An exhibit at the Progress Energy Art Gallery uses a multimedia approach to challenge viewpoints about women and their bodies.
By BARBARA L. FREDRICKSEN, Times Staff Writer
Published July 1, 2005
Progress Energy Gallery is doing something new and unusual during July - a multimedia, multipurpose exhibit centered on women and women's bodies and called "La Femme ... A Change of Consciousness."
It's art, opinion pieces, short essays, poetry and a fundraiser for Sunrise of Pasco's Rape Crisis Center.
"This particular exhibit features fine art nudes and written-word pieces that ask the viewer to question their unconscious perceptions of women's bodies, the role they play in American society and how this contributes to violence toward women," gallery director Lia Gallegos said in a written statement.
The exhibit features visual art by award-winning photographer Paula Showen, pastel artist Nicholas Sacripante and fantasy artist Scott Spillman. Author/artist Mark Beyer is contributing point-of-view written works, and freelance writer Tonette Cristaudo is presenting word pieces and poetry.
Ms. Showen's work has been featured in ECOFLORIDA magazine and on Florida's state park Web page. Ms. Gallegos describes Ms. Showen's contributions to this show as exploring "the art of the female form using intimate poses and compositions that express the essence of Woman as a multi-faceted being."
Spill is known for intense, vibrant color that "celebrates the sensuality and beauty of the female form, creating graceful body-scapes."
Sacripante's work has been exhibited at the gallery before and at several other places, including the Pasco Art Council's art center and the West Pasco Art Guild gallery, often winning first prizes.
A reception for the artists is from 6 to 10 p.m. at the gallery. Ambient music creator Dave Eichenberger will perform from 7 to 9 p.m.
Those who attend the show are asked to donate no-longer-used cell phones that can be used by women being helped by Sunrise's Rape Crisis Center. Even inactivated phones can dial 911 for help. A portion of proceeds from the art sale will be donated to Sunrise.
