Independent Spirit exhibit open on SUNY Oneonta campus

BY DANIEL MATISHEK — (ONEONTA, NY)

Some of the art on display at the Independent Spirit gallery in the Fine Arts Building

Untitled, by Toni Pinotti

On January 25th, 2016, a brand new exhibit premiered for public viewing in SUNY Oneonta’s Fine Arts building.

Independent Spirit, curated by Charles Bremer, features select works of art by twenty-four local professional artists in a variety of mediums - paint, drawing, print, sculpture, photography, and even film.

Attendees have travelled from within the state to appreciate the fine artwork the gallery has to offer. “Today is the second time I’m visiting in four days, “ said Cooperstown resident Barbara Sullivan. “I’m enamored by the work of Pooh Kaye. There’s just so much life in it.”

Kaye’s video art is just one of the many beautiful facets the Independent Spirit showcase has to offer. Gallery Director Timothy Sheesley explained that while the art is vast in scope and boasts many styles, each piece was specifically chosen. Sheesley said, “Bremer … selected them based off the ideas he wanted to communicate.”

Bremer’s own words in the catalog put succinctly: “The goals of this exhibition are simple and few: to show a diversity of styles and approaches to making art, including artists that span age and career timelines, and to exhibit work in a wide range of size, scale, and material.”

Oil works of artist Chelsea Gibson on display

One of the gallery assistants, Caroline Stoeger, a student at SUNY Oneonta, works at the gallery and maintains a safe, comfortable viewing environment for all who attend. One piece, which is her favorite in the gallery, was submitted by her landlord, Michael Stolzer. “It was printed on aluminum and I think it’s really cool,” Stoeger said.

Independent Spirit will be open in the SUNY Oneonta Fine Arts Building until March 18th, 2016.