Art in Rural Storefronts 2015 - "Above and Below"
Above and Below is a collaboration between Andrew Myers and Michael Boonstra. This installation has three primary elements. The first is the large-scale drawing. It is physical, immediate, and references textures that are found in the Harrisburg vicinity. The second is the linear structure behind the drawing. These lines directly reference the roads and fields east of Harrisburg as seen from above. The third element is light, bringing life to the composition just as the sun brings life to the Harrisburg’s landscape.
Art in Rural Storefronts is a program of The Arts Center in Corvallis that is supported by the Oregon Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The program brings contemporary art to rural communities who otherwise would not get to see installation artwork. The Arts Center also coordinates arts education in the public schools in conjunction with the project. Arts Education for youth in the Harrisburg public schools received the support of The Reser Family Foundation.
Description:
The Arts Center presents the Art in Rural Storefronts project, a series of contemporary art installations occupying display windows in Harrisburg, OR: 190 Smith Street (Odd Fellows Hall) and 306 S Third Street (J.B. Woodworks Inc). Working in partnership with the Harrisburg Area Museum, the City of Harrisburg, Linn County Justice Court and the Odd Fellows, the project serves regional audiences by bringing innovative, thought-provoking art projects to areas that lack spaces dedicated to contemporary/non-commercial art. An important collaborative element of the project is artist selection. After soliciting proposals from artists across the state, The Arts Center convened a selection panel of Harrisburg residents and a prior Art in Rural Storefronts artist.
The cornerstone of this project is the transformation of empty storefronts into vibrant, unique sites to experience contemporary art. The project builds community value by staging a conversation between artists and the residents and businesses that make up a downtown. More than just a beautification project, The Arts in Rural Storefronts project strives to bring new ideas to unexpected community spaces. A key component of the Arts in Rural Storefronts project is the forging of new connections. Just as we strive to bring new art and ideas to rural audiences, so too do we strive to bring new experiences and opportunities to regional artists. It is a great opportunity to be able to commission new, site-specific work from regional artists.
The Arts Center’s Education program creates opportunities for students of schools by sending artists into the classroom. Students will make art projects inspired by the Art in Rural Storefronts project.