A few days in Pueblo with friends was all about food, laughter, walks at sundown and talks late into the night. Even in such circumstances, our road spirits were not sated. It will take time for us to get back to "normal". We were craving some eye nourishment and soul rejuvenation. This reminded us that Oddasee is not a plan but rather an attitude. It is not only about looking on the internet or going to the library for ideas but seeing what may be but a few steps away.
We stopped and pondered what has fit our criteria for this journey.... Hmmm? The hope is to seek out and find beyond the norm, unusual, out of the ordinary, quirky, curious and just plain odd. Then it hit R. like a sign from above >>>>> The Colorado State Fair Art Exhibit. As some of you might remember, R. served as the director for 4 or 5 years at the fair's annual art exhibition. He knows well what a truly unique and wacky world this particular art show presentation is every single year. Fortunately, we know the current director, Bonnie Mihelich; after all, we're staying at her house. This meant we could get a sneak peek at this year's selections.
"Gee"..... R. wonders, "How many art shows and exhibitions have I seen?" Then there's the museums, galleries and fairs; the numbers grow. He has curated in the range of over 300 exhibitions and judged/juried around 100 (not including numerous Tattoo competitions). The art openings I have attended..... oy! In a life filled with many art images and memories, few, if any, rival the eclectic work to be found at the Colorado State Fair!
To add to the fun, we get it see the show before it's organized and hung. For those of you who have not attended this yearly event, picture a building that served as a animal barn and display venue. As, Mary, our Fonthill Castle guide would say, "We call this barn.... a b-a-r-n." Over the years the space has been converted and updated with virtually no budget. The space that is now the "professional' area previously served as cop shop and holding cell for Fair ne'er-do-wells. Let's just say this space is not the Guggenheim or the Getty. Now imagine seeing hundreds of pieces stacked (safely I may add) along walls and on tabletops. Seeing the juxtaposing images side by side before they have been organized and displayed in aesthetic and logical groups adds to their "Oddaseeness". Keep in mind, we saw only those which had been juried into the show and were a bit disappointed not to have gotten to see the entire plethora of artful entries. Also be sure to see if you can spot one of R's favorite vision quests -- the accidental porn. Yep, seems every year one entrant manages to create something of, shall we say, unintended double meaning.......
The word "eclectic" just does not suffice. The range of skill levels, techniques and styles is truly amazing. There is no exhibition in Colorado that comes close to displaying such a wide variety. You may also be surprised at the high quality of art on display in both categories (Professional and Emerging). There are some real bargains to be had; we made a great purchase for our soon to be newfound home. It really is amusing to see pieces of such opposing messages and theme sitting next to each other in a cacophony of art materials. Simply put... A MUST SEE!
Note: Susan has never attended the state fair art exhibitions in any of the states in which she has lived -- Indiana, California, Wyoming, Montana, Florida -- but I'll bet you will find an exciting mix of skills, techniques, and subject matter there. Some years there may even be a few art quilts in the Fine Arts section rather than the Handicrafts. For those of you who enjoy the fair, let us know what you find. It was a real education for me...and many pieces are very affordable. It continues to astonish me how creative so many people truly are.
So remember, if you truly possess an Oddasee soul, it's not always about driving far away to see a farm field of steel sculptures or a room full of dummies. Such wonders can been seen in your own backyard if you look beyond the obvious. Just put on your kookiest hat or t-shirt (R. now has one from the Glore Museum of Psychiatry and the Cockroach Hall of Fame -- both real conversation starters) and see what you can find. If you're within striking distance, check out the Colorado State Fair art exhibition.
Note: Don't miss the small animals area too. There you will find some truly weird Dr. Seuss-like chickens and bunnies the friggin' size of small Siberian Huskies.
Quirky arty love,
Rodney and Susan
ps.Note: The Colo. State Fair art show opening reception is Thursday August 26th and the fair itself runs from Aug. 27 - Sept 6.
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