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Crosscurrents Art Exhibit Returns to Stifel Center

Pictured above, “The Watcher” by Jack Puglisi

Oglebay Institute’s annual Crosscurrents exhibition will take place again this year at its Stifel Fine Arts Center. While no opening night reception will be held due to the COVID-19 crisis, the gallery will be open and the public can view the artwork in person.

Crosscurrents will be on display June 25-August 22. Gallery hours are 9am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-4pm Saturday. Patrons must practice social distancing and wearing a mask is strongly encouraged when visiting the gallery. Admission is free.

Now in its 41st year, the multi-media exhibition is a staple of the Stifel Fine Arts Center’s season of changing art exhibitions. It features outstanding artwork from artists in the tri-state area and beyond. A guest juror selects the works for the exhibit and cash prizes are awarded to winning artists.

“New York Oculus Man” by Aaron Apitzsch

68 artists submitted nearly 200 pieces for entry into Crosscurrents 2020. The juror selected 94 pieces for the exhibition and chose first, second and third place along with two honorable mentions. Oglebay Institute curator of exhibitions Michael McKowen will announce the winners during an awards ceremony June 25.

Virtual Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony traditionally coincides with the opening reception. This year, the event will take place virtually. It will be broadcast at 7:15pm Thursday, June 25 on the Oglebay Institute Facebook page.

McKowen encourages art patrons to watch the ceremony and show support for the artists virtually.

“Obviously, the current state of the world has changed everything. It is uncertain when groups will be able to gather to celebrate the arts as we have known it in the past,” McKowen said. “Fortunately, we live in a time where technology allows us to connect and share without having to be in one space.”

McKowen added that while there is no way to capture or simulate “the experience of wandering through a gallery at your pace being affected by the artwork that surrounds you,” he will do his best to present a visual overview of the show during the virtual program.

Staff members will join McKowen at a distance and each will select a particular work to present. He will also announce the winning artists and read juror Rhonda Smith’s statements regarding why she selected those works.

“Star Gazer” by Elizabeth Hestick

Rhonda J. Smith, a practicing printmaking artist and retired professor of art, served as juror for Crosscurrents 2020. Smith was chair of the department of contemporary art and theater at Shepherd University for 30 years. She recently retired but continues to teach African Art and Printmaking as a member of the master faculty. Her work has been exhibited regionally and nationally.

Purchase Artwork Online

OI staff members are also creating an online store that will have images of the works on display.  You can view the Crosscurrents store, when it’s complete, by clicking here: https://oionline.com/artworksales.

“Patrons can purchase works online.  It is important to find ways for artists to show and sell their work, but it is probably more important to allow individuals who cannot go to a gallery or event, opportunities to view, learn and grow.”

Crosscurrents Almost Didn’t Happen

Crosscurrents was originally scheduled to open in early May but was postponed due to the shutdowns and stay-at-home orders. Organizers felt uncertain whether or not this annual exhibition would take place at all this year.

“After much contemplation and examining the opportunities to present Crosscurrents online, I realized that we should do everything we can to present the show,” McKowen explained. “Holding on to traditions, like Crosscurrents, can provide entertainment, education, inspiration, distraction and most importantly…hope. The 41st annual Crosscurrents represents us as a culture at this time. We are challenged and uncertain, but we will survive and move forward.”

Michael McKowen

Adapting to Change in Uncertain Times

McKowen views the challenges produced by the pandemic as opportunities to adapt.

“For more than 40 years a Crosscurrents exhibit has taken place at the Stifel Fine Arts Center in Wheeling, WV.  We have not also always presented it in the current format. It has adapted and changed over the years for a variety of reasons. When I thought about that, I recognized that is what we are doing as we develop this virtual version of the show. We are adapting to the times we are living in.”

McKowen said the Crosscurrents exhibition is an important regional show–a rare gathering of different artists and cultural influences. Artists continue to take great pride in the show year after year, he said. Also, curating the show is one of his favorite experiences each year.

“Master of Return 2” by Gerald Van Scyoc

“I love the history of the show and its relationship to the region. The Crosscurrents exhibition, as its name suggests, is a place where various artists working across all mediums gather to share their differing thoughts, beliefs and experiences,” he commented. “They come from large cities like Pittsburgh and small towns like Powhatan Point, Ohio. Each year, we welcome new artists to the show while embracing artists that have been a part of the show since its inception.”

Addressing the Pandemic Through Art

Several pieces in this year’s show address the current pandemic and social distancing.

“I think the challenges that artists have faced during the pandemic are no different than the challenges everyone has faced–isolation, uncertainty, fear and doubt, a lack of opportunity to physically be able to explore life and share physical communication with others. I believe the psychological impact from this unprecedented experience will continue to impact our lives.”

