Phil Lawrence

The Pleasure of Finding Things Out

Nov. 6 - Dec. 13, 2012

Gallery talk/reception - Wed. Nov. 14

11am - 1 pm, artist’s talk begins at noon

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

There is chaos under heaven – the situation is excellent.

Mao Zedong

The pieces in this show were constructed utilizing discarded and worn out objects often found in the construction trade and other related industries. Pieces are configured and re-configured from silkscreen frames, air hose, fire hose, garden hose, plywood, rope, plastic pipe and tubing and various plumbing and electrical parts. Most of the pieces are coated in many layers of house paint, glue and other industrial coatings.

I have spent most of my working life as a carpenter and a builder. From 1978 to 1986 I worked in theater; set building, acting and production. These two areas, construction and theater, have significantly influenced my development as a visual artist. My work has become more “sculptural” over the past couple years, which seems to coincide with my teaching sculpture here at HCC.

I tend not to ascribe any overt meaning to my work. Generally speaking my thinking is more sociological and political than artistic. My training and education is in educational philosophy and anthropology as much as it is in studio art. 

JORGE COSTA

SCATTERED

Sept. 24 - Oct. 25, 2012

Gallery talk/reception - Thurs. Oct. 4

4pm - 7pm, artist’s talk begins at 4:30

Artist Statement

The imagery in this body of work produces a diverse number of associations and/or relations between the various icon images offered by western culture and the political sites that these images re-present/symbolize.  As a result, these images/ideas become free signs for numerous relationships engendered by the viewer- potential deposits of personal meaning.  These open-ended links allow the viewer to "recognize" the sign without attaching it to anything in particular; since the works themselves are not directed towards something specific in our culture(s).  The distorted reality of each piece carries formal/stylized elements and cloaked iconography that interplay with visual frequencies and concealed spoofs.  

Often my work attempts to connect the psychosis of "production", "commodity", and "waste" with the fragility of our existence in an environment that is collapsing in slow motion. 

Vision for a Relic

Photographing the Degenerative Beauty of 

Holyoke’s Historic Grand Dam; the Victory Theatre

July 30 through Sept. 13, 2012

Reception Thursday Sept. 6th, 5:30 -7:30 pm

In cooperation with the Massachusetts International Festival of Arts (MIFA), the Taber Art Gallery at Holyoke Community College presents a beautiful new installation exhibiting recent photographs and old memorabilia gleaned from the “Pictory Theatre” fund raiser held last spring in downtown Holyoke. This “second showing” is a chance to see the work anew and show support for MIFA’s vision to restore the theatre to it’s once stately prominence. For the original event “Pictory Theatre,” 38 photographers from around the world were invited to take photos of the Victory Theatre’s interior that has been closed since 1979. The opportunity to access, explore, and photograph this fine piece of urban archaeology came with only one condition: that each photographer donate an original print to help raise money for the restoration and reopening of the Victory Theatre. Rob Rea, a local photographer, was the coordinator who invited the participants. Now, with a new carefully crafted installation and context, the Taber Art Gallery is pleased to extend the opportunity to make this work available to view (and support the Victory) again. 

2012

HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

STUDENT ART

EXHIBITION

APRIL 11 - APRIL 29

RECEPTION: THURS., APRIL 19th, 

7 - 9 pm

AWARDS ANNOUNCED at 8:00 PM in the LIBRARY LOBBY

Pot Luck encouraged ... Prizes for “best”* dressed (art and/or photo) students 

* definition of “best” is open to interpretation

The HCC Student Art Show is held in 3 locations throughout the HCC campus: The Taber Gallery & the Library Showcases on the 2nd floor of the Donahue Bldg;  the Art Dept. on the 2nd floor of C bldg;  and the 3rd floor of G bldg. in the Media Center.  All locations are open to the public during regular school hours (excepting the Taber Gallery which is open Mon. Wed. & Th. 10am - 6pm, Tues. 9am - 5pm during regular school sessions.

WHAT-IF?

IN THE DAYS WHEN THE TIGER SMOKED 

photo & video installation by 

Torsten Zenas Burns & Darrin Martin 

Feb. 28 - March 29, 2012 

Evening opening: Tues. Feb. 28th - 5-7pm 

Gallery talk with the artists - Wed. Feb. 29, 11am - 1 pm, talk begins at noon 

The Taber Art Gallery is open to the public and is located through the HCC Campus Library lobby in the Donahue Bldg.  

current gallery hours: 

Mon. Wed. and Thurs. 10am - 6pm,  

Tuesdays 9am - 5pm

During regular school sessions.

A sneak peek snapshot of the High School Art Show

High school show gallery hours: 

Mon. Wed. and Thurs. 10am - 6pm,  

Tuesdays 9am - 5pm

During regular school sessions.

2012 Regional High School Art Show Poster