SPSCC exhibition explores ‘Power Tools’ from many angles and in many media
Though the individual artworks are small, South Puget Sound Community College’s annual Fine Arts Postcard Exhibition is a mighty big show.
The ninth annual postcard show, opening Monday, includes 190 works by 84 artists — a number that’s smaller than in the past few years but enormous compared to the tally for a conventional exhibition.
The walls of The Gallery at the college are crowded with pieces by artists ranging from such local notables as ceramicist and SPSCC professor, Joe Batt, and painter, Susan Christian, to people who’ve never exhibited before. Gallery coordinator Sean Barnes and predecessor Nathan Barnes (no relation) both have pieces in the show, too.
The artists were asked to submit works on the theme “Power Tools,” which inspired interpretations from straightforward (Bruce Thompson’s oil painting of an electric drill) to darkly comic (Ashlee Devlin’s macabre cartoon-style drawing of a woman drilling into a man’s eye) and from societal (Kiffen Dosch’s mixed-media work depicting a woman trapped beneath a glass ceiling) to physical (Loralin Toney’s ceramic panel painted with a brain surrounded by flowers).
Quite a few entries reference the power of the vote and of the written word. Others show animals, sandwiches and fruit. One shows sex toys and another alcohol.
“It’s a really eclectic mix,” said gallery coordinator Sean Barnes. “It is every year, but I believe this is one of our most eclectic collections.
“This theme was very broad and far reaching,” he added. “It could go in different directions.”
He said that despite the drop in the number of artists (104 submitted for the 2019 show and 127 for 2018), he is happy with this year’s exhibition.
“The quality of work is astounding,” he told the Olympian. “The level of craft is really strong. There’s not as much work in this exhibition, but the work is well made and considerate of materials and concepts.”
Though they all measure 4 by 6 inches, the artworks often have little in common with conventional postcards. Three-dimensional works are welcome, and materials in this year’s show include embroidery, stained glass and assemblage.
All of the pieces are for sale via silent auction, with proceeds supporting The Gallery at the college.
Bidding — and voting for the viewers’ choice award — happens throughout the run of the show, with competition heating up at the closing reception Feb. 7.
Last year’s closing reception found eager bidders circling back to their favorite pieces to raise their bids just before the auction closed.
Fine Art Postcard Exhibition
What: “Power Tools,” South Puget Sound Community College’s ninth annual postcard show, showcases the work of both well-known artists and novices. All of the works will be offered in a silent auction.
When: Jan. 6-Feb. 7, with opening reception from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 10 and closing reception from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 7. The gallery is open noon-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.
Where: The Gallery at The Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts, South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia
Tickets: Free
More information: 360-596-5527, spscc.edu/gallery
This story was originally published January 3, 2020 at 7:00 AM.
