AABC hosts 'Art of Horror'
Getting into the spirit of the season of fright, the Art Center will host an "Art of Horror" exhibit beginning at 7 p.m. Friday. This adult-themed show will be housed in the Underground Gallery and will feature a variety of genres along the lines of horror, gothic and suspense.
"The work is inspired by the dark regions in the artist's mind," said Brian Warren, media contact, who also noted that viewer discretion is advised.
Featured artists Lillian Jane Arndt of Coraopolis and Dona Boots of Ellwood City said they enjoy opportunities like this to show their work. The two artists met at an art evening in the 1980s and continue to appreciate and encourage each other in art endeavors despite their different styles.
Themes of death and horror and powerful statements are not necessarily ones readily accepted and sought after for shows. When Boots saw The Art of Horror show last year, she immediately knew she had found a forum for her art. She contacted Arndt and they not only joined the Associated Artists of Butler County, but have shown their works in several exhibits since then.
Boots said, "'The Art of Horror' gives both of us opportunity to exhibit works we have on hand, and inspires us to 'give birth' to ideas we've had in our minds for a long time."
"The Cry," by Arndt was created from various photo references of real animal experiments.
"I did this work as a protest to the mistreatment of animals," said Arndt, an avid animal lover. The work is in acrylics and is priced at $1,500.
Boots' "The Victim" was inspired by a found object, a mummified animal in a trap that was in an attic of an old farm house. "It shows the exact moment of death, with its leg pushing against the trap, its shoulders sticking up as it strains, and the tail 'caught' in a thrashing motion," Boots aid of her work.
The actual specimen will be displayed beneath the painting. The work is oil on canvas and sells for $200. Boots also will enter another work in the show, a collage titled "VICTIM II," which comments on the human condition of age.
The "Art of Horror" show's grand finale will be a gala reception costume party and artists' reception running from 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 24. The evening will include staged readings, costumes, scary movies and prizes for both art and costumes.
The gala will feature the music of singer Tiffany Apan on the Spirit Cafe stage, and dramatic presentation of "Demise of Rusty Bucket," an interactive performance art, which will take place in the Underground Gallery.
All events will have a mature adult theme.
<b>WHO:</b> Associated Artists of Butler County<b>WHAT: </b>"The Art of Horror" exhibit<b>WHEN: </b>Opening with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and then continuing through Oct. 24. Regular gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon to 9 p.m. Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.<b>WHERE: </b>The Art Center, 344 S. Main St.<b>INFORMATION: </b>724-283-6922 or www.butlerartcenter.net