“Social Distancing” by Brian Fencl

McKowen encourages everyone to explore the arts as a positive outlet for expression and growth.

“The arts provide an opportunity to experience other human beings’ points of view. The arts are a safe environment to explore what it is to be human. America is once again in a precarious position. Racial tensions are literally ripping our country apart. As human beings, what can we do to heal this? How do we create change? It comes down to education. The arts provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to have a voice. It does not matter what your gender, race, sexual orientation, social economic status or religious beliefs may be, all are welcome within the arts. The arts are about human experience. The arts provide opportunities for people to broaden their views of the world. If you can see things from another person’s point of view, it is extremely difficult to hate.”

Thank you, United Bank

Generous corporate support provides opportunities for artistic expression and personal growth at the Stifel Fine Arts Center. United Bank is the corporate sponsor for the Stifel Center’s 2019-2020 art exhibition season and has served as the season sponsor for many years.

“United Bank’s longtime support of the annual exhibition season makes it possible for the Stifel Fine Arts Center to thrive even in challenging times like these,” said Oglebay Institute development director Micah Underwood. “Their generosity creates opportunities for local artists to share their work in shows like Crosscurrents and for our community to enjoy the pleasure of touring the galleries, meeting artists and even adding new pieces to their own collections. We are proud to count United Bank among our dedicated community partners.”

About the Stifel Fine Arts Center

Located at 1330 National Road in Wheeling, Oglebay Institute’s Stifel Fine Arts Center is conveniently located just off exit 2B of 1-70.

Housed in the historic Edemar Mansion, the Stifel Fine Arts Center is a public arts center with galleries, classrooms and performance space. Artists, emerging artists, art lovers, students, educators and families gather here, connecting and engaging the community in creative pursuits.

Generous support of the members of the Institute as well as financial assistance from the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts also make these programs possible.

For more information, contact the Stifel Fine Arts Center at 304-242-7700.

 

Towngate Theatre: Preparing for “The Next Act”

While Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre was temporarily closed because of the COVID-19 crisis, those who make the theater a favorite local destination remain hard at work preparing for the reopening.

Renovating and Remodeling the Theater

According to Tim Thompson, OI’s director of performing arts, Dave Henderson, artistic director, and PD Gregg, technical director, have completed several renovation projects around the theater.

“Dave, with help from PD, has spearheaded the remodeling of the women’s dressing room bathroom,” Tim said. “Dave has also retiled the box office floor and has done so much to make the dressing rooms, green room and bathrooms clean, comfortable, and appropriate for our volunteer performers.”

On the technical end, PD has conducted several electrical repairs and upgrades. Areas of the theatre have also been organized, such as props, shoes, hats and costumes.

“The sorting and restacking process has been very extensive,” PD said. “We are planning on cleaning and sorting out the tool room and the sound booth as well.”

Taking the Art Exhibit Virtual

In addition to canceling theater productions and other performing arts event, The Gallery at Towngate was also forced to shut down just days before its latest exhibit, titled “Ways of Seeing–Ways of Speaking,” was unveiled. PD compiled and edited a virtual tour of the art exhibit, which features the work of artists Clare McDonald and Erin Mellott.

Clare collaborated with PD on the final presentation, helping to acquire photographs of the art, suggesting music for the tour and assisting Tim in proofing the final version of the slideshow.

“Six months ago, as we were in the planning stages of the exhibit, we would have been hard-pressed to anticipate the advent of COVID-19 mere days before we opened,” Clare said. “Back then, it would have been hard to believe that no one would be visiting the exhibition in person. But thanks to the valiant efforts of the staff at the Towngate Theatre, and in particular, PD Gregg, we had a virtual tour up in less than 10 days.”

The Gallery has now re-opened and the exhibit run has been extended to give people the opportunity to see the show in person. Viewing hours are 11am-3pm Monday-Saturday. Prints of the artwork are available for purchase.

Tim said plans are in the works for a public reception for the exhibit near the end of June. Stay tuned.

For those who are still uncomfortable visiting the gallery in person, the virtual exhibit is still available for viewing. You can see the “Ways of Seeing–Ways of Speaking” exhibit by clicking here.

“PD did an outstanding job,” Tim said. “He and Dave have definitely been ‘taking care’ of Towngate and the maintenance and improvement of the theatre space.”

Staying in Touch with Actors

In an effort to stay connected to some of the actors during the stay-at-home order, Tim began interacting with Towngate’s two improv troupes–the Left of Centre Players and the Crazy 8s–via Zoom.

