Upstairs Artspace will host two new exhibitions, running Oct. 26 through Dec. 6. 

 

“Art of Play” is a collection of “playful” creations in mixed media by several artists who are members of the local art cooperative Southern Exposure. “Modified Perceptions” is a collection of sculptural glass by six glass artists.

 

There will be a public reception from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. which will include a Walk & Talk, at which time the artists will speak to the patrons about their work. The public can view the exhibits during regular hours Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

 

“As we approach the end of 2019, we wanted to have exhibits that are both playful and elegant,” gallery President John Walters said. “Art Of Play is a delightful exhibit that is entertaining, fun, creative and just full of personality. We’ve worked with the artists in Southern Exposure several times, and they always produce crowd-pleasing and high-quality work. On the other end of the spectrum, we’ll have Modified Perceptions, which will be sculptured glass. Very elegant and very fragile. This work takes my breath away, but I always hold my breath when I’m near the glassworks. If you are looking to see diverse art, come to Upstairs Artspace to see these exhibits. You’ll smile at one; you’ll be in awe of the other.”

 

Art of Play artists are Carol Augthun, Jessica Barnes, Jim Creal, Amy Goldstein-Rice, Linda Hudgins, Cynthia Link, AliceKay McMillan, Claire Miller Hopkins, Jane Nodine, Sara Dame Setzer, Doris Turner, Ann Wenz and David Zacharias–all members of Southern Exposure.

 

Some of the work in Art of Play include whimsical paintings, sculptures of animals, postcard-like drawings, fiber wall hangings, colorful jewelry and various ceramics.

 

Southern Exposure is Spartanburg’s oldest artist cooperative, now in its 41st year, the group has grown to its current membership of 13. The cooperative has exhibited frequently throughout the Southeast, with notable shows in New York City and Atlanta. In and around Spartanburg County, the group frequently makes quality artwork accessible to people who do not normally visit museums and galleries by showing in public places, schools, libraries and workplaces. 

 

The Modified Perceptions exhibit was curated by Hayden Wilson and Courtney Dodd. “The idea of this exhibition is to present work that asks viewers to rethink,” Dodd said. “The six artists who contributed to this exhibit are Hayden Wilson, Nickolaus Fruin, Nate Cotterman, Chris Kerr-Ayer, Kit Paulson and myself. We are using optics, shifting perceptions and recreating objects in glass that mimic other materials. Each one is presenting work that uses glass in a curious way.”

 

Some of the glassworks to be displayed include a collection of paper airplanes, bottles within bottles, crystal dumbbells, and reflective abstract sculptures.

 

For morning information, visit upstairsartspace.org.

 

Steve Wong