First time curator Savannah Perrin entertained guest while talking to her mom after setting up "Selections from the Permanent Collection at the Hammond Regiona Arts Center.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar
The opening reception to the “Selections from the Permanent Collection” of Southeastern Louisiana University Contemporary Art Gallery was hung by new curator Savannah Perrin. Perrin is the assistant gallery director at the university. She debuted her curating skills at the event hosted by the Hammond Regional Arts Center.
“I’ve never got to curate a whole show by myself,” said Perrin. “It was kind of stressful, but it’s okay.”
Perrin’s mentor, Dale Newkirk, is the director of the university’s art gallery.
“I took his intermediate 2D class and one day he was like, ‘Savannah come here,’ and offered me a job,” said Perrin, a senior art majors with concentrations in visual arts and graphic design. “It was interesting seeing Dale place art and wondering how he did it.”
The HRAC showing was a representation of an enthusiastic art-oriented local community.
“Hammond is an art appreciation community,” said Susan Owens, an attendee. “This is a good example of the community supporting art.”
A variety of art forms were displayed at the HRAC.
“It’s very different,” said Catherine Urquhart, a sophomore visual arts major. “It’s a fair mix of photography and ceramics. There is very mixed media and it is really interesting stuff.”
The art was taken from campus and placed in the gallery. Gallery workers and helpers were hanging art until the last minute.
“We finished putting everything up this morning,” said Perrin. “We had some volunteers.”
Despite being on campus, some of the pieces have not been seen by students.
“I was really looking forward to seeing a multitude of works and artists,” said Urquhart. “Some of the works I’ve seen, but some are new to me.”
Around the exhibit were several vases and sculptures. This balanced the hanging art work. The amount of varied pottery was surprising to some guests.
“I have never seen this many ceramics,” said Caitlyn Clark, a sophomore visual arts major with a concentration in sculpture. “It’s a good variety.”
The curator strove to represent the university’s gallery in a positive light.
“I really care deeply about the gallery,” said Perrin. “When Dale told me I could do this, I really wanted to make the gallery proud.”
The showing was a success with well-placed and varied pieces. The curator impressed guests.
“Perrin did a great job,” said Owens. “I like the hanging. I like everything.”
In addition, the guests had a high opinion of the overall theme of the showing.
“I think it’s very sophisticated, timeless and intriguing,” said Anne Raxsdale, university alumni. “It’s different than most shows with more diversity. I love the different sizes.”
The art opening was on Oct. 7. The art exhibit will close on Oct. 28. The exhibition will be free and open to the public.
For more information on the next month’s reception, or about other events the HRAC will host, visit hammondarts.org.
Guest enjoy casual conversation while observing various art forms.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar
Guest enjoy casual conversation while observing various art forms.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar
Guest enjoy casual conversation while observing various art forms.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar
Guest enjoy casual conversation while observing various art forms.
Regina Pergola/The Lion's Roar