Experience iXpress Exhibit at Burchfield Penney

12/22/2009

If you haven’t made it yet to the Burchfield Penney Art Center to experience the "Sum of All Parts," you still have time. On display through January 3, this eco-conscious art project was created by artists from Aspire’s iXpress art program in collaboration with the Burchfield Penney Art Center, local community, and artists Jozef Bajus and Ginny Lohr.

"It’s great to see all the hard work and dedication of the Aspire artists being recognized by the local art community at the Burchfield Penney," said Amy Holdnack, Aspire community life facilitator. "What a great opportunity for their work to be exhibited in such an impressive venue. The uniqueness of each piece reflects the collaborative effort and talent of all the artists involved."

This mixed media and assemblage project utilizes deconstructed recyclable materials to address the world’s current environmental state and raise awareness of how we can repurpose refuse into something aesthetic and educational. At an opening reception on December 11, the project impressed a message upon attendees. "Viewing the recyclable materials really makes us think about all the things we throw away and how we could better use them in the future," explained Holdnack. 

The "Sum of All Parts" was made possible in part by the Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization Program. Additional funding was graciously provided by Janet Hansen, Laura Pennington, Jim and Kathy Schwinger, and Thomas and Diane Sy. 

The artists were thrilled to work on such a large-scale collaborative piece. "They learned that regardless of what style, form, medium or vision used to create a piece of art, what is left behind is a small piece of who you are that you share with others," said Holdnack. 

The Burchfield Penney Art Center, located at 1300 Elmwood Avenue, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm; Thursday 10am to 9pm; and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. The center is closed on Mondays.