“Bigger” Brings Big Art to Jamestown

Friday, July 13, 2012

GoLocalProv Features Team

"Elephant," by Ben Blanc, is part of the Jamestown Art Center's BIGGER exhibit. It arrived this week while summer art campers were in the Center.

Things are really BIG in Jamestown this weekend. A new exhibit at the Jamestown Art Center (JAC) has just opened--BIGGER/Glorious Objects features 19 artists at the height of their craft, from far-flung locales such as LA and Santa Barbara, as well as New York and a smattering of talented local artists. And Saturday, July 14 from 6-9pm, the Jamestown Arts Center (JAC) will host the second annual Summer Soirée, featuring the show.

With the theme pretty clear, all of the artists selected for the show display a high level of skill; the artwork is substantial in presence and intention. “With BIGGER/Glorious Objects we are focusing on getting back to real craftsmanship -- opposed to mass consumption," said curator Jesse Smith. "This show’s objects are the result of artists’ creative commitment resulting in beautifully, skillfully constructed forms.”

Smith said the show is designed to inspire creativity. "Styles and the works displayed are wildly different," Smith said, "from a car to paintings, carbon fiber instruments to sculptures. But at their root, the common thread is the skill earned through commitment to their art.”

BIG party this Saturday

The Jamestown Art Center wraps its annual gala fundraiser, the Summer Soirée, around these themes articulated by Jesse Smith. Although the food will be normally sized, guests will find creative touches through the party. The event will feature a raw bar, cocktails, and entertainment including a jazz trio.

Tickets for the Summer Soirée are $100, or big groups of 10+ for $90 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.jamestownartcenter.org or at Baker's Pharmacy, Conanicut Marine's Ship Store & Chandlery and the Jamestown Arts Center. Tickets will also be available at the door on the evening of the event. Proceeds from the Summer Soirée will go toward visual and performing arts events and ongoing programming