ARTBASH 2014 showcases visual arts at UF

October 21, 2014

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — ARTBASH, the annual celebration of art at the University of Florida, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24.

The College of the Arts’ School of Art + Art History, known as SA+AH, throws open its doors to members of the UF and Gainesville communities, offering a chance to view a dazzling variety of projects by UF art students. UF faculty will also offer informal portfolio reviews to prospective high school students from 7-8 p.m. This year’s Art Bash will feature guest alumni artist Chase Westfall (BFA UF, 2008; MFA University of Georgia, 2011), director of /protocoł, a contemporary art gallery and artist's residency program in Gainesville.

ARTBASH offers an inside look at the SA+AH and showcases the scope of disciplines the school  offers, from intimate drawings to ceramic works of art, from vibrant graphic design to sculpture, experimental photographs, Art + Technology video projects, prints, paintings, art history, art education displays and more. This free event encourages discussion between students and the community and introduces potential students to the school’s facilities and diverse programs. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the demonstrations, exhibitions and interactive projects from both our academic and studio areas.

“ARTBASH is our annual open house event that showcases the depth and breadth of the school’s disciplines to the community,” said Richard Heipp, director of the SA+AH. “We are very excited about the expanded role of ARTBASH again this year. Last year, over 600 people attended ARTBASH and this year we hope to see more. Special events will take place and student artwork will be displayed in our classrooms, hallways and the Fine Arts courtyard.”

This year, the school is extending a special invitation to those not currently attending UF.

“We invite all high school students, college students pursuing an associate degree in art as well as any parents and friends to join us for a festive evening of art, music and fun through ARTBASH 2014 and experience the innovative programs that the SA+AH has to offer,” Heipp added.

Displays will include large-scale inflatable artworks from the students of WARP (Workshop for Art Research and Practice), HOT Clay’s “Bowling for Pots” and wheel-throwing demonstration, as well as printing demonstrations. In addition, University Gallery will be open and will host a book signing by art collector Hector Puig of “Come Home,” the extensive catalog from the current exhibition from 6 to 8 p.m.

A special ARTBASH concert will take place in the Fine Arts courtyard just outside of University Gallery. The performance features live music by Westfall's band, recording artist Dear and Glorious Physician from 9 to 10 p.m. Opening the performance will be the 2013 NCFBS Blues challenge winner The R. Mutt Blues Band at 8 p.m.