Arts Council exhibit takes risks

CAROLYN REED

April 18, 2008 at 10:32AM AKST

For The Dutch Harbor Fisherman

Twenty-nine artists with more than 80 works of art represented the community of Unalaska at the 16th Annual Community Art Show’s opening reception on Friday, April 11.

The show was held at Grand Aleutian Hotel, which is co-sponsoring the event this year. Colorful and striking paintings, intriguing photography, hand-blown glass bowls and vases, sculpture and ceramics and traditional Unangan visors are a few of the highlights of this year’s show.

One of the more unique and innovative aspects of this exhibit is that it is non-juried. Therefore, the artists were not pressured to enter works that are usually considered marketable. This gives artists the freedom to pursue new investigations or media and work on pieces that are riskier or considered more "high art."

For example, painter Mary Downs’ piece "Red Angel" is a whimsical relief collage that uses found, marine-related objects to invent her subject.

Innovative black-and-white photographs by Brian Dixon, "Water Ways" and "Ice Rings," capture the rhythm, repetition and beauty of various portrayals of water.

Unalaskan artist and welder Karel Machalek uses scrap metal to form sculpture that presents metaphor and symbolism.

And, if you’re tired of "pretty" art above the couch, ponder "The Emperor’s New Clothes: One Month of Credit Card Offers," a conceptual piece by Anntouza Sedjo.

Whatever range of interest one may have, the show provides a unique venue for artists and onlookers alike. Works are for sale or for display only, depending on the artist’s preferences.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Aleutian Arts Council and runs through Sunday, April 20.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the council will also sponsor a Meet the Musicians Workshop and Forum from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, April 18, and a Meet the Writers Workshop and Forum from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. Both events will be held at the Makushin Room Gallery at the Grand Aleutian Hotel and free and open to the musicians, writers and the general public.

Carolyn Reed is curator of the 16th Annual Community Art Show and AAC board member. Reed is a professional visual arts and small business owner in Unalaska.