On Oct. 1, 2010 there was an event entitled Terrain. This included 64 artists, 179 works of art, live performance art and even music. These artists are from the surrounding Spokane area. There were many different mediums represented at this community event. The event seemed to have a very generous showing of people. It had a huge range of ages, interests, and a vast demographic of people. It was located in the Music City Building on First Ave. downtown. The venue was full and had many rooms and spaces to show and display this large body of work composed by all of the participants.
Because of the variations in the artists, there were many themes, ideas, materials, and more. As a whole this event was a success. It was geared entirely towards the community, their involvement, and emerging artist participation. It left viewers and those that attended wanting more. There was a great showing and was very busy. Compared to other artists and gallery spaces this was unconventional in the best way. The whole show seemed to feel more authentic than that of other distant galleries.
What was excellent to see, was that there were not tight rules. It was not limited to formally trained individuals. There was room to experiment with the work itself. Some had innocence and others we very distinguished in the craft. Seeing all of these pieces together in this setting was a positive experience. There was live local music which added to the casual, and urban feel of this Spokane show.
Some questions to ponder include:
Because of the variations in the artists, there were many themes, ideas, materials, and more. As a whole this event was a success. It was geared entirely towards the community, their involvement, and emerging artist participation. It left viewers and those that attended wanting more. There was a great showing and was very busy. Compared to other artists and gallery spaces this was unconventional in the best way. The whole show seemed to feel more authentic than that of other distant galleries.
What was excellent to see, was that there were not tight rules. It was not limited to formally trained individuals. There was room to experiment with the work itself. Some had innocence and others we very distinguished in the craft. Seeing all of these pieces together in this setting was a positive experience. There was live local music which added to the casual, and urban feel of this Spokane show.
Some questions to ponder include:
-Does an artist have to formally be trained in their field or specific medium to show work in any setting?
-Is it important to orchestrate events like this more often?
-How does the community prosper from this sort of exposure and interaction with art?
Video by: Kellen Pacheco and Casey Armstrong
3 comments:
I want to be the first to say that you review is refreshing and an interesting read. Not to mention the video was a great add. It wasn’t painful to read or watch at all and that is hard to accomplish with me.
As I was reading it though and you described the feeling of the environment where the show took place I began to wonder that if shows are set up more in this manner would the attention on the art be lost a little? From the video it looks like an amazing social event, where artist and viewers are all coming together and chatting. I personally say yes, art exhibits should set up more with this "authentic feel”, however many would argue that the art is no longer the center of attention and is now just the excuse to socialize. Would anyone agree with that theory?
This was a very cool review, I really enjoyed the video. It gives the viewer a great sense of what the show was like and the atmosphere that pictures cannot capture.
I personally would really like to see events like this more often. I think it grabs the attention of a broader audience, which can be very beneficial to the artists. But, as Sid said, I am sure many people do not see this as a favorable environment for an art show. In my opinion I think it depends on who and what is being shown. In this instance, where there 64 artists with 179 works of art, a larger and more diverse audience in a casual setting is more than appropriate.
Im going to have to agree with the other two post. The review was great and the video was a sweet way to give us as readers a feel of what you felt and saw. I really enjoyed it.
After reading your review, I read the questions after and thought I would say a few words. For the first question about, if an artist should be trained in his or her medium before they show. I think this depends on the show, for something like Terran no, not at all. I don't for other shows it might get more complicated, but if an artist creates work and its good, but has no training of the medium he or she does, I say let them show....
The other question was, do you think that show like this should be coordinated? I would have to say yes. In your review you said it was packed. I think if there was more it would give more people chances to either bring someone or even come.
Thank you you two for the amazing review.
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