GREENSBURG - 28 West Second Gallery & Studio Space will host their premier exhibition, Playing with Fire, from February 14 through March 7, 2009.
Opening Reception is Saturday February 14, 2009, 7 - 10 PM. The press and the public is invited to attend this special event.
The exhibition will feature photography by owner/artists Michael Bendik and Michelle Eng-Bendik and sculpture by Scott Snaden. Playing with Fire pushes the envelope of traditional artistic expression. On the surface, this collection of work may look representational. A vintage-like photograph of a child's wading pool is really a picture of a child's wading pool. But is it? To photographer, Michelle Eng-Bendik it is a catalyst that draws motion from stillness. She purposely balances the representation between still objects and a kinetic energy stored within. As the observer, we decide if the photograph is a record of the past or a prediction of what is about to come.
Similarly for sculptor Scott Snaden, on the periphery, the tools in his Post Historical Tool collection are relatively straight forward. In this respect they are highly influenced by primitive crafts and tools. They are influenced, very strongly by tools and utensils that he encountered around the world. When we peer a bit deeper however we can find more happening. Through the use of contemporary materials and “poor-modern”
28 West Second Gallery & Studio Space will exhibit emerging and established local and national artists. Bendik and Eng-Bendik recent transplants from New York shape their sphere of influence from extensive travel and urban and rural living both on the east and west coasts. They have worked in the commercial side of photography and videography, but it has been a life long dream to open their own gallery where they can showcase fine art of all mediums. Greensburg seemed like a logical place to start. After combing through neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, like Lawrenceville and the Mexican War Streets, Bendik and Eng-Bendik found themselves drawn to the developmental opportunities of Greensburg. With the Seton Hill Performing Arts Center opening 2009, right in the heart of the Greensburg Cultural District and other businesses developing in the downtown district, they are hopeful that their vision of progressiveness will catch onto the masses.
They are dedicated to provide a positive environment for artist representation and expression and to engage the audience through the exploration of art and performance. They feel that they have created a space where artists of all genres and mediums can show their work in an unpretentious setting. A place where contributing artists, their patrons and friends alike can come together, enjoy the company, the music and most importantly, enjoy art.
Additionally, 28 West Second Gallery & Studio Space will host bi-weekly community potluck dinners to engage artists, musicians and other interested community members to meet and eat with like-minded individuals. They will also host a Saturday afternoon art play group for grown-ups and their kids age 0 - 6. Activities will include arts & crafts, musical play and games.
28 West Second Gallery and Studio Space is also available for event rental. Contact the gallery for more information on how to host your next photo shoot, fashion show, reading, lecture, teacher tutorial, etc at the gallery.
