two hundred nine

Bill takes the podium.

It all started with a whoop from the audience. Juror Bill Dunlap mentioned his time teaching at Appalachian State University in the 1970s.  In his cool, but fast Jerry Clower-eque Missip clip -- "Anybody out there attend Appalachian?"

Of course I had to let it be known.

Bill is a decorated visual artist . . . Corchoran, Metropolitan Museum of Art, all sorts of corporate collections, teaching stints . . . but it's his personality.  It's his personality that will grab you.  He let those in attendance know about his art and his process as he was the judge for the exhibition.

This story has a few layers.  First -- some friends and I met for brunch in Raleigh.  It was just before the opening reception for the 2013 Raleigh Fine Art Society's Annual NC Art Exhibition.  The Capital Club food was delish as was the eye candy one would surely find in this section of NC's capital town on a warm tail end of winter.  Good times -- the tempo is set.  I am grateful for the company.  We walk the nosh off over to the newly crowned Duke Center for the Performing Arts -- the host of the exhibition.

Bill elaborates on his influences during the juror's talk.

Second -- in the dark of the auditorium, supporters of the arts had their pens out.  They wanted to know which works were of note according to Bill.  Money all around us in the juror's lecture -- smack in the middle of the auditorium. We learned much about Bill's art and little about his decision process.  And thus, remained in the dark.  Which can happen in these type exhibitions -- unfortunate, but not the worst. Bill begrudgingly announces his winning selections at the request of the organizers of the event.  And that's that.

freeze frame

Three.  Bill studied under and along side Noyes Capehart Long.  Noyes was an influential ASU prof who taught me on the eve of his retirement.  I quickly saw connections between Bill's work and Noyes'.  It is a wonderful revelation years after college to witness a visual lineage? comparison? influences?  I see parallels in their work.  The lady sitting beside me also liked the connection -- she is a collector and is familiar with all the artists above.  The sweet lady suggests a photo op with me and Bill -- while Bill is still on the stage.  She will not take no for an answer. Bill doesn't miss a beat . .. it's like we know each other . . . "Les, make sure you show me your painting today" quips Bill before the snap.

Fourth -- the doors open and the dark is flooded with light.  We step into the show.  It's the lobby of the performing arts center.  Works from all over NC.  And it's an easy study.  Whomever hung the show is using the names he/she recognizes and the larger works are towards the front.  Fine.  Fine art.  Fun show.  Folks ask -- hey aren't you the fella from ASU?  "Yes."

Good friends are good to the last drop

"Where's your art?"
"It's probably in the broom closet." (I kid.) And then, it's actually difficult finding my work.  Mainly because there are many folks all shapes ages and sizes who are sure to let you know they figure their personal space as prominent.  Or they just don't give a rats ass about bumping into you.  Old age will do that to you in close proximity.  So will a closed mind made up to feign importance.  Ahmurca!

That's me in the corner.

Cinco -- the devil is in the house.  The exhibited painting is from last year's devil series. The 13 paintings debuted at a solo show in Winston-Salem's Delurk Gallery last October.  And now it's time for the little demons to live on their own. They are being dispersed into various homes and exhibition opportunities.  This red fella is just like his siblings  The painting explores the dark lord as a social outcast: mislabeled, awkward, and often overlooked.  The painting is entitled "Second To The News."  Yup, his love in the form of cooking for others is overcast by other "important" things.  And it was challenging to find this little piece among all the other big works in the grand lobby.

Six -- but it was found.  Hidden by the light and in the corner.  Ha.  It was in the broom closet after all.  A curtain was placed virtually touching the devil's frame almost obscuring the art in the back corner.  It seemed like other folks were aware of the tension . . .  folks were definitely in front of the piece -- enjoying their own conversations.  Like I said earlier, many folks were in attendance who were sure to let you know they were in your way.  It felt like every time I said something people moved in closer, hung on the word, paid attention, waited for the brimstone. So I left to fix a glass of lemonade.

Lucky Number Seven -- at the refreshment table at the front of the show I get a "Les, let's go look at that devil of yours," from Bill Dunlap.

"Bill, it's a long walk to the devil, and he's in the dark."
"That's okay, lead the way."

So I do just that -- slowly, delicately maneuvering through the thick crowd.  Bill introduces me to a few folks.  My friends are closely watching the navigation, and are part of the fun.  We finally make it to the dark corner.  "There's that little devil.  I bet that piece looks great in the light, Les," says Bill.  I pull it off the wall and say, "it sure does.  I painted it under north light.  Step over here to the window."  Me and my friends share a genuine moment with Bill.  We talk of Noyes and connections and devils and hipster Ray Bans -- and knock-off cheapies.  Bill is a cool dude.  Gracious, patient -- but lively and willing for a few snaps (Thanks Ross!).  I say thank you.  Bill and I say good-bye.  There is more conversation to be had during the course of the reception.

a shining moment

The President of the Society takes a minute to explain why there is a curtain -- it's a people corral -- to guide them around the art exhibition.  Lucky devil, for she goes on to explain other art in the show comes down after the opening reception.  The other work is just not appropriate for the space (boob art).  And the curtain is only there for the opening.  Hey, I stick my foot in my mouth too.  "I feel sorry for the artist who's work is at the end of the hall beside the entrance to the womens bathroom."  That artist, who just happens to be right beside the conversation, interjects-- "yes. It's my art and it looks great where it's placed, because you can see it from the length of the hall."  You could.  Good point.  So I shut up and ate my hat.

Eight epilogue.  Still with me?  Other folks were too at this point.  " Les, are you upset?" -- their faces seemed to ask.  I kept smiling . . . life imitates art.  The devil is indeed in the dark, socially awkward, and with a limited voice.  However -- you give him a dash of light and he will shine.

Thanks to Bill, the folks in Raleigh who support the arts, Raleigh Fine Arts Society, Duke Center for the Performing Arts, my friends, and Beelzebub.

The show is up through May 2 at 2 East Street, Raleigh NC.  http://www.raleighfinearts.org/