25 artists to exhibit during unusual ‘Shadow Show'

WARWICK-An unusual exhibition opens Nov. 4 at The Gallery at Port of Call in Warwick. "It's really more of a side show than an art show," said artist-curator Daniel Mack. The exhibition has work from 25 artists from all over the country on the theme of "Shadow: to conceal and reveal." "We're glad to have Dan back for this show," said Port of Call Gallery owner, Tony Blomfield. "He helped get us going three years ago and we enjoy his off-beat approach to things." The "Shadow" show opens on Thursday, Nov. 4, with an opening reception on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 6-9 p.m. Many artists will be at the reception and several events and performances are planned including the Building of a Medicine Wheel by David Wiener during the opening reception. The show runs through Sunday, Dec. 5. Normal Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10-5 on Sundays. This is the first show in Port of Call's three year history which emphasizes installation, performance, kinetic and interactive work. "It really plays with the traditional idea of a gallery," said Blomfield Mack has used the ancient concept of "Shadow" as developed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung as the basis for the show. "Shadow" is that part of life which is hidden, out-of-sight, stashed away. Jung's notion was that it is important to give voice to Shadow, to allow it expression and presence. Shadow is sometimes referred to as the unclaimed parts of inner life. Shadow often emerges in unusual and unexpected ways. Each of the artists embodies the idea of Shadow in a slightly different way. Several literally cast light though an object to reveal its shadow on a wall or screen. Wilby Colman of Georgia has an elegant sleek metal sculpture of a human head that changes expression as the light moves across it. Michigan artist Bim Willow does a similar illusion with a mask he's made from bent willow. Wisconsin artist Mariosa has made a driftwood sculpture of three women which looms very large and different as light is cast upon it. Robbie Haldane, the Irish stone waller from Columbia County who gave the popular stone workshops in Warwick earlier this year, has created a stone cairn spilling from the old brick wall of the Gallery. Trish Helmer of Dutchess County has made a series of fetching mechanical "Night Mares," those equine creatures who visit at night n in the shadows. New Hampshire artist, AM, has built a Shadow Cabinet where she keeps her shadow. She invites you to look in... perhaps take something and leave a bit of your own shadow. There are several local artists in the show. Daniel Mack has a worktable on-site during the show and is working there many days. David Horton is creating a darkened booth for his Psychic Pop Generator, an enchanting invention. Shotsie Gorman has a painting on Shadow and reads his poems the night of the opening and again during the show. Poet Paul Kane has selected and posted several poems about Shadow and reads during the opening and other times during the show. Workshops are planned during the show. One unusual feature is the interactivity of this show. People can actually come and make something to stay in the show. On Friday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. California sacred ritual artist Mary Fullwood is offering a special workshop, "The Imaginal Doula: how to bring ideas and feelings into material." On Sunday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. and again on Monday, Nov. 8 from 10 to 1, Daniel Mack is offering his popular Fugitive Materials Workshop. In all these workshops, people make objects related to the Shadow theme of the Show. The cost of each is $40 and benefits Community 2000. Workshops are held at The Gallery at the Port of Call. Call 986 7293 to register. Musical and performance event are also planned at the Port of Call Gallery. Robbie Haldane will again perform a selection of Irish folk songs at the Opening Reception on Nov. 6. He last performed in Warwick at The Town Hall in April during his workshops. Musician David Van Tieghem of Woodstock has his music as a part of the collaborative installation piece with his wife, artist Cate Woodruff. Other artists in the show include Laraine Howard, Mark Stankiewicz, William Gerbracht, Robert Kalka, Roger Sayre, Sally Stang, Monica Serra and Kaete Brittin Shaw. Although much of the show is installation and performance work, there are many pieces of shadow work available for purchase from $40 and up. New York musical artist and harpist Somna M. Bulist is composing and performing a special, "Fragrance of the Blue Lotus," a musical evocation of the primal elements of water, darkness, hiddenness and infinity. This will be performed live on Sunday, Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. There is a $6 donation for this event. Check the website for additional and newly scheduled events and directions For more information call Daniel Mack at 986-7293 or The Gallery at Port of Call at 986-9500 or www.woodlanders.com/shadow