Loft Artists Association
CONTACT:
Alissa Siegal
(203) 253-5645
alissasiegal@gmail.com

THE LOFT ARTIST ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

THE UNCONVENTIONAL SELF:
NOT YOUR AVERAGE PORTRAIT SHOW

Artists Hold Up a Mirror with a Twist To Celebrate 30 Years in Stamford's South End

and the Official Unveiling of Our Building's New Look!

Paintings, Sculpture, Multi-Media Displays and Archival Video Footage
from 30 Years of the LAA!

Unveiling of the James Jackson Burt sculpture “Shadow Sphere Variation” recently relocated from the Yale & Town lofts.

Opening Reception: Friday, September 12, 6-9 pm

Run of Show: September 12 - October 26
Gallery Hours: Friday - Sunday, 12-5pm

STAMFORD, CT, June 30, 2008- Did you ever wonder how artists see themselves?  Or what an artist perceives that the rest of us do not?  "The Unconventional Self: Not Your Average Portrait Show" presents more than 30 artists' take on their own image, using everything from collage to 3-D construction. Passport style photos will hang next to the work, providing an interesting contrast between the eye of the camera and the eye of the artist, as well as a glimpse into the workings of the creative mind.

"These works are not conventional representations of the self, but rather an attempt by the artist to portray how they see themselves," says participating artist Renee Kahn.  "The concept of an unconventional self portrait lends the exhibit a unifying theme, yet allows for diverse means of expression.  The juxtaposition of a passport photo gives the viewer a chance to contrast what the artist really looks like with how he chooses to portray himself."

The run of this unusual show will include multi-media events and activities for the entire family. The opening reception features the inaugural showing of a film put together by LAA artist Lina Morielli. "My intent was to produce a document that would showcase the Stamford art community and at the same time make a statement regarding the need for cultural balance during the process of urban redevelopment", says Morielli.  "The film spotlights the necessity and importance of cultural and artistic expression: how they impact our city economically, unify us as a community, allow our voices to be heard and enhance the quality of our lives."  The film includes interviews with Steve Karp from Stamford Theatre Works; Laurence Gilgore, Maestro of the Connecticut Grand Opera; Marti Etter from the Ballet School of Stamford; as well as Juliana Sciolla, former director of Stamford Cultural Development Corporation, who helped many grass roots organizations grow to be vital contributors to quality artistic experiences in Stamford CT.

The run of the show will also feature a Creative Kids Day (Saturday, September 27 at 2pm) where artists will work with visiting children to create life-sized tracings of themselves which they will paint and decorate. The children will then take the artwork home with them.  Another highlight of the event will be two Walk & Talk discussions, during which exhibiting artists will lead tours of the gallery, interpreting the work and answering questions. These events are free and open to the public and promise to be both fun and informative.

 • Walk and Talk Programs of "The Unconventional Self" Exhibit
Saturday, September 20 at 2pm, hosted by Renee Kahn and other LAA artists.
Saturday, October 4 at 2pm, hosted by Sandy Garnett and other LAA artists.

• Children’s Art Workshop: Free for children of all ages
Saturday, September 27 at 2pm
Children’s art “self portrait” workshop led by LAA artist Shirley Binnen. 
Take home a life size self portrait.

Visitors to the lofts will be treated to their first view of the redesign of the LAA's new home on the corner of Canal and Ludlow Streets. Susan McCaslin, driving creative force of Design Monsters, a Fairfield County based design firm, created the spectacular graphics which will adorn the sides of the building.  An eye-catching photographic mural will depict life-size portraits of the artists whose work can be seen inside the building. You won't miss it when you drive down Canal Street!

The Loft Artist Association was founded in 1978 by a group of artists, photographers and writers who worked at the former Yale & Towne Lock Factory on Henry Street.  Since then the LAA has been an integral part of Stamford's art scene.  In 2006, the artists learned that their studios were to be redeveloped and that they would need to relocate.  Then co-presidents Lina Morielli and Shelly Denning enlisted the help of the new owners, the Antares Corporation, along with Stamford Mayor Dannel P. Malloy, to move the LAA to its current home.  The LAA is grateful to them and all others who assisted in the move for their past and current support.

"The Unconventional Self: Not Your Average Portrait Show" will take place from September 12 through October 26, with an opening reception on Friday, September 12 from 6-9 pm.  The unveiling of the James Jackson Burt sculpture will take place at 6:30 pm in the North Parking Area during this opening reception. Open to the public.  Gallery hours: Friday to Sunday, 12 – 5pm.  The LAA Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of 845 Canal Street, corner of Ludlow Street, Stamford CT.

For more information, go to http://www.loftartists.com/.

"The Unconventional Self: Not Your Average Portrait Show" is sponsored by The City Arts Partnership Program Grant; Dannel P. Malloy, Mayor; Antares Real Estate; Harbor Point; Kim Harris; Louis J. Kuriansky Fund; The Rosenthal Family Foundation; Ivan Burns; Design Monsters; Phyllis Oxman; and Wagner Instruments.