Exploring L’dor V’dor | From Generation to Generation
Exhibit opening December 9, 6-7p.m.
Artwork due December 5
Our third annual collaborative art exhibit, Community Canvas at The J, will explore what l’dor v’dor | from generation to generation means to various Birmingham organizations.
Read about last year’s exhibit: Tikvah
The theme
In Jewish tradition, the phrase L’dor V’dor means “from generation to generation.” It speaks to the deep connection between the past, present, and future: a sacred chain of memory, identity, values, and love passed down through time.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel once said, “What we need more than anything else is not textbooks but text-people.” In other words, wisdom is not just written down. It is lived, shared, and handed from one person to another, across generations.
L’dor V’dor reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We inherit stories, songs, recipes, traditions, and dreams from those who came before us. And in turn, we have the responsibility and privilege to pass them forward in order to shape a better future for those who come next.
What does L’dor V’dor mean to you?
How does your organization embody this idea? What stories, lessons, or visions do you hope to pass on?
Guidelines
Each participating organization should bring together a team (staff, volunteers, board members, patrons, clients) to design a 16×20” stretched canvas that reflects your interpretation of the theme l’dor v’dor: from generation to generation. The theme is intentionally open-ended to spark your creativity. The LJCC will provide your canvas.
New this year, all participating organizations must have at least one representative attend the exhibit reception on Tuesday, December 9. Each organization will give a brief, 2–3 minute explanation about their artwork and how it reflects the organization’s mission in the context of L’dor V’dor. This ensures that the exhibit is not only a visual celebration but also a shared dialogue about legacy, impact, and community.
- Use any medium to decorate your panel (see list below), but be aware of the overall weight as heavier material can prohibit hanging.
- Your art should be done in portrait orientation (vertical).
- Do not include your organization’s logo or name on the front of your panel unless it is part of the art design.
- To help us keep track of your art, write your organization’s name on the reverse side, lower left corner of your panel. We will create identification placards to hang next to each panel that will recognize your organization.
- Complete an artist statement (200 words maximum) that explains your work to the viewer. Note who, what, where, why, and how your work was created.
Your work will be shown during the gallery opening on December 9 and remain on display here at The J. You are welcome to leave your art here for continued display or pick it up after December.
Materials are up to you, and the following will work well on your stretched canvas:
- Acrylic paints
- Permanent markers
- Paint markers
- Thread
- Ribbon
- Puffy Paint
- Fabric paints or markers
- Photo transfer fabric