Plainsboro Public Library will host “Wordplay,” its first annual art exhibit and collaboration of members of its new Artists’ Group. “The debut show illustrates the various artists’ interpretations of the concept of words including language, letters, books, creative writing, and more,” says Donna Senopoulos, the library’s arts coordinator and a resident of Plainsboro. “It is a collection of collage, drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.” The exhibit opened on Tuesday, July 5, and the reception is Sunday, July 17, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The exhibit features art by Plainsboro residents. Maria Pisano shows an intaglio and cyanotype with poetry; Liz Adams exhibits “The Woven Word,” a weaving of stamps and typography; Tatiana Sougakova displays an abstract acrylic painting that is whimsically typographic (you need to examine it to see); and Bill Hoo presents a photographic depiction of the library as “words.”
“Works range from the traditional, such as Chinese calligraphy, to the contemporary, which are three-dimensional and use books as a component in the art,” says Senopoulos. “Fanciful, playful, serious, and satirical — there are many viewpoints to consider.”
Senopoulos’s work is “Ekseptshun tu the rul” (exception to the rule). “It is an illustration of a young girl who is learning to spell and is frustrated by our spelling rules, and exceptions,” she says. “The background shows misspellings, and the book, the dictionary, is in disarray.” It was inspired by her children’s book idea — in the works.
Wima Gregory’s flowers placed on books is titled “Write it, Read it, Recycle it.” Tamara Worunczuk’s orange work is called “A Patchwork Quilt,” Dana Alter’s piece is “Facebook Strangers, Vaguely Friends,” Kathleen Liao’s work is “Mais Oui,” and Bob Justin’s art is “Metaphysics.”
Since moving to its new location, the library has revived its Artists’ Group, which meets monthly for a friendly art critique, a chance to network, and the opportunity to get involved in the growing arts community in Plainsboro Township. Many artists want to meet other artists in the area, and take advantage of being exposed to mediums in which they have little experience. They also want to see their community get involved in the arts, and are eager to contribute their time and talents to this end. The group is open to all adult artists in the area — from all different levels of experience.
The “Wordplay” exhibition dovetails with the library’s summer programming theme, “Wordtastic!” which encompass programs in electronic magazine production, the art of book making, paper making, printing, theater, and the popular annual events such as the “Egg Dropping Competition” and the “Cardboard Canoe Race.” For more information about the summer programs, visit the library’s website at www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
— Lynn Miller
Art Exhibit, Plainsboro Public Library, 9 Van Doren Street. Sunday, July 17, 2 to 4 p.m. Opening reception for “Wordplay,” an exhibit by the library’s artist’s group. On view to July 27. 609-275-2897. www.lmxac.org/plainsboro.
