Exhibit: Abstract Painting
First Floor
From time to time, staff and doctoral student fellows in the Program for Art and Art Education at Teachers College offer workshops to members who support their students, faculty and staff. At the end of August, Painting and Drawing Studio Fellow Allyson Montana gave an expert workshop to the staff of the Gottesman Libraries in appreciation of the support we have offered over the years.
We were introduced to abstract painting in a laid back, casual, and fun way. First we learned that Georgia O'Keeffe painted in the very same space, 445 Macy, and, the myriad of paint splashes on the wooden floor, the countless sum of TC students over the decades. We discussed the meaning of abstraction, looked at prime examples from famous artists, and set ourselves to paint -- and explore our creativity.
With a long roll of kraft paper tacked to the wall of this historic studio, we started by simply connecting Allyson's dots, each the size of a watermelon seed. After painting our sections, we looked for elements to connect to the person beside us - - line, color, or shape. The result: a 30 foot, vibrant, colorful, and flowing mural!
Each "artist" was then invited to talk a little about their piece -- what inspired them, how they felt, and what their spontaneous painting meant to them. Allyson warmly shared what she saw, how it related to her own experiences, and why it all connected.
Sketching symbols with pastel on paper followed, in preparation for the opportunity to create individual abstract paintings on canvas. We worked quickly, but with a little guidance in color and texture, to produce more art.
In such a team building activity, we felt the joy in painting together, enhanced by the freedom of individual expression -- and realized the need for more art in our lives and learning, no matter our particular art experience or accomplishments.
This exhibit highlights the mural, as well as canvases painted by the staff of the Gottesman Libraries.
Where: First Floor
