The "Bag to Beautiful" Interactive Exhibit: A Superb Evening at the Caviel Museum and Art Gallery
We were unsure what we would find when we stopped by Caviel’s Museum and Art Gallery on Friday September 5th to peep out the “Bag-to-Beautiful” exhibit. The event was coordinated by Fernando Elisdee Perez, Curator for the Roots Historical Arts Council, which oversees the museum.
Mr. Perez and his partner Anthony have been putting on impactful, enjoyable exhibits at Caviels for some months now, so we knew that what was involved, it would be cool. We must confess that we were also looking forward to meeting one of the artists whose work is currently on exhibit.
Mr. Perez told us that the idea behind the event was to get FFAT visitors to linger for a while at the museum, and judging by the steady, engaged crowd he succeeded. The diverse group seemed to be truly enjoying decorating bags according their own device.
The visitors we saw perusing the displayed art work all seemed interested by the gallery exhibits. We had previously seen the pieces on offer, and were looking forward to meeting the artist behind them, the internationally known expressionist painter Randy Groden.
Lovely Wife and I chopped it up at length with the intriguing Mr. Groden, touching on one subject then another spanning his many inspirations and broad travels.
We will record what promises to be a very interesting conversation with Mr. Groden for release on The Focus LBK Show in the coming weeks, so stay plugged in.
One of our favorite pieces by Mr. Groden is this haunting chiaroscuro snap shot which tugs at some distant memory or dream. It’s palette is warm but the shadows suggest something perhaps sinister around the edges. Darkness always forbodes. And impels.
We also had the pleasure of speaking with Elÿse Arnold, whose captivating personal style is matched only by her artwork. Thanks for the tip about how to mount photo collages, by the way! Check her out at https://www.artiqulating.com/
The vibe at this event was somehow chill, yet sophisticated at the same time. But then again, that’s how we do it in the Hub City; beautiful yet gritty, humbly world class and exquisite in our simplicity.
