The Meaning Within the Letters / A Framework for Connection / Paper Cuts by Nancy Schwartz-Katz
The Meaning Within the Letters / A Framework for Connection
Paper Cuts by Nancy Schwartz-Katz
July 28 – October 16, 2022
Exhibition Opening: July 28, 5:30-8:00 pm
The Temple Museum of Jewish Art, Religion, and Culture
The Temple-Tifereth Israel
26000 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood, OH 44122
Nancy Schwart-Katz’s 22 Hebrew letter portfolio explores the letters visually and tactilely through her spiritually engaging multi-layered paper cuts. She explains, “Though distinctly mechanical, the Hebrew alphabet has a depth of meaning and mystical connection to the larger universe that G-d has created. Each letter is much more than a medium to write text – they are a guide, a framework for sharing a connection with others. It is a way for one to facilitate and to exchange ideas, a ritual script that alternates between G-d’s actions and the instructions to the reader for everyday existence. This allows us to engage with one another in our daily lives, enabling us to transform ourselves to make a difference in this world.”
Nancy Schwartz-Katz’s interest in the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet has inspired many beautiful and meaningful pieces of art including The DNA of Language sculpture that is on view in The Temple Commons which transforms the area with glistening floating Hebrew letters.
Join us for an exhibition opening on July 28, 5:30-8:00 pm with Nancy Schwartz-Katz.
About The Artist
A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Nancy found Judaica to be the perfect way for her to intertwine her artistic talent, love of learning, people, storytelling, and her Jewish heritage. Schwartz-Katz’s papercuts are an intricate play on the balancing of negative and positive space to emphasize concepts while telling the stories of individuals, organizations, and history. Her art is in the collections of Synagogues, hospitals, foundations, and the homes of hundreds along with exhibiting in shows nationally. She lives in Shaker Heights, Ohio with her family, her sweet dog, and grand-cat.
About The Museum
The Temple Museum was founded by Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver in 1950 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Temple-Tifereth Israel. It was housed at The Temple’s original location in University Circle in Cleveland in a space designed by Rorimer Brooks before moving to its current location in Beachwood. It is one of the first museums of Judaica in North America and one of only a few synagogue museums with significant collections.
The Museum’s collection numbers over 2,500 Jewish ritual and fine art objects displayed in the Hartzmark Gallery and Chapel Corridor in addition to throughout the building. The collection includes 186 pieces on view in The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery at The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. In addition to exhibitions, Museum programming includes monthly Art Talks, salons, lectures, tours, artists-in-residence, and collaborations with schools and community groups.
Photograph: Hebrew Letter: Gimmel
In my research, I found Gimmel as the act of beginning. It is an introduction to life—like the waves of an invisible wheel bringing you to new places and experiences. It is G-d’s hand delivering you to the world saying, here is the world, I am leading you here to make a difference. – Nancy Schwartz-Katz
