Starting this fall I’m looking forward to writing a regular column focused on the visual arts in particular but also on the arts and culture in general as it impacts our community. My goal is to stimulate awareness and discussion about what is going on and importantly to also see if the forum (which Michael Shapiro has generously provided me and for which I am grateful) might provide a vehicle with which to begin to bring together those in the area who have a special passion for the arts and want more of it in their lives.
I have some ideas about what im hoping to say and accomplish with this forum. Chiefly to identify those of us who for one reason or another simply need more art in their life and feel it’s a priority. Not from the point of view that there is anything noble or special or even particularly noteworthy about this view of things. Whether its religion, sports, socializing, volunteering, politics, family, accumulating wealth, building an organization, cooking or discovering new restaurants; whatever - we all have things we like more than others and give us the feeling of having a good day. Well this column is for those who feel that way about art.
So my first goal would be to find out who is reading the Alternative Press and see if any of you are interested in participating in creating and shaping this column and fostering further discussion. If so please drop me a line at mtcheyan@thealternativepress.com and we can get a conversation started.
Meanwhile a couple of brief observations:
1. The Arboretum’s "Art in the Garden" exhibit of outdoor sculpture will be closing after Labor Day. It’s worth seeing. Whether its art or nature think of the arboretum as one large earth work filled with many smaller sculptures - each tree, bush or flower is in reality a sculpture as well and appreciating the beauty of the form and structure is always fulfilling. On a larger scale the contours of the land are beautiful too with a lot of variety packed into a small area. While you are having fun doing this you will come across some damn good artwork too - you know its good simply because it can hold its own next to the perfection of nature. This year the featured artist’s are: Lucy Hodgson, Eric David Laxman, Michael McLaughlin, Elaine Lorenz, JennyLynn Mcnutt and a collaborative piece by Thea Lanzisero and Barbara Lubliner.
2. "Brick City 07101" at the Visual Arts Center of NJ is also closing shortly - at the end of the month actually. I’ll be getting over there again before it closes because its worth more than one visit. I was familiar with some of the artists already - they are all part of the emerging Newark artists community (emerging in the sense that its being recognized lately - its been around for a long time) and there is a lot going on to be appreciated. The exhibit features Gizem Bacaz, Kevin Darmanie, Sarah Grannet, Ivan Petrovsky, Wahala Temi, Polina Zaitseva.
3. Finally, check out David Henderson’s beautiful fiberglass sculpture "Skylark" which has been relocated from City Hall to the Summit Grand Hotel. GM Mark Giangiulio is someone who really gets it - whether its the recent fantastic Wine and Food Festival or just his appreciation for the fine art of hospitality. Special props to the way the work has been sited - perhaps the best of all the different locations I’ve seen Skylark which is a piece that always inspires in the way it relates to the space around it - which is really what all sculpture is about. Expect some great and exciting things from Mark in the near future.
Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of the summer.