State Of The Arts: A Survey Of The Current Art Scene

BRIDGEPORT — The Black Rock Art Center (BRAC) will host “Bridgeport: State  of the Arts — A Survey of the Current Art Scene in Connecticut’s Largest City” on the weekend of October 27-29.

“Bridgeport: State of the Arts” will feature an exhibition with 300 artists living or working in Bridgeport, three concerts entitled “The Radical Radicals,” and a panel session with arts leaders from the community. The weekend of events will be videotaped for subsequent cable and internet broadcast.

The event is an opportunity to show the creativity, strength, vitality and resolve of the Bridgeport arts community during a difficult period of time. “Bridgeport: State of the Arts” will attempt to address issues facing the artists’ community as several groups are facing increasingly difficult times, a lack of support, the displacement of facilities, and a general lack of opportunities for artists. “Bridgeport: State of the Arts” will attempt to identify strategies to move the arts community forward in an artist-centered weekend.

“The State of the Arts” exhibition will feature all genres of visual arts activities except video and film. Artists over the age of 18, who are working and/or living in Bridgeport, have been invited to submit one original work of art, 18 by 18 inches or smaller. The exhibition will be on view from October 28 until December 16. The gallery opening will run from 4 to 7 pm.

The Radical Radicals concerts will feature some of the newest and most innovative artists working in a variety of genres including electronics, computer music, new  bands and mixed media. Groups ranging from the internationally recognized Lee Renaldo of Sonic Youth and avant-gardist Elliott Sharp to the Milford-based Plush Traumatic Stress group will perform  at 8:30 pm each night, Friday October 27, through Sunday, October 29. Tickets for each concert are $15.

On Sunday, “State of the Arts” will feature a panel discussion with representatives of the Bridgeport arts community. Confirmed participants are Robin Zella, director  of the Housatonic College Museum; Kathy Maher, director of The Barnum Museum; David Flynn of the NEST ArtSpace; Billie Sullivan, director of City Lights Gallery; and musicians Tim Walsh printmaker James Reed.

Joseph Celli of BRAC, an exhibition spokesman for Read’s Artspace, will serve as moderator.  The panel will discuss the current status of the arts in Bridgeport, future challenges, growth opportunities for the arts and stronger arts cooperation.

The discussion will begin at 2 pm, admission is free, and light refreshments will also be offered free of charge.

Events will take place at Black Rock Arts Center, 2838 Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport. Call 203-367-7917 for additional information.