSU Department of Art, the Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural and donations from regional printers.

For more information, contact APSU professor of art Cynthia Marsh, (931) 221-7349.

The Obama Inauguration at APSU

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