By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
The newest art event in Bowling Green made its debut Saturday evening.
The Community Art Show presented by the Bowling Green Arts Council opened with a reception. The show is on display in the rear space in Coyote Beads, 178 S. Main St. during store hours.
The exhibit “is such a wonderful reflection of our artistic community,” said Robin Gerrow, the president of the arts council.
The show includes a range of work from poetry to an interactive sculpture inspired by a video game.
The artists ranged from professionals who have exhibited nationally to 12-year-old Ellabeth Sayer, participating in her first exhibit.
Among the professionals was printmaker Janet Ballweg, who teaches at the BGSU School of Art.
She said as a professional she feels “a little strange” participating in the community show, and then winning the ribbon for best 2D. But she was asked to participate and wanted to support the arts council.
Her piece “Clean Sweep” addresses the kind of domestic issues that exist in any relationship. The viewer can imagine for themselves where that pile of dirt swept up by the broom will go. Maybe under the rug?
Hannah Bowlus, a BGSU senior working toward her Bachelor of Fine Art in glass, won best 3D for her wall of glass cubes, a large-scale version of the video game Stacker.
There’s a control panel that allows the viewer to manipulate the work.
Bowlus said she enjoys the atmosphere of the community show. It’s good to get off campus and socialize with artists who are not students, when whether they are established or hobbyists.
Bowlus said that it was also good to have this space available to display artwork downtown.
Gayle Walterbach, the owner of Coyote Beads, said the show will be up through November. The possibility of a spring show is being discussed.
Gerrow said the exhibit is a way to connect artists with potential patrons. The council is not collecting commissions on any art that’s sold.
This was the first of a planned four pop-up events being funded by a $7,000 grant from the City of Bowling Green’s American Rescue Plan funds. Plans for the next three events are still taking shape, Gerrow said.
The exhibit will be up through Nov. 29. Viewers have a chance to vote on the People’s Choice award, which will be announced at the conclusion of the show.
