Altered perceptions
Exhibit will feature EWU undergraduate art students’ visions
Accessible through Luxe Coffee House, 1017 W. First Ave., is a ballroom-size space. Called De-Luxe, the space is gearing up for its first large art exhibit hosted by a group of art students from Eastern Washington University.
This small group of promising artists in their last year of undergraduate education are working to contribute to the area’s art scene, taking it upon themselves to insert their work into the cultural dialogue of Spokane while building relationships with the community.
Working in an array of media – including painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, digital and installation art – the group hopes their works might serve as catalysts for change and growth, however slight. “As long as I know that I can affect the world on my own terms in some way, I can more easily digest the mundane obligatory aspects of daily life,” said artist Jon Faulks.
Faulks will be exhibiting everyday objects that have been deconstructed and then reconstructed into curious “poses”: chairs, Venetian blinds or mattress springs become function-free, esthetically pleasing and thought provoking.
Making others think, removing blinds and expanding perception seem to be the goals of these artists. “The reason that I create art is that others need a different perspective on life, and art can do that,” said Robert Webber. He plays with mark-making, shapes and lines. The final product is almost tribal: modern yet ancient in its ability to convey and connect without words.
Other artists exhibiting include Beau Ferderer, Tina Johnson, Allen Duffy, Jerre Marie Freshley, Adam Ovenell, Megan Delzell, Katie Bohnet, and Laura Kaschmitter, who attempts to capture the unseen. “I want to somehow make evident the magic of every day that people tend to overlook,” she said, “There’s beauty in all things including death and darkness.”
Kaschmitter, 31, has seen some dark times in the form of addiction. More than six years sober, her past often plays into her art; the good and the bad. Her belief is that everything has a reason and everyone has a purpose. “Even if we look at someone and may think that they have no purpose in our life that is only because our perception is closed in some way,” she said. Her work at the upcoming show will include two projectors and video loops.
Kaschmitter and her colleagues hope this show will inspire the community, as does Isaiah Crandall, co-owner of Luxe. “We’re happy to accentuate art in this area,” he said. The EWU student exhibit will take place during First Night’s festivities next Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and on Jan. 6 from 5 to 10 p.m. Live music will accompany the display and coffee, beer, wine and food will be available for purchase.
The artists will be in attendance to answer questions.