Tim said Butch and Vera Maxwell spearheaded the idea and helped him learn how to use the technology. “We are playing improv games and discovering which ones work best on Zoom. We have created a lineup of improv games for a performance with first an invited audience (to give it a trial run) and then later a public audience as soon as we are able.”

He added, “With help from Elle Artman, I have met with Crazy 8s twice so far and we plan to meet on Zoom every Thursday. We want to do a performance outside somewhere, but we are not permitted to at this time. Once we are permitted to do so, we will be doing a show.”

Tim has also been working with Parcel Players actors Adam Marquart and Dailey Ward, reading the Edward Albee play “The Zoo Story.”

“It is set in Central Park, so if we would be permitted to do a play outside, we should be ready. If not, it is a joy just to work on the play with the actors. The preparation and rehearsal process is exciting and fun. For many actors, creating is the best part of the process. Sharing with an audience is the cherry on top.”

Thank you, Unified Bank.

Tim, along with Pete Fernbaugh and Micah Underwood, has been creating several public service announcements to highlight the generous support OI has received from Unified Bank, Towngate’s Main Season Sponsor.

“These PSAs are to remind our audience we are still here, we will be back and Unified is still by our side,” Tim said.

The project will utilize about a dozen local actors. “It gives our actors a little work on camera while we wait for live theater to resume.”

Planning for Summer Theater

Meanwhile, Tim stayed hard at work managing an ever-changing performance schedule. He has maintained regular contact with OI administrators, teachers, artists and directors on a variety of items, including the 2020-21 budget, preparations for re-opening and sanitizing the theatre, cancellations, postponements and rescheduling.

“I have also been working on plans for OI’s 90th anniversary, which is July 29,” he said.

Given the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, Tim also considered a couple of different approaches for Towngate’s summer offerings. He explored the possibility of live-streaming Parcel Players Productions. However, he ultimately decided not to jeopardize the health of the actors, volunteers, staff and their families.

“It was an extremely difficult decision, but we feel it is the best option for everyone’s safety,” he said. “I also feel that theater is meant to be immediate, performed for a live audience. It is not really theater if shown on a live stream. Theater has existed for 2,500 years and survived plagues and closings. Be patient. Theater will be back when it is safe to be back.”

Summer Day Camps Reimagined!

Towngate’s summer day camps have also been affected by the pandemic. Some of the camps were canceled and others were postponed until July.

“I re-scheduled our improvisation, musical theatre and acting camps, which are our most popular camps. We are planning ways to keep our camps creative and fun while maintaining distancing and staying safe. We have some great ideas and our camps may have a different look, but I can assure you they will still prove to be a positive and fun experience.”

He stressed that the OI leadership team has been diligently developing plans, procedures and protocol in compliance with the CDC and federal government guidelines on how to properly and safely conduct the camps.

Theater, Concerts & Movies

“With no definite timeline to re-open for productions and concerts, those events had to be cancelled for summer. However, movies will soon be allowed to be screened with limited seating and proper social distancing, so we are hoping to be able to have our Planet 23 Film Festival, produced by Jeff Madzia, on July 18. But those plans are still pending.”

Tim is hopeful that Towngate can resume its full entertainment season by late summer or fall. “We miss our actors, musicians, volunteers and loyal patrons and can’t wait to be with them again.”

Tim was clear that all plans are subject to the course of the pandemic and the state and federal government’s phased social and economic reopening and guidelines regarding large gatherings.

“This remains a fluid situation, but we can assure our patrons that when we do resume full operations we will be as prepared as possible.”

As it has done since the pandemic first broke, OI will continue to inform the public on the status of programs and events at Towngate Theatre and other Oglebay Institute venues.

“This will probably have to happen week-by-week as we move along into summer,” Tim said. “Our main message is: We are planning and preparing, but we can’t promise or predict what will be permitted to go on. Just think of this as intermission. The next act will begin as soon as possible and will prove to be more entertaining and enlightening than ever!”

The Arts Soothe Our Souls During Trying Times

Tim encourages everyone to stay engaged with the arts, especially during difficult times. “During these trying and difficult times, we need to soothe our souls. The arts do just that by allowing us to express how we feel in a vicarious way. They engage, entertain and enlighten us. They provoke thought in a productive and safe way. Art is a way to escape the harshness of reality. And embrace it.”

He continued, “This pandemic affects us all–every human being. The arts provide ways to connect, communicate and understand what it is to be a human being. It is the mirror to our soul. And during these trying times, a lot of soul searching is going on. So, watch a good movie, listen to your favorite band, view some beautiful art or read a new play. It will soothe your soul.  I wonder how many amazing movies, songs, pieces of art and plays will be created during these trying times. I bet many.”