Art Studio to host open ‘Spontaneous Construction’ in March
The Art Studio, Inc. is calling for entries for “Spontaneous Construction,” a 3D art exhibition, opening March 7. Submissions will be accepted in person, March 3-5, at 720 Franklin St. in downtown Beaumont. Limit is two pieces per artist and entry is free.
“‘Spontaneous Construction’ is designed to highlight artists who work in sculpture and 3D,” Michelle Cate, TASI administrative assistant, said. “It’s also a great chance for people who don’t normally work in 3D — painters and photographers, for example — to push themselves in a different direction.”
Submitted works will be on display March 7-27, beginning with a free reception from 7 to 10 p.m., March 7.
“It’s another ‘anything goes’ show, similar to our annual Alternative Show in June, but for 3D,” Cate said.
Works should nor exceed 3 feet in any dimension, and wall pieces should be ready to hang (no sawtooths).
Cate said she is excited to see the diverse interpretations of the theme.
“We are not really restricting people, but there should be some 3-dimensional element to the work,” she said. “We are leaving it up to people to decide their definition of 3D. Work could be obviously 3D, such as a sculpture or ceramic vase, it could be a relief panel, or even a collage.
“What if it’s a 2D painting of a third dimension? We’d be thrilled if someone did an incredible trompe l’oeil, for example.”
Trompe l’oeil is an artistic visual illusion that tricks the eye into perceiving a painted detail as a 3-dimensional object. The earliest account is found in ancient Greece, where a contest took place between artists Zeuxis and Parrhasius. The legend states that Zeuxis painted grapes so realistic that birds flew down to peck at them.
While there are few restrictions on media, artists should be aware of logistics in terms of weight or movability.
The Art Studio, Inc. is open noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Entries will also be accepted during First Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 6.
For more information, call 409-838-5393, visit www.artstudio.org, or the “Spontaneous Construction” Facebook page.
Story by Andy Coughlan, ISSUE editor