ALYSSA HUNTER
Special to The Leader
This past Saturday evening was the kickoff to student ran, growing community exhibit at Birdhaus. The popular off-campus gallery from last year is back and opened with talented artists in both music and visual arts.
Resident Brandon Perdomo talked about what to expect for this year at Birdhaus.
“I don’t expect anything, just really trying to put the word out in the air, and artists will formulate
themselves.” Perdomo said it is a little harder to find artists but once he does he feels like he, “ … bridges the gap from the student community and the general community, and the participation of the faculty and staff has been super receptive.”
New resident of the Central Street home Benjamin Miller, senior music composition major, said, “I think I will really contribute to the music aspects and would like to see a lot more of that this year.
It’s a tad strange to become the hostess, but I am so far enjoying the experience.”
The inviting living room acted as the gallery walls for the visual artists. When entering the space the first photographs in direct eyesight were by Kaitlyn Prince, senior photography major. The breathtaking dramatic images brought a creep factor to some friendly, familiar, Fredonia faces.
The studying artist used the play of light and dark in a highly melodramatic view in the series of six photos. The vibrant black-and-white portraits portrayed twisted bodies and gathered viewers with the mystery of the darkness. This was in great contrast to its neighboring photos which had an earthy feel.
The dim and eerie next to the light and mystical — side-by-side — added to the complete layout with a little extra artistic vision and touch to the staging. The earth-like portrayals appeared as floating females in natural environments. The women gave off the feeling of the
elegance associated with gazing upon sleeping beauties in graceful motifs.
The other artworks that induced overheard opinions of “… a real good use of space,” and “how clever,” was the installation by Gina Sacino; the piece worked with the environment of the Birdhaus, specifically the fireplace in the corner of the room.
The installation worked so well with the space that it was almost hidden and appeared naturally involved. The paper-like pieces hung from the inner mantle of the fireplace with small and delicate details. The drifting paper pieces appeared fragile and in bizarre forms.
On one side, the sheer, ruffled material would completely close off the view, but, when spun, the inside revealed unrecognizable tiny details. These integrated elements left the viewers in curiosity; they would then gather close in desire of its understanding. Overall this mistaken artform was a hit amongst those in the crowd.
Later on in the evening performances, from folk artists, to acoustic melodies, filled the room. The performer of the evening, Joseph Myer — a 2013 alumnus, in Oats-Holy-Roller — was an
alluring harmony of soothing guitar and vocals.
Overall the input and opinions of attendees reflected the true enjoyment of the event.
“It’s very artistic and laid back,” newcomer Callen Lange, senior, said. “Teachers and everyone are off campus, which give the artist a chance to be seen on their own.”
In addition, Savannah Payne, a sophomore English major, was not directly involved with the art on campus by major. She was simply in attendance to show support for what Perdomo did and continues to do. Payne agreed it is great for students to branch off of campus.
Expect great things this year at Birdhaus, including more multidisciplinary musical and visual performances. It is the off-campus event that truly brings the community and campus together. Everyone is amiable and welcomes new people with open arms.
Like the Birdhaus at www.facebook.com/birdhaus925 for upcoming galleries. In addition, for further information on how you can become an exhibitor message the page or contact Brandon Perdomo. Look for announcements on campus or Facebook.