The latest exhibit to open in the Erman B. White Art Gallery at Butler Community College showcases a whimsical perspective on everyday items.
From the street signs ripped and bent into the shape of a flower to the Barcalounger reupholstered with second-hand work uniforms – complete with nametag patches bearing the moniker “Bob” – there’s a fun kind of irony behind the works of Phyllis Pease.
“She taking one thing, like a couch and she’s transforming it and making us think about it in a new way,” said gallery director Valerie Haring. “I think successful art always makes us think in a new way.”
Pease, an artist from Manhattan, has named her installments things like Turf Boy (a pair of lawnchairs covered in AstroTurf) and Icee Couch (a chaise lounge fitted with red and aqua-colored vinyl to give the impression of the famous frozen drink). The show is called “Art From Excess.”
Having received a design degree from K-State and worked as a graphic designer, Pease came to Haring’s attention via one of her former students – Pease’s niece.
“Students tell me that all the time, ‘Oh, my aunt’s an artist,’” Haring said. “She brought in a CD of images and I was really interested.”
This exhibit nearly happened two years ago, but scheduling conflicts left the artist looking at this opening date.
Haring calls the show “Art Gone Green” because Pease’s work utilizes a variety of “recycled” goods like crumpled Budweiser cans and used neckties.
“There’s very minimal expense in the actual object,” Haring said. “She’s finding old things and salvaging them or covering them with reused materials.”
The exhibit opened to the public Thursday and runs through April 4. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The gallery will be open this weekend during the college’s vocal music concert, featuring a preshow performance by the men’s quartet Note 4 Note.
On Friday March 28, a reception will be held in the gallery from 6 to 8 p.m. Additionally, all of the artwork (with the exception of the Icee Couch, which has already been spoken for) can be purchased for upward of $50. Contact Haring for more information, 322-3173.
