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Put some art into it

Artrageous Fridays has a balloon sculpture and award-winning photography.

By Grace Lyden

Published Oct. 8, 2010

Any kindergartener knows art consists of paintings and drawings, but it takes a witness to Artrageous Fridays to know the broader meaning of the term.

This weekend is one of four throughout the year when Columbians will have the opportunity to practice paper quilting, enjoy ukulele house bands and view the installation of a Mike Martin balloon sculpture — all at no cost. Chinese kite-making by Jainguo Qian, Halloween dolls, perfumes, beads and even massage therapy are a few of the art forms to be discussed and displayed at the event. There will also be traditional media of acrylic paint, ceramics and photography.

When PS:Gallery Director Jennifer Perlow founded the gallery crawl Artrageous Fridays four years ago, her original intention was simply to involve the community in its artwork. Through exhibits, installations and demonstrations, it brings the attention of the public to a thriving population of artists in its own city.

"The ultimate goal is to support local artists and galleries," Artrageous Fridays Co-Director Kate Gunn said.

The event will include six new venues this year. The sole requirement is the venues be art-focused organizations within walking distance of downtown Columbia.

Last year, Artrageous Fridays evolved into what could more accurately be named Artrageous Weekends, as it now continues through Sunday. A further expansion this year was prompted by the increase to 24 venues from a usual total of 20. The event will cover a greater area to accommodate this.

"When Artrageous started, it was mainly on Broadway and Ninth Street, and now it's grown to include from Mizzou's campus to Columbia College's campus," Gunn said.

Not only is the event expanding, it also exhibits the now globally recognized work of an expanding art community.

In August, local photographer Anastasia Pottinger found out she placed second and third in the nude category of the Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers international competition. The annual contest for amateurs and professionals had 4,000 entries from 711 photographers in 45 countries.

Pottinger has been displaying photography from her studio at Artrageous Fridays since April 2009. Although she usually organizes a photo booth activity called "Snaprageous," she replaced the popular pastime with a Friday night silent auction and a raffle for a free photo session this year. Her hope is to raise $2,500 to travel to the award's reception in Buenos Aires.

The project that produced the winning pieces is called the Centenarian Series: What Time Creates and Back. Like many photographers, Pottinger views it as an ongoing project that could span a decade.

Pottinger calls her work abstract landscapes of bodies, and the subjects are all at least 100 years old. She will use any proceeds from Artrageous Fridays above trip costs to travel in search of more models.

Artists such as Pottinger bring global attention to the artistic community of Columbia, and she said support from the community is imperative to keep the global attention alive.

"If you have any interest in the arts, I say you've got to get out this weekend and see what's going on," Pottinger said. "There are opportunities for people to see things that they're not going to see normally, and it's so accessible."

Although Pottinger said there is always room to grow and improve, she also said Columbia has the scene for a great art community if the public allows it.

"All the things are in place," Pottinger said. "We just need people to come out and support."