WATSONVILLE — Pajaro Valley Arts’ latest exhibit, “Museum of Curious Perceptions,” arrives on Wednesday at the PV Gallery.
As part of the Spoken/Unspoken series, which connects 11 different art venues across Santa Cruz County through unifying themes, “Perceptions” features 10 artists — many of them local — in a unique exhibit celebrating visual storytelling.
“Every piece in here tells a story,” said Judy Stabile, co-president of PV Arts. “It’s all about pushing the limits of imagination.”
Many of the pieces in “Perceptions” were created with found objects such as buttons, boxes and even in one case, a pair of old crutches and an ironing board. There are also various ceramics, sculptures and textiles.
In local artist’s Wendy Aikin’s “The Curator’s Office,” an entire section of the gallery is set up to look like a small workshop. Pieces which she calls “Cabinets of Curiosities” line the walls, each with their own story attached.
“The attention to detail on these works is astounding,” Stabile said. “It really makes you pay attention. To look at things a bit closer.”
Another draw of the exhibit is work by Steve Gompf, an artist who created fictional contraptions called “televisors” from random objects such as doorknobs, clocks and lighting fixtures. Screens inside project black and white animations, which have apparently prompted many to believe the machines are historical artifacts instead of modern art pieces.
Sadly, Gompf died just recently, not long after he sent the pieces to be displayed at PV Gallery.
“I’m heartbroken,” said exhibit curator Rose Sellery, who’s been in contact with Gompf for a long time. “But I hope we can honor him by continuing this exhibit.”
“Perceptions” will run through May 13. The opening reception is planned for Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Sellery will be holding a free Curator’s Tour on April 28 from 2–3 p.m., which is open to the public.
“I hope seeing this exhibit inspires people,” Sellery said. “Not only to appreciate a different type of art but also to perhaps create some of their own.”
The Pajaro Valley Gallery is located at 37 Sudden St. in Watsonville. For information, visit pajarovalleyartscouncil.org or call 722-3062.
