Open Studios Celebration

January 16th, 2009 at 04:05pm lizzi

Guests in the Studios

Artists Virginia Griswold and Hilary Baldwin in conversation (left)

Last night, January 15, 2009, the Museum hosted the Open Studio Celebration in honor of the outgoing and incoming artists who work in our Open Studios Program. This program gives visitors a chance to get a special behind-the scenes view of the artists at work and the artistic process in general. Every day artists are in our studios actively working on various projects in a variety of materials such as ceramics, fiber, wood, mixed media, glass and metals. Visitors are given the opportunity to both watch the artist at work, but engage in conversation with the artist about their processes, materials and concepts. The Open Studios Program is not only unique to the Museum, but a very special occasion to involve and inform the public about the work that goes into creating art. While we will miss Cynthia Alberto, Hilary Baldwin, Virginia Griswold, Michelle Hill-Campbell, April Reigart and Erica Rosenfeld we wish them well on their future projects and we are excited to welcome our incoming artists: Jane D’Arensbourg, Sabrina Gschwandtner, Carolyn Hopkins, Charles McGill, Zack Davis and Jen Poueymirou. Some of the feedback from our artists last night include how good it was to see all the artists together and the feeling of a collaborative process, with everybody working with their hands and breaking walls and boundaries between the various processes and materials. Many of our artists commented on the Museum’s friendly and accommodating atmosphere and how nice it was to have such a wonderful turn-out for what was definitely a very special evening. All of the artists who are leaving the program expressed a sadness to leave, saying that not only did they feel like they had really made a difference with our visitors, but they too got a lot out of the programs including new ideas for their own upcoming projects. In a way, the torch was passed and the incoming artists are very excited to work in our Open Studios having gained a lot last night from the experience of those who are leaving. All in all it was a wonderful night for everyone who came and participated in the event and the new artists and Museum staff hope that new visitors will come, watch and interact with our fabulous Open Studio artists.

Artist Zack Davis (left)

Artist Sabrina Gschwandtner (center)

Entry Filed under: mad happenings