Creepy Art: An Enchanting Collaboration between ART 321 and Casper College
October has always been a month of enchantment, where the crisp autumn air seems to carry whispers of halloween. A time where ghosts and goblins can come to the forefront of our imagination. It's during this time that the ART 321- Casper Artists’ Guild, in collaboration with Casper College for the second consecutive year, brings forth an eerie yet captivating exhibition, Creepy Art. This collaboration highlights the essence of art as a bridge between seasoned artists and aspiring talents from the academic world.
Creepy Art, an annual exhibition, is a mesmerizing experience that celebrates the strange, the unsettling, and the supernatural. This exhibit showcases a diverse range of artworks from local artists and students, each delving into the depths of the eerie and the unusual. Visitors can expect to encounter everything from eerie landscapes to unsettling sculptures which explore the theme of psychological horrors, creepy experiences, and the supernatural.
What makes this year's Creepy Art exhibition truly exceptional is the collaborative effort between ART 321 and Casper College. Our open call for Creepy Art has become a hybrid assignment for students from Casper College's Three-Dimensional Design class. In the studio, with guidance from sculpture professor Carli Holcomb, they learned to prepare plaster casts of their body and incorporated this element into the creation of some of the artworks on display. This ongoing partnership has not only provided students with an invaluable opportunity to exhibit their incredible work but has also enriched our entire exhibition.
To gain insights into this unique collaboration and the students' experiences, we had the privilege of hearing from several students from Casper College's Three-Dimensional Design class. The true magic of the "Creepy Art" showcase lies in the voices and visions of the talented students who have contributed their masterpieces. Each student brings their unique perspective, intertwining their personal narratives with the overarching theme of the eerie and unsettling.
Madison Harvey, one of the talented participants, expressed her initial excitement about the collaboration, saying, "When I first heard about this opportunity, I was excited to create something to be exhibited to the public. I immediately knew I wanted to create something lifesize and awe-inspiring." Madison's artwork, deeply rooted in her faith, portrays a transformation of the human form, focusing on her spiritual journey. "I hope the viewers of my piece feel joy, contentment, fear, wonder, and amazement; all emotions I have felt over the course of my spiritual journey," she shares.
Madison Harvey and artwork. Photo Credit Casper College Fine Arts Department
Rita Mata brought her love for horror to the table, drawing inspiration from the movie "The Ring" and folklore tales like Bloody Mary and the Skinwalker. She expressed her gratitude for the platform, noting, "Having the opportunity to submit again was exciting for me. Being able to display my work to our art community makes me very proud." Rita's passion is evident in her desire to evoke strong emotions from her audience, aiming for them "to be frightened, grossed out, and uncomfortable."
Rita Mata and artwork. Photo Credit Casper College Fine Arts Department
Lastly, Angelena Coleman dove deep into the realm of the unsettling with her piece inspired by a ritualistic offering from a cult. She commented on the growth this experience provided, saying, "This was an entirely new experience for me and opened my eyes to what it is like to have my artwork in an official exhibition." With her artwork, Angelena hopes to immerse the audience in a narrative that's both gory and open to interpretation, with a sense of danger and foreboding at its core.
Ritualistic offering bowl by Angelena Coleman
These individual stories and inspirations beautifully weave into the larger tapestry of the Creepy Art showcase, reminding us of the power of collaboration and the incredible talents emerging from Casper College. Each artwork is not just a piece on display but a story, a sentiment, and a reflection of the artist behind it. As October continues to cast its spell, the enchantment doesn't have to end when you leave the gallery. We invite you to be a part of this artistic journey by placing your bid on unique pieces during the Creepy Art Silent Auction, which will run until October 31st at 6 pm. Not only will you have a chance to own a masterpiece, but you'll also be supporting the continuous efforts of ART 321 and its dedication to artists and the community. Seize the chance to make this Halloween unforgettable by taking home a piece of art that resonates with you!