See Related Story' Exhibit Opens Feb. 7

Visual artist Rory Golden's multi-media project concerning a 2000 West Virginia murder will be on exhibit at Fairmont State University's Brooks Gallery from Feb. 7-28. Golden will speak about his project at the opening reception, which will be held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7.

On the night of July 3, 2000, Arthur Carl "J.R." Warren Jr., a 26-year-old black, gay man was beaten and kicked viciously by two white teenage acquaintances in Grant Town, W.Va. The two assailants were arrested, went to trial and were eventually convicted; however, investigators declined to qualify the murder as a hate crime, which would have meant stiffer sentencing. The state of West Virginia has no hate crime laws related to sexual orientation.

In 2005, Golden, a Brooklyn-based visual artist, moved to live in and became part of the West Virginia community where the murder occurred. While teaching in the Art Department at Fairmont State University, he established personal relationships with people who knew J.R., his friends and family, local activist individuals and organizations. He also researched court records, media reports and other materials related to the murder. Golden's research informs the visual artwork in this exhibition, which will include an installation of two-dimensional works of art and a short digital video.

A short digital video will be screened in Multi-Media Room B of the Ruth Ann Musick Library on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 2 and 6 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 12, at 2 and 6 p.m., and Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 2 and 6 p.m. A panel discussion is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, in conjunction with the 6 p.m. video screening on that day. The discussion, featuring Golden, Dr. James J. Nolan, Dr. Shaka McGlotten and at least two community members, will take place in Multi-Media Room B of the Ruth Ann Musick Library.

Nolan is an Associate Professor in the Division of Sociology and Anthropology at West Virginia University, where he teaches courses in the area of crime and social control. His research currently focuses on police procedures, crime measurement, hate crimes and homicide. Shaka McGlotten is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Media, Society and the Arts at Purchase College in New York. His research focuses on the intersection of the politics and poetics of race, desire and technology. He has had a long-standing interest in the murder of Warren and in 2006 presented this research at the University of Chicago.

Admission is free to the exhibit and its related events. For more information or special viewing arrangements, call or e-mail Curator Marian J. Hollinger at (304) 367-4300 or mhollinger@fairmontstate.edu. The exhibition and digital film contain adult material.

The artist will be available for conversation after each screening. Individuals and community groups are welcome to attend. The artist is seeking community members to interview about Warren's murder for a longer and more comprehensive film project. Community members who have memories or memorabilia to share about this incident can contact him via e-mail at rorynewyork@hotmail.com.

The intent of the Golden's project is to inquire into how societal notions create an environment that condones and encourages violence against people of difference. Golden says his multi-media project has the potential to be transformational for viewers through increased awareness of socio-behavioral issues that impact everyday life and legislation; not just in West Virginia, but across society.

Following its debut at Fairmont State, the exhibit will tour nationally at educational institutions and community art galleries. These exhibitions, together with an educational brochure, panel discussions, artist's talks and lectures are intended to inspire dialogue in local communities and thereby foster better understanding among different sectors of society.

Golden, an Ohio native, resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. He holds an M.F.A. in Book Arts from the University of Alabama. Golden has owned and operated Palmapodoca Press since 1997, an imprint publishing letterpress printed broadsides of contemporary poetry and artist's books. Golden's paintings and artist's books are exhibited nationally and his work is included in public and private collections around the country. His artist's residencies include the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Montana Artists Refuge, and Yaddo. Golden is represented by Vamp & Tramp Booksellers/Califia www.vampandtramp.com.

Aubin Pictures, Inc., the project's financial sponsor, was formed in 1996 to develop, produce and distribute documentary films, videos, and other creative projects that promote cultural and social awareness and change.