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Over the summer, Canopy, the multi-use compound on Springdale Road, was home to several art exhibits showcasing unique media from local to international artists. Two galleries, Sage Studio and Ivester Contemporary, both showcased interactive exhibits. Despite the two spaces’ proximity, the artwork on display was profoundly disparate. -
Sage Studio hosted Sam Eiler’s solo puppeteering show, “P Is for Puppet.” The interactive show allowed the audience to pick their characters and setting for their own Muppet story. -
Sam Eiler (right) is a multidisciplinary artist who found his passion for puppeteering at a very young age. He joined Sage Studio after his high school teacher recommended him to studio co-founder Katie Stahl. -
Eiler’s passion for the Muppets started from drawing characters and grew into making the characters himself. All of the sewing and assembling of his 100 puppets was done by his own two hands. -
Shown is just one of several backdrops audiences could choose from to help create a custom story. Onlookers are also reminded to “Have Fun.” -
The colorful exhibit highlighted not only Eiler’s puppets and puppeteering but also his drawings, paintings, and even a full-sized Big Bird. -
Right next door from Sage Studio, Ivester Contemporary showed “Infinte Scroll.” Curated by Kevin Ivester and Tiffany Smith, the exhibit explored modern media largely through digital interfaces. -
The exhibition’s works spanned several media including paintings, quilts, and more. However, the art was connected to technology in some way. The themes and messages ranged from lighthearted and simple to profound and heavy. Pictured here is Candace Hicks’ Response to Sexual Harassment Investigation Report. -
The darkroom was the epicenter of the exhibit and includes screens of various sizes and work that leaves the audience reflecting on social media use and technology. The room overflowed with video and music playing in loops surrounding laptops with games. -
The interactive arts in the room included three laptops with games. One of those games is Tiffany Smith’s “Welcome to THINK Public School” which focuses on a fictional charter school in a future where government policies are embedded in the American education system. -
Both “Infinite Scroll” and “P Is for Puppet” have closed, but the two studios will continue showcasing art throughout the year. Find them side by side at the Canopy complex at 916 Springdale along with other studios and arts spaces. Pictured is Jamal Hussain’s “Press Esc during the System Error.”
A Tale of Two Exhibitions at Canopy
