First Thursday Art Walk at WPL - Thursday, April 5 at 5PM

The First Thursday Art Walk at WPL has been extended! Read the press release by Sasha Cucciniello to learn more.

There is a new story being told at The Wilkinson Public Library this month, a story of a red rubber ball whose paint has been bounced nearly off, of a slinky forever kinked, of a plastic pawn separated from its infantry, of a turquoise pill box whose days are lost, of a tiny tin horse with flaking paint, of an old library catalogue card with inked due dates from years past...it is a story of objects that is spun with safety pins and punctuated by paperclips.

The story is told by artist Flair Robinson and is the newest addition to the revolving exhibits at the library curated by Telluride Arts. It is called Time Machine and is on exhibit in the stairwell through May.

“Time Machine was created out of my all-consuming fascination with useless junk. I think that each bit of junk creates a sense of nostalgia in the viewer. The pieces have lived their own lives and have their own energy; they have the power to take us back in time and to bring up memories. To create the installation I looked at pieces in relation to each other and in relation to their color - I think in the same way a bird creates its nest – removing some items and adding others until I found a balance that was pleasing to the eye. I describe it as a kind of chandelier of junk, homage to useless things influenced by visionary and outsider environments like the Watts Towers in LA. “

Flair, who works out of the Stronghouse Studios, is known nationally for her pioneering and well-crafted mosaic and mixed media work. Time Machine reflects her first foray into large scale assemblage sculpture. Her inspiration for Time Machine comes in part from artists living in poverty who use found objects to make innovative and often colorful works of art. Time machine was created from 90% recycled materials with the majority being donated by the people of Telluride. The piece has been incubating in her mind for a very long time and needed just the right place to hang. The library provided that place.

About a year ago Telluride Arts and the Wilkinson Public Library joined forces to showcase regional artist’s work in the library. Now, five spaces in the library host revolving exhibits including a space in the youth room that features student work. Openings and artists receptions are held on the first Thursday Art Walk.

“Part of what makes for vital arts ecology are ample opportunities for people to engage with the work of artists.” says Kate Jones, director of Telluride Arts. “The library, being at the center of our community, is an excellent place for this to happen. In turn the artwork infuses the building with lively creativity and character.”