Warning: Assembly Required

An excerpt from the article in Salem Weekly by Helen Nute Wiens

I doubt that Aristotle had assemblage art in mind when he stated, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”  However, the adage couldn’t better describe the art of up-cycled and found objects.
Looking at individual pieces, the found objects from treasure hunts – a wing nut, a jar of railroad nails, an old thermometer – are interesting no doubt, but rather meaningless on their own.  Mixing, matching, and moving the pieces until it feels right.  The objects become unified – meaningful.

Five accomplished northwest assemblage artists have come together in an exhibit entitled, “Sacred Scraps.”  Tory Brokenshire, Stephanie Brockway, Shelly Caldwell, Jennifer Campbell, and Dayna Collins have created more than a gallery showing of their work, but an exhibit that will take the viewer through the process of creating assemblage art.  You will find jars displaying raw materials, clay, metal, tools they use, books that inspire them, and unique finished pieces of art – all incorporated into the display.  Artwork will not be for sale through this exhibit, rather it is about the process of how assemblage art is created.  The goal of this show, says Dayna Collins, is to “share the love of creating and showing people how what some consider junk can become beautiful pieces of art.”

The exhibit runs February 1-28, with an opening reception on Friday, February 1, 4:30-6:30pm in the Hatfield Library on the Willamette University campus. For more information check out
www.sacred-scraps.com

If you would like to read Helen’s article please follow this link http://www.willamettelive.com/2013/arts-entertainment/sacred-scraps-art-highlights-for-11013-12313/

Please join us Friday for the reception- you will enjoy demos, participate in several drawings for art and assemblage materials, light hors d’oeuvres and plenty of conversations with the five artists- we would love to see you!