Places to See, Artists to Be

A Monday list of things I've been meaning to write about:

Emily Pothast and Joey Veltkamp are talking about the UW MFA Exhibition going on now at the Henry. I've yet to make up my mind about what I've seen, so I'm going back - details to come after I've digested a bit. My first impression was "wow" followed by "wait" and then upon leaving "hmm." I'm waiting until I've come down from kneejerking in protest to their diminishing MFA program to take a second look at the art. In the meantime, the show is up until 21 June.

Needless to say, the Cornish BFA Show surprised me this year and I'm glad to have seen it. You have one week to go take a look and form your own opinions. I still have to write up my thoughts on art versus presentation and what that means. Give me a minute. I promise I will.

Two things you shouldn't miss are breathtaking group shows, hung salon style at Howard House (hopefully you still have a chance at this one?) and Western Bridge. We so rarely have the opportunity to see art presented in this lush manner. So many artists, this many walls, these many images. There's at least this week remaining at Howard House, although it might be over; Western Bridge will be up through July. Please just walk by Howard House and peek in the window. You'll gasp with happiness.

Speaking of time running out, I encourage you to join Mandy Greer as she wraps up the making of her project Mater Matrix Mother and Medium. In this project, Mandy opens the doors of artistic process to anyone who will join her. The beauty of this public project is it's commissioned with Seattle Public Utilities 1% for Art Funds, so not only is it open to the public as a public arts project, it's open to be participated in by the public. Here's where you can meet the artist face to face and learn where the art your taxes pay for comes from, and where that money goes (hint: artists aren't laughing on their way to the bank). Here's a calendar of where she'll be as she finishes up production. Don't worry if you don't know how to crochet - she's a great teacher!

I don't have any photographs to give you because I don't have a USB cable to upload photos-- my now-defunct laptop had a card reader. My new shiny computer doesn't. Where's my ultra- convenient future? And while I'm asking, where's my jetpack?

This technology stuff is really becoming a hassle.

Summary: Get off the computer and go look at or make art.