The Passion Works Fine Art Gallery will have a super-sized studio grand opening tomorrow.
The Big Ideas art exhibit will display a series of blown-up pieces created by more than 40 artists at Passion Works Studio, 20 E. State St., a developmental art studio aimed at helping people with mental and physical disabilities express themselves through art.
Art Director Patty Mitchell collaborated with adults who have mental and physical challenges on the displayed work. She incorporated photography into artwork already created in the Passion Works studio. She also joined forces with the Aesthetics Technology Lab in Putnam Hall, also known as the @ Lab, to expand the size of the artwork.
Once we hooked up with them
it became a perfect partnership she said. There's so much art generated here and I just want to use it.
Mitchell said she hopes the opening will give the @ Lab more exposure because of its usefulness to artists on campus and in the Athens area. The lab provides resources to promote creative analysis between technology development and fine arts practice.
Some of the pieces are the result of finding a happy accident
Mitchell said. The biggest blow-up piece, which is about 9 feet by 13 feet, features the outline of one of the artists tipping his hat. Mitchell liked his outline so much that she placed the artist's designs inside his silhouette. Because the printer was out of green ink, the blow-up printed in a pleasant blue that Mitchell decided to keep, too.
It's just something you can't replicate
said Christine Miles, an artist in residence and production aid.
Mitchell said she loves being around Passion Works artists because it's a comfortable environment and it feels like home.
They are so open and appreciative
she said. There is so much genuine collaboration
and people are excited to see what others will do with their work. We are very serious about the fun level here.
The gallery was made possible from a $1,600 grant provided by the Ohio Arts Council. Passion Works received the funding for a two-week period to pay for supplies and staff time. The grant pays for two-thirds of Mitchell's salary, and the studio pays for the other third, said Studio Coordinator Joyce Frank.
Visitors will have an opportunity to purchase the blow-up pieces and smaller duplicates. Small pieces will sell at about $18 and the enlarged pieces will sell for $250.
You see it
you buy it
Mitchell said.
3
