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Media Contact:
Matthew Bizoe
Marketing & Events Manager
269.983.0271x124
marketing@krasl.org
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Extra-large exhibition BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art comes to Krasl Art Center for summer
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ST. JOSEPH, MICH. THURS., MAY 20, 2021 - Krasl Art Center (KAC) welcomes a larger-than-life exhibition to the galleries this summer. From June 12 - October 30, 2021, visitors are invited to experience BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art. This exhibition was conceived by nine artists and art collectives from around the world, and was organized by Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, CA. The exhibition is free and open to the public Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 11 AM - 5 PM, and beginning June 1, now on Thursdays from 11 AM - 8 PM. 2021 Krasl Art Center Exhibition Sponsors are 98.3 The Coast, Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, TCF Bank, Boulevard Inn and Bistro, Art FX, Kruggel Lawton CPA’s, The John DeVries Insurance Agency, Silver Beach Pizza & Vail Rubber Works, Inc.
The new exhibition explores the medium of inflatable art with imagery that is figurative, conceptual, and abstract. These large-scale inflatable sculptures, conceived by nine artists and art collectives from around the world, connote fun and whimsy, are familiar yet strange, and challenge the definition of art. Here, in an unusual feat, artists use air as an active tool in their work to subvert our perspective and surprise us. BLOW UP II includes work by Chromaforms, Sharon Engelstein, FriendsWithYou, Josh Harker, Susan Lee-Chun, Matt Ritchie, Lizabeth Rossof, Jen Stark, and Max Streicher – many of whom have never worked in the inflatable medium previously. The resulting artworks reflect a variety of themes including consumerism, pop culture, history, and even mortality. Learn more about the exhibition here: krasl.org/art/exhibitions/upcoming/
Along with the large-scale artworks inside the galleries, Krasl Art Center welcomes a new outdoor installation. This summer, artist Andy Sawyer transforms KAC’s East Garden into a colorful outdoor summer studio with his project Prismatic Hope. The prism symbolically represents the transformative power of creativity and learning. Sawyer uses it as his inspiration in this structural sculpture and learning center that accommodates students and guests alike. The installation serves as an outdoor studio for safe classes and camps, and a scenic resting place for visitors. KAC’s East Garden is dedicated in memory of Maria G. “Lupe” Hopp. This installation is sponsored by Horizon Bank and the Daniel F. Hopp Family. Learn more about the project here: krasl.org/art/we-heart-public-art/sculpting-community/east-garden/
There are multiple ways to engage with the artworks at Krasl Art Center. KAC’s galleries are free and open to the public Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 11 AM - 5 PM. Beginning June 1, KAC offers extended hours on Thursdays from 11 AM - 8 PM. KAC’s permanent collection of public sculpture is placed throughout Benton Harbor and St. Joseph and is on-view 24/7. Summer Class and Camp registration - offering indoor and outdoor opportunities - is open through June 14. You may also sign up for KAC’s late-night program Third Thursdays and engage more deeply with the art on view, or explore the collection virtually. Get started at krasl.org.
EXHIBITION PROGRAMMING
Learn more about the work on view during special tours, artist talks, and virtual events, some of which require advance registration. Additional links, artist chats, and videos can be found on KAC’s Facebook page.
OPENING CELEBRATION
SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 11 AM - 1 PM
Free & Open to the Public
VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH THE CURATOR
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 12 PM
THIRD THURSDAY ART EVENT: ARTIST TALK WITH LIZABETH ROSSOF
THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 7 PM
THIRD THURSDAY ART EVENT: OUTDOOR SCULPTURE WALK
IN-PERSON WALKING TOUR
THURSDAY, JULY 15, 7 PM
COLLABORATIVE FAMILY WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 10 AM - 2:30 PM, BYO PICNIC LUNCH
LIVE AT LUNCHTIME FOCUS TALKS
THURSDAYS at 12 PM
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Krasl Art Center is a nonprofit art museum and learning center that enriches the lives of people living in or visiting Southwest Michigan by delivering enlightening art experiences through diverse education opportunities, meaningful events, and high quality exhibits and collections. KAC’s mission is to inspire meaningful change and strengthen community through the visual arts. To learn more, visit krasl.org.
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