2017 ADAMS SQUARE EXHIBITS
Migrant
Artist: Luke Elton Smith
On exhibit from August 19 - November 17, 2017
Migrant consists of approximately 3700 scale human figures, suspended in a cloud-like grid. This piece was originally conceived in early 2016, as a response to the European Migrant Crisis, and is a visual representation of those who died while attempting to cross the Mediterranean during 2015. The media's portrayal of these people is typically a series of quantities or numbers, to understand the amount of lives lost. This installation seeks to create a volumetric representation of how many lives are approximated to have been lost in the pursuit of a better life.
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The installation becomes more relevant in 2017 as more and more countries around the world engage in their own Migrant related issues. Be sure to visit Migrant in the evening when the piece is lit, and see the scale figures glow.
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Luke Elton Smith is an installation artist and architect residing in Los Angeles. His work focuses on the creation of spacial effects to create multiple readings on a variety of scales. Smith studied Architecture at Princeton University and is a registered Architect in the state of California.
Venus of Adams Square
Artist: Jana Charl
On exhibit from May 3 - July 28, 2017
​Mixed media artist Jana Charl's site-specific installation in the historic Richfield Oil Company gas station is the seventh exhibit in the Adams Square Mini-Park supported by the City of Glendale. Charl’s creative practice involves use of a variety of media and techniques to challenge the boundaries between craft, commercial art, and fine art. The history of the found objects she uses in her work add layers of meaning and humor to her work.
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A reception to celebrate artist Jana Charl’s Venus of Adams Square was held in the Adams Square Mini Park on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. The event was free and open to the public. Residents of the surrounding neighborhood were encouraged to walk to the park and bring their children for family friendly activities. The reception was sponsored by the Adams Hill Neighborhood Association.
Dream Portal: Once Upon A Time
Artist: Colleen Kelly
On exhibit from January 9 - April 28, 2017
Colleen Kelly makes found-object assemblages, including her "Human Impact," that deals with environmental issues and cast bronze sculptures, and "Portals" that deals with dimensional change or life transitions.
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Dream Portal merges Kelly's two series for a room-sized found-object installation. Diverting an object from a landfill, then using it as an ingredient for art infuses it with transcendent art-power. Once an object has been incorporated into a work of art, it is changed, and has the power to change the viewer.
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Kelly intends to involve the community by inviting them to write their dreams and wishes onto tiny pieces of paper and tucking them into the little bottles that will hang from thin wires from the ceiling. The bottles hang amongst a number of antique crystals also hanging from thin wires enveloping the suspended crib and ladder. A fan will cause a slight swaying motion of the suspended elements, the message bottles, crystal "stars", and create a subtle ripple on the draped, handmade linens. Mood lighting will tint the atmosphere and enhance the nighttime experience.
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The objects chosen to inhabit this space invite questioning, remembrances, and curiosity. People can talk about metaphors, symbols and the story it may hold for each person, as well as having a conversation about the why's and wherefore's and other mysteries of contemporary art.