ALYSSA BUMP
Special to The Leader
Many Fredonia students claim that there is not enough to do off campus, but on 50 W. Main St, the opening of a new art exhibit might change that.
The grand opening took place on March 7 at 4 p.m.
There, guests mingled and admired artwork created by Joe Sorci.
For the past 30 years, Sorci has been a professional painter and sculptor. He’s had his artwork in several public and private art exhibits throughout the U.S. and even Europe.
Why would such a renowned artist come to Fredonia?
Sorci is a Fredonia native and grew up here until he turned 18. He has also lived in Nashville, T.N. for 14 years.
The Art Market featured 11 different paintings and five sculptures.
The sculptures were made mostly out of steel, which happens to be Sorci’s favorite medium to use when making art.
Most of the paintings featured had black stripes throughout the entirety of the canvas. There were also a variety of words on the canvas.
Every piece of his art that was displayed in The Art Market is for sale, ranging from $300 to $8,600.
Even though these prices may be too much for the average college student to purchase Sorci’s art, people are encouraged to still come and view the art for free.
A Fredonia art student, Alisia Glasier, came to the grand opening to view Sorci’s art.
She said, “I think the art here is a great representation of contemporary painting and what’s coming in the painting world. It’s very interesting, I like that this is the type of art coming to Fredonia.”
A large sculpture was in the center of the exhibit, which resembled a tribal mask of some sort.
Interestingly enough, it was titled “Mask #2.”
When asked where Mask #1 was, Sorci said, “Mask #1 was too big to get into the door. It’s about nine feet tall.”
Sorci said he’s always been fond of tribal masks and he really enjoys creating them.
He added that his inspiration to create art is, “The journey of creating it. Sometimes the art kind of just talks to you.”
The Art Market is owned by Professor Ted Sharon, and it is important to note that Sorci’s art will only be there for six weeks.
The Art Market is open on Thursday and Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 12-4 p.m.
For more updates about The Art Market, their Facebook and Instagram is @mainstreetstudios50.