By LUCIANO MARANO
Kitsap Week
Why do humans create art?
For what reason did our ancestors — who were plenty busy hunting, gathering and trying not to get eaten by giant saber-toothed cats and whatnot — make the time to draw on cave walls and carve intricate showpieces out of stone?
While modern man may have the luxury of time and freedom to create pretty things, that was clearly not always the case. The desire to create art has withstood terrible wars, barbarous dictatorships, natural disasters and, in fact, these events often foster a greater quality of creation.
The truth is, when you strip away the ideas that surround art — the auctions, galleries, fame, scrutiny, hype and academic analysis — humans create art because it makes them feel good.
One particular exhibit demonstrates this — one of the most basic tenets of humanity — better than most.
This month, Bainbridge Performing Arts gallery showcases self portraits made out of fused glass by the clients of the Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation.
The portraits are set on 14-inch-by-14-inch tiles and assembled out of repurposed glass pieces in countless shapes and colors. The material and instruction was provided by Gregg Mesmer and Diane Bonciolini of Mesolini Glass Studio.
“Mesolini learned of Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation through [program director] Bryana Deits and has been doing workshops with the participants to create small sellable ornaments, sun catchers, art pieces for sale,” said Cara Thompson, volunteer spokeswoman for the foundation.
“They have donated all the materials, their skills and their immeasurable time and given Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation all the flexibility to benefit from these artworks,” Thompson said. “They love to work with the clients and continue to forge the individual relationships with each participant. It is important to learn the idiosyncrasies of the participants to help bring out their best work. Diane and Gregg really know Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation clients well and the clients enjoy working with them. The fused glass is a good medium as well for its bright colors and accessibility.”
Bonciolini recalled the participants’ excitement during their early visits to the studio.
“They’re absolutely delightful and wonderful people,” the artist said. “The director in the fall brought them in for a field trip. It was so successful and everyone had so much fun, including ourselves.”
Bonciolini added, “This just seemed like a really good way that maybe they can make some interesting glass pieces and maybe sell them to make money for the facility.”
After the first few creation sessions, the possibility of larger projects was discussed. Eventually, the artists would make Christmas and Valentine’s Day ornaments and Mother’s Day gifts at the studio.
The program participants took to the idea of a larger project with gusto even before the idea of an exhibition was brought up, Thompson said.
“The participants at Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation are all very unique and creative,” she said. “This event means something different to all of them. What I do see though is the pride in their gesture and in their smiles when they bring in their parents, friends, and caretakers to see the work they have created. They will finish making a work of art and hold it up with a grin over and over again. The lack of inhibition and the ability to share themselves without condition is what inspires me to work with them.”
The portraits themselves run the gamut of highly abstract and stylized to more realistic; one was even very careful to include eye glasses. All of them, however, reflect the genuine joy of the creative process.
“Each person started with a tile, donated by a glass company we work with quite often,” Bonciolini explained. “We personally cut the tiles, found the arcs that were the appropriate size to be the main head shape. That gave the participants a parameter as to where the head was. Then everybody gathered, we had them around the table, and we just kind of took it step by step. We started with a nose, I said find a color and a shape that you like. Then a mouth, then eyes.”
The group’s first exhibition was at the Seattle Art Museum earlier this year. The show was very well received and inspired them to seek out a more local gallery space.
“We’re thrilled that BPA has the opportunity to showcase this whimsical, inspired, and community-honoring exhibit,” said Sally Jo Martine of BPA. “We’ve collaborated with the Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation on past ventures, but this gallery display promises to be something extra special.”
The foundation, also known as “Stephens House,” was established in 2002. The program operates a weekday program for adults with developmental disabilities, focusing on quality of life enhancements. Planned activities include field trips, swimming and daily exercises, art projects, computer learning, and small work contracts for local businesses.
Stephens House is located at 191 Winslow Way West. For more information, visit www.bispecialneedsfoundation.org.
“Bainbridge needs a place like Stephens House,” Bonciolini said. “Bainbridge is lucky to have a place like Stephens House.”
To learn more about Mesolini Glass Studio, and their various projects and events, visit www.mesolini.com.
BPA is located at 200 Madison Ave. North on Bainbridge Island. Go to www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org to learn more.
