The UUCS Arts Council is pleased to present “Inspiration and Collaboration,” an exhibit of photographs and other material by John Kokajko. The opening reception will be immediately following the service at 11:30 AM on Sunday, May 5th, in the Lexow Wing Gallery. The exhibition will remain on display through the end of June.
John is a Friend of UUCS, and a member of the Manatee UU fellowship in Bradenton. Please join us on May 5th to welcome John and see his work.
Artist's Statement
Photography has been an important tool for me since the 1960's. In 2011 I set myself the challenges of creating a series that expresses my central artistic vision, in addition I stepped up my collaborative efforts, joining Claudia Deschu, for an ArtSlam2011 team project, "Art in the air" -- 1000 colorful paper aircraft launched to soul stirring music.
"The Geometry of Botany." Using the native and imported plants found on the Florida Gulf Coast as my subject matter I have created images, somewhat idealized and abstract, that express my respect for form and structure. Cues for actual size are missing or altered, a spiral coiled fern becomes visually equivalent to a Hubble view of the Whirlpool Galaxy. Mathematical forms are revealed as a natural consequence. Inspiring me are both the simple geometry of linear equations and also the controlled chaos of non linear fractals.
These are subtly manipulated digital images printed by myself on 100% cotton rag paper with a commercial grade ink jet printer. This combination yielded a depth of color and fine surface texture that fulfilled the images for me. My first major exhibit of this work was at the South Florida Museum, whose curator, Matt Woodside, wrote text introducing viewers to the Fibonacci series and the golden rectangle.
Gallery Hours (coincide with Church office hours):
Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday - 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Free admission to everyone.
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota (UUCS) Arts Council
UUCS and its members have a rich history of support and involvement in the Arts. The Church was designed by Tolyn Twitchell, a member of the Sarasota School of Architecture; its stain glass windows designed by Syd Soloman; chancellery sculpture by Walt Billings and the mandallas gracing the sanctuary were created by Dick Oxley, former Ringling Art School instructor. The Lexow Wing of the Church was designed as a gallery to help fulfill the mission of the Arts Council, providing members an avenue for artistic expression and appreciation.
The UUCS Arts Council meets the first Saturday of every month at 1:00 pm in the Gallery. If you are interested in the arts, we invite you to visit us at our next meeting. Membership in the UU Arts Council is open to all Church members and friends with an interest in the arts and a desire to share your interest with others. Come share cultural information, help research artists, set up and promote exhibits, and preserve and encourage the aesthetic heritage of the Church. Contact Chair Judi Hennard, 373-0530, or any member of the Arts Council for more information.
The Arts Council has welcomed several new members this last year. Members now include: Alice Boudreau, Joan Boyce, Carol Collins, Kathy Cook, Gail Coppock, Cathy Cyrus, Don Diddams, Judi Hennard, Sue Kennedy, John Kokajko, Sue Moreland, Logan Nicholson, Dorothy Okry, Bridget Piekarski, Tony Piekarski, Valerie Kerwin, Dvora Vilcone and Ava Whaley.
Enjoy all of the wonderful art exhibits in the Lexow Wing Gallery brought to us
through the efforts of the UUCS Art Council.
