By Sammie Stewart, Contributing Writer
On Wednesday, Aug. 30, the Nutting Gallery opened up for the first time this semester. The theme for this gallery opening is interactive art, and Tom Estlack was the artist in the spotlight this time around.
The opening of “Tom Estlack: Investgations & Interactions” included many different pieces in the collection, but the art pictured caught my eye the most.
“This one reminds me of children in a way,” said Estlack. “Kids love playing on those rocking horses, but I put my own spin on it. This piece in particular was one I spent a lot of time on, but I’m still proud with how it turned out.”
With the rocking horse-like piece, you can rock it back and forth, just like the kid’s toy.
Artwork in the gallery also encouraged interactions with the art through the use of the viewer’s own smartphone. Some pieces had a symbol of a camera along with or without a flash prompting the viewer to take pictures of the art. This could result in the viewer finding hidden messages or images within the artwork.
I have been going to West Liberty for three years now, and never have I seen a gallery opening quite like this. Usually when students go to the Nutting Gallery, there are signs saying, “Do not touch the art!” hanging on the walls, so it was nice to be able to interact with the art Estlack had on display.
If you missed out on the gallery opening, don’t stress. You still have time to go see the beautiful art on display. Estlack’s art will be in the Nutting Gallery until Sept. 21, and the gallery’s hours are from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on weekdays.
The Nutting Gallery is located in the Fine Arts building.
Photo credit: Sammie Stewart
