art

ART31 at MAITLAND

Stephen Knapp creating light sculpture

By PAM HARBAUGH

Opening tonight, the Art & History Museums in Maitland brings back the excitement with 31 days of light-based interactive art.

Called ART 31, this experimental and collaborative art festival is a series of exhibit and art happenings exploring the “art and history” of the center’s famed Research Studio which has attracted art world luminaries such as Milton Avery, Ralston Crawford, Deanna Morse and Stephen Knapp, whose stunning light sculpture is on permanent display in the lobby at Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach.

ART 31 will also showcase works of local talents Ryan Buyssens, C.R. Barnett and Nathan Selikoff.

This year’s theme is “ART 31: BORROWED LIGHT” which showcases collaborations and experimentation with installations that reveal light as art.

C.R. Barnett "Talking Room" at Art 31 in Maitland

C.R. Barnett “Talking Room” at Art 31 in Maitland

From the press release:

Stephen Knapp: The curator of Boise Art Museum describes Stephen Knapp’s Lightpaintings as existing “at the intersection of abstract painting, sculpture and technology.” The artist creates installations using white light, glass treated with coatings that refract and reflect light, arranged to present a colorful encounter that surrounds visitors, and differs with each exhibition.
Deanna Morse: A 2016 A&H Artist-in-Residence, Morse will return to create a personal experience with video and music for visitors, using time-lapse footage taken on our campus. It will show how natural light interplays with campus structures throughout the day. Her work has been on Sesame Street and in museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Ryan Buyssens: Buyssens is a sculpture instructor at the University of Central Florida, and an internationally shown artist working with 3D printers, laser-cutting, and other machinery to create technologically-advanced art structures. He will create an installation titled Chromactive: an interactive color experience.

There will also be an immersive pop-up exhibition called The Talking Room, by artist C.R. Barnett, which will visit various locations and events around Orange County to invite residents and visitors to be part of Art31.

The whole thing begins 6 to 9 p.m. tonight with “Culture Pop!” Event tickets are $5 per person and free for A&H Members. Regular museum hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission regular is $3 general, $2 for seniors (55+) and students, free for A&H Members and children age 3 and under.

The Art & History Museums Maitland is at 231 W Packwood Ave, Maitland. For more information, visit www.art31.org, contact 407.539.2181 or click on their ad.