Local Artists Reflect on the 1970s in “A Letter to Younger Self” Art Exhibit at Patterson Park

1970s That's My Decade by Barbara Hodges

The Washington Theatre Gallery at Patterson Park Community Center will host “A Letter to Younger Self,” a collaborative contemporary art exhibit, through July 20.

The display showcases the work of local senior adults and veteran artists, many of them involved in programs at St. Clair, Patterson Park and SportsCom community centers, and offers a glimpse into the artists’ inner world. The artists share their insight into the impact and influence of the 1970s on their lives.

The 1970s are famous for bell bottoms and the rise of disco, but it was also an era of economic struggle, cultural change and technological innovations. This decade still fascinates and influences past and current generations.

My Life in the 70s by Leroy Hodges

Leroy and Barbara Hodges in conjunction with Cultural Arts Murfreesboro curated this art exhibit, which features the works of artists: Alice Bailey, Sylvia Buggs, Beverly Dillard, Wilda Gandy, Barbara Hodges, Leroy Hodges, Carolyn Sneed Lester, Vickie “Cat” Mathews, Rance Perkins, Rosie Perkins, Marcella Turner, Goldy Wade, Lenda Wade, Mary Wade and Mary R. Watkins.

Living My Young Life by Rosie Perkins

“Writing a letter to your younger self can be cathartic. It gives one a reason to carve out time for reflection. This journaling activity can be fun and a rewarding way to acknowledge things from the past and find ways to use them to make positive changes,” according to an exhibition statement. “Writing a letter to your younger self can be excellent therapy. . . . Change and healing only happen when one can come to a sincere and heartfelt appreciation of all of your life experiences, even the unpleasant and painful ones, and see how they have led you to being who you are today. We hope this exhibit will inspire and have a positive impact on the art audience.”

Crossroads of Indecision by Vickie Cat Mathews

The artists utilized a variety of artistic styles described as bold, vibrant, colorful, thought-provoking and surrealistic, to create the imagery for this exhibition of visual storytelling.

Patterson Park Community Center is located at 521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Murfreesboro. The exhibit is free and open to the public through July 20, 2023. For more information, call 615-893-7439, ext. 6111 or email hodgesl@bellsouth.net.