The Scarfone/Hartley Gallery’s current exhibition, Electronics Alive VII, goes beyond just painting and sculpture. They are showing various types of animation in 3-D and 2-D along with computer animated films. The Scarfone/Hartley Gallery is an extraordinary gallery which combines works from all around the world. Works in this exhibit range from Poland, Taiwan, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Canada, Colombia, New Zealand, the U.K., France, Israel, Australia and the U.S.
“As an art major I already have a huge appreciation for art, but I also get to experience it upfront,” said CLaire Lipton, a student that works at the gallery. “My job allows me to set up exhibits and meet the artists.”
Lipton’s coworker, Amanda Mancuso, a new media production major, described herself and other workers as the “handymen behind the exhibit.” “We put the exhibits on the wall. I also get the opportunity to attend openings,” Mancuso said.
Some of the events allow students to see artists create their artwork while other events have artists speak about their work. While attending a show, Mancuso received a piece of artwork which she is very proud to now own.
Escape of the Gingerbread Man!!! by Tod Polson and the Monk Studios is one of the most interesting films within this exhibit. The graphics of the film have very vibrant colors, flat planes and simple shapes. Anyone who likes comedy sketches and heavy drinking would enjoy this story. It is about a young storyteller who challenges an older man in an Irish pub. The story takes many unexpected turns, leaving the viewer to wonder where the story will go next.
This exhibit helps carry on Tampa’s tradition of appreciating the arts. A famous quote by Richard Kamler states, “Art is our one true global language. It knows no nation, it favors no race and it acknowledges no class. It speaks to our need to reveal, heal and transform. It transcends our ordinary lives and lets us imagine what is possible.”
This quote describes the bond which all nations share through the common language of art and creativity. I strongly encourage everyone to go check out the Electronics Alive VII exhibit before its last day, Friday, Feb. 22.
Theresa Stanton can be reached at theresa.stanton@spartans.ut.edu