Skulls have become all the rage from coast to coast. From baby clothes to school supplies, the motif is now mainstream.
This popularly macabre art genre comes to Lakeland Community College in a new exhibit, "A Vehicle For Satire: The Skull and Skeleton in Art… Folk Art to Pop Culture,” and runs September 18–November 3, 2009, in the Lakeland Fine Arts Gallery, building D, first floor.
An artist’s reception will be held on Thursday, October 29, from 7–9 p.m.; guests are encouraged to dress in Halloween costume as the evening event also coincides with Lakeland’s Halloween party in the gym.
The exhibition and artist reception are free and open to the public.
What was once reserved as a quasi logo for pirates and poison labels, the skull has taken over America’s pop culture. This timely exhibit happens to not only coincide with the traditional use of skulls and skeletons for Halloween, but also with Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15). Latin America artists were creating Mexican skull art for the “Day of the Dead” - El dia de los Muertos traditionally celebrated on November 2 - long before heavy metal bands used skulls on album artwork and fashion designers emblazoned their textiles.
“It’s about embracing life and death and our mortality,” said Mary Urbas, Lakeland Fine Art Gallery coordinator, exhibit curator, and life-long collector of skull art and artifacts. “Being raised Roman Catholic, the rebellious side in me was drawn to skulls for the initial shock value.” Selections from Urbas’ personal skull folkart and art collection will be among the exhibition pieces.
Twenty-two local and regional artists will exhibit works featuring skulls and/or skeletons; some have created pieces especially for this unique exhibit.
The mélange of artists, artwork and folk art includes: Anna Arnold, mixed media; Peter Billington, flat glass; Diana Bjel, ceramic sculpture; Christine Bonner, mixed media sculpture; Ro Clarkin, mixed media jewelry and wall art; Gail Crum, collage assemblage & mixed media; Sean Crum, drawing and printmaking; Gary Divoky, ceramic sculpture; George F. Kocar, painting; Robert S. LaCivita, mixed media sculpture; Lynne Norwood Lofton, ceramic sculpture and wall tiles; Julius Lyles, acrylic painting; Cody F. Miller, mixed media; Jacquelyn Moravcik, textile wall quilt, Joe Polevoi, collection of Mexican ‘Day of the Dead’ folk art and artifacts; Maryann Posch & John Guylas, jewelry and sculpture S/S, stones; Halley Semo, acrylic painting; An’Angelia Thompson , acrylic painting; Mary Urbas, collection of skeleton folk art and artifacts; Judy Vierow, framed wall art, prints and cards; Meaghan Weidner, textile wall quilt; and Mark Yasenchack, ceramic mosaic and wall skulls.
The Lakeland Fine Arts Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Virtual images from the show will be available online at www.lakelandcc.edu/gallery.
Group gallery tours are available by appointment. For more information, call Mary Urbas at 440-525-7029, or e-mail murbas@lakelandcc.edu .
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Skulls have become all the rage from coast to coast. From baby clothes to school supplies, the motif is now mainstream.
