The magician stepped out onto the stage with all attention on him under the spotlight. He tapped his wand three times on the black top hat and said loud and clear, “Abracadabra.” What took place next you can see now on the main floor at Susquehanna Art Museum in its “Transformative Craft,” an “understated powerhouse” of an exhibit for the next 30 days. If that sounds like an oxymoron, you will soon learn as to why.
“Supplication” by Jordan Bashore
For Susquehanna Art Museum’s 8th annual juried art exhibition, 24 artists from around the country brought their exceptional skills up to the challenge with their interpretations of what transformative craft entails. In every case, each artist brought critical thinking and ingenuity to the foreground, parlaying positive change in approaching their medium and object reimagined. When the creation is no longer that of its conceptualized norm due to addition, alteration and amelioration, the completed result rises to a whole different plane and idea of beauty reflected in its new state. In other words, when is a chair more than a chair or a textile becomes a photographic keepsake? They are but two of two dozen excellent examples selected from over 500 entries nationwide juried in that made the cut for the exhibit. “Transformative Craft” is born again as a brand-new entity. The tightly compact number of selections is given free rein in the wide-open space of the museum’s ground floor as well as the DeSoto Family Vault. By intentional choice, each objet d’ art shines forth on its own, shared Executive Director Alice Anne Schwab. The narratives that accompany the art share the artist’s arrival at its finished state, critical to the viewers overall experience. The backstory lends insight to the deeper meaning of transformation.
Highlights of the show include Travis Townsend’s “The New Ship of Progress,” a craft of wood and mixed media that pays homage to the Chinese “junks.” These sea vessels were used for trading and housing as well as pirating, originating during the Han Dynasty. Townsend’s vessel is worlds apart from those of yore. He incorporates compartments and apparatus necessary for adventures of the subconscious mind. Conceptually colorful and artistically executed, “Progress” creates the means to an end that appeals to all the senses. Of local interest, Jordan Bashore of Harrisburg marries “textiles, tulle, and acorns,” according to the artist, threading a needle of continuity throughout her work in “Supplication.”
“drifted over the tide (2)” by Morgan Ford Willingham
On a smaller scale, Morgan Ford Willingham’s “drifted over the tide (2)” entails a “cyanotype with hand embroidery on found textiles.” Her skilled craft as a photographic master allows for a union of mediums shining forth in subtle nuances. The subject matter explores the relationship between mother and daughter in an incandescent image that is as haunting as it is healing. The beauty of an intimate object, both personal and universal, brings the viewer to bear on the gravitas of a parent’s love for a child.
The exhibit runs through Oct. 15. 3rd in the Burg this Friday night provides the perfect opportunity to view the exhibit before its gone.
Robert Childs and Carrie Wissler Thomas
Presto Change-o! (To change quickly from one thing to another, used originally as a magician’s command.)
Wrapping up Gallery Walk 35 this past Sunday afternoon saw the curtain come down on what may be viewed as the best Gallery Walk ever. Thanks to its illustrious leader, Carrie Wissler Thomas, CEO of the Art Association of Harrisburg, and Rachel O’Connor, curator, both had more than a few tricks up their sleeves to pull off such a stunner! Twenty venues, hundreds of artists and hordes of gallery-goers all contributed to a memorable day of art. Curator O’Connor dialed up this year’s theme, “Art Is,” an open-ended dialogue to demonstrate all the facets of the discipline of art with no wrong answers. It is subjective by nature as everyone has their own take on the subject. Evidence was everywhere with more than just “the usual suspects” in the lineup. Museums and murals all added up to lasting memories that will carry us through to next year’s Walk.
“Floating to the Chesapeake” by Kathleen Joffrion, at AAH
Reporting From the Front Lines: Starting at the AAH for Gallery Walk kickoff at noon, the foot traffic was like an art stampede. The amazing thing, the first sale of the day was to a well-known art collector from Winchester, Va., who purchased a Marjorie Taylor painting as an investment. Art patrons also drove in from Fredrick, Md., after seeing the billboard on Route 81 advertising Gallery Walk. Word is out, (literally). Judging by the head count for the first hour at the AAH, edition #35” could be a record setter. The weather tried its best to rain on the parade and, for a while, it did. However, the day would not be deterred nor the art lover’s determination. Rainy day and all umbrellas got their workout. And there were unexpected winners.
“Night Fall on the Farm” by Josephine Alexander, at AAH
Perhaps the most appreciative audience were the ducks on Front Street traveling to the Civic Club of Harrisburg for a special group of artists that included an AAH art instructor, Carrie Feidt. By 2:30 p.m., at the halfway point of the event, the storm passed over with “nothing but blue skies from then on.” In speaking with Vivian Sterste, who marked 10 years at her Vivi on Verbeke studio along with partner Jeb Boyd, reported various artists shopping her studio during Gallery Walk, which included Victor Capecce and Craig Baumgardner, artists showing their works at the AAH. Vivi went on to say that there are “new possibilities in the infinite to be discovered.”
Segue to Chantal Eloundou at her Nyianga Store who stayed open later than the 5 p.m. closing bell as she still had customers visiting her boutique. And if that wasn’t enough, the second annual “impromptu after party” took place at Millworks. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere. Tara Chickey, art director, revealed “the day mirrored the weather with the foot traffic’s ebb and flow dependent on Mother Nature.”
In case there is any doubt, let me assure you that two Pauls are better than one. Paul D. Murray, gonzo artist in residence, echoed Tara’s words as the rain clouds played a part behind the scenes, but when the sun came out, so did the art audience. Paul Gallo, lively and quick, (one of the seven lively artists) joined the after party, stating that “Gallery Walk brought out new faces, curiosity seekers, and a fair amount of folks enamored with art.” The other Paul, ping ponging back to Murray, referenced a painting Paul G. did a few years back depicting a sci-fi galaxy featuring a functional, not flashy, spaceship entitled, “Searching.” Yachiyo Beck took that as a cue to join in returning to Millworks after spending five hours demonstrating her painting at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. Ms. Beck briefly announced, even with the gray skies, last year’s attendance was eclipsed at the church with visitors and onlookers. Artist Judy Kelly rejoiced that the day brought a great experience, one worthy of sharing with the world.
It is the special moments we share in life as part of a bigger picture that matter the most. When we feel connected to a likeminded group (like Judy Kelly’s visit from four college-aged girls who met on an app), which brings strangers together to share activities as simple as going for a walk. It is so obvious. Judy truly relishes the joy in the every day. Those times are remembered long after the event has taken place, put in a memory bank that grows with each passing year. Such is the stuff dreams are made of…
September Art Events
Friday, Sept. 15, 3rd in the Burg
Saturday, Sept. 16, Hummelstown Art Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photos by Jana MacGinnes
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
