Open studio an intimate look inside the mind of the artist

Saturday night some of the quality and diversity of the Beacon art scene was on display at Spire Studios. For anyone even slightly interested in art and the artistic process, the open studio idea is an fascinating look inside the minds of the artists. Every room I walked into had something worth lingering over. And it wasn't just the artwork, which ranged from multimedia to oil paintings -- some finished, others in progress. Music was playing throughout the space, so every room I walked into had its own rhythm.

One of the rooms I kept coming back to all night included an unfinished piece using dirt, roots, and oil paint. Another piece resembled a Tibetan prayer flag. And all the materials were right there, as if the artist had just stopped working moments earlier. The bookshelves said even more, with a baseball glove, iPod charger, case of CDs (including Venom and Red Hot Chili Peppers), and dozens of books, including Runescape, a multi-payer adventure game.

It was an incredibly positive, energetic show, with the laid back, conversational atmosphere being the most welcome surprise. Friends visiting from NYC were blown away by the labyrinthian space, and were happy to get a real sense of what's going on in Beacon. The open studio is an idea long overdue, giving everyone a chance to experience first-hand the passion and personality of the artistic  process.

Comments

[Toni]

It was an exceptional show! A big CONGRATULATIONS needs to be given to Coulter Young and Linda Stewart, who made the night such a huge success. The pair co-curated the group show in the gallery space at Spire Studios. Here's to a job well done!
If you missed this exhibit on Saturday, I suggest you get out over to Spire's before the show comes down.

[Todd Spire]

I just wanted to mention that the artist Michael refers to in his write up is Matt Kinney - who currently has 3 exhibits in the area! Check out his work at any of the following:

KleinBlue Productions:
518 Main Street, Beacon
(entrance at 4 North Street - loft 8)
by appointment: 212.464.8895
through Jan 19th

Druids:
736 10th Ave - NYC (bet W50 & W51)
212.307.6410
through Dec 31st

Tony Falco's Performance Space:
Old Post Road, Marlboro NY
through Dec 31st

Next Open Studios is March 12th
Thank you to the Dispatch for all their recent coverage of the studios.

-Todd Spire