Studio Place Arts Hosts Engaging Art Social in Barre
BARRE — Studio Place Arts (SPA) has redefined the traditional art opening into a vibrant social gathering, fostering direct connections between community members and artists.
On September 19, the SPA Art Social showcased three new exhibits: “Is That a Table Saw?”, “Incidental Objects,” and “At the Car Wash.” The evening also marked the return of “Rock Solid,” an annual exhibition celebrating Barre’s historical granite trade.
Executive Director Sue Higby emphasized the importance of these events. “It gives the artists a chance to describe what they’ve been working on,” she noted, highlighting the opportunity for community members to engage with art and ask questions.
The event featured live music from a trio of musicians from the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra, led by composer and assistant director Susan Reid. Higby chose the orchestra for its upbeat sound, believing it enhances the viewers’ experience of the artwork.
One of the noteworthy exhibits, “Incidental Objects” by Mark Lorah, showcases overlooked materials to explore our connection with the ordinary. “Rock Solid,” which has run for 26 years, pays tribute to the late artist John A. Matusz, a significant figure in showcasing Barre’s granite artistry.
Maggie Neale, a founding member of SPA, described “Rock Solid” as emblematic of Barre’s identity as the “Granite Capital of the World.” She noted that the Art Social facilitates meaningful dialogue between artists and the public, creating a more personal experience.
Artist Mackenzie Kovaka presented her watercolor pieces in “Is That a Table Saw?”, a collection stemming from her year-long residency at SPA. Kovaka highlighted the unique focus on tools, hoping to broaden the gallery’s appeal.
Another exhibit, “At the Car Wash” by Rosalind Daniels, features photographs capturing the abstract shapes seen through car wash windows. Daniels appreciated the interaction with attendees, calling it a rewarding experience that artists rarely receive.
The event also included a dance performance, “Dance a Sculpture,” by the Sonia Plumb Dance Company, choreographed by Plumb. The performance, set against the backdrop of Matusz’s sculptures, invited spectators to join in, encouraging them to experience art through movement.
Higby remarked on the event’s success in revitalizing the community’s perspective on the sculptures. The exhibitions will be on display at Studio Place Arts until October 24.
