Leveled: An Interactive Experiment in Art

The Museum Staff says goodbye to Leveled.  We had so much fun with you and will miss you tons!  Thank you to Marisol, Ingram, Doris and Wes.  You are all so talented, we can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

Love,

The Center Museum Team

Channeling Mondrian

Has your Mom ever told you your birth story? My Mom never shies away from the subject. I think she just likes to make me feel guilty. The birth story I love the most is the one my co-workers tell me regarding how I got hired here at the Center Museum. It has all the fun, feel-good elements—minus the gory details. Here’s a peek at one of the reason I got hired: my vintage, Mondrian inspired shoes! Beth, the Museum Coordinator, got me a ring to match for Christmas. It’s been the highlight of my holiday season.

Also, look out for photos of Security Guard Joe’s car that we will be painting soon, inspired by this photo below. His 1990 Geo Metro will never look better!

PS. I want to be this lady!

x Carissa

Here and There, Back and Forth by Patricia Patterson

(Painting that was cut out from the Athenaeum wall), 1993

Casein on plaster

Courtesy the artist and Quint Contemporary Art, La Jolla, CA

It’s the first day of my favorite time of year, Museum Turnaround.  That’s our internal speak for ‘take the art down and put up new art’.  The Museum is alive with action, noise, energy and anticipation… and I get to wear jeans and sneakers.  One thing we are doing a little differently this time around is keeping our windows un-papered.  Normally we bring out the butcher paper and cover our windows so that no one can see in and we keep the exhibition a secret until opening night.  Well times are a changin and in lieu of our new engagement mission we will be keeping the windows uncovered for all those who walk by to peek in and watch a little of the installation process.  If you are in the neighborhood come by and press your nose against the glass.   

In advance I would like to thank the crew.  You all have a lot of work ahead of you, and as always I am sure you will pull it off with flying colors!

Tara
Art Ninja

Notes from the Front Desk: Our Inner Psychologies Regarding Ms. Augustine Greane

Here are my two cents on Wes Bruce and Ms. Augustine Greane; because I know you’re just dying to hear what I have to say!  Sitting up at the front desk, day in and day out, observing patrons and their interactions with Wes’ fort has been interesting, especially watching the difference of opinions. The majority of which range from positive to OVERLY ENTHUSIASTIC! Most days people come out of the curtains with a smile and a kind word or two to say about the space, while others come out streaming tears of joy!

There are also some that have breached the barrier between the fort’s sacred dwellings and the rest of the world, and felt feelings of fear, sadness, and for some, just plain confusion. While the feelings of fear often come from small children who haven’t made peace with the dark yet, there have been adults that have explained that it made them feel joyless.

A piece can mean so many things to different people.  It represents not only the feelings of the artist, but it serves to harbor the personal projections of its viewers. While there are many very whimsical child-like elements to the fort, there is also a very somber, subdued, mysterious, yet strangely familiar quality within the space. A quality that makes us smile while at the same time wanting to shed a tear.  And that’s all one can really say about The Secrets Surrounding the Mysterious Life of Ms. Augustine Greane, no matter what emotion it summons from you, you’re sure to be entertained. Come see it (and me!) before it’s gone, December 31^st. 

xx Carissa

PS. I hope you guys liked the music vid above. Here is more from A New Normal Music. Enjoy.

These are a Few of my Favorite Things. . .

Can you hear Julie Andrews now? The holidays are upon us, and we all know that it is better to give than to receive. Or, in my case, it’s the other way around. Well, whichever way you’re leaning this season there is plenty in the museum store you can buy for me or for the other loved ones in your family, or heck, pick something up for yourself why don’tcha! Here are a few of my favorite things:

Clover and Folly Jewelry: I already have a few of April Cromer pieces, but the ones I haven’t snatched up yet are just begging to be bought. I love her cutesy, unique, and innovative style.

Bottlehood Creations: I’m just obsessed with this color blue.

Vintage Patterned Plastic Totes: All of this rain is making me miss summer weather. Can’t wait till the sun decides to crash the party so I can bring this baby along with me to the beach.

Hand Painted Sugar Skulls: Perfect for that wacky friend of yours who enjoys getting their Dia de los Muertos on every day of the year. . Oh, wait. That’s me!!

Sezio T’s: Local art and culture buffs, Sezio, brought some awesome, one-of-a-kind, artist shirts into the store. They’re selling like crazy, and for good reason. Help the hipster in your life get happy, buy them a Sezio T!

 x Carissa

Wes Bruce on Sezio

Visit Sezio to read their latest article on Wes Bruce.

Video clip - An Installation by Wes Bruce, Ms. Augustine Greane

An Installation By Wes Bruce from Bryan Bangerter on Vimeo.

Above Wes and others talk about Ms. Augustine Greane.  Touching as always.

Tara