By Lilia Menconi
Some of the goodies for sale by Roy Wasson Valle.
If I don't see something art related at least once a week I just kinda feel yucky all over. First off, it's my job to check out local museums and galleries on a regular basis and I try to avoid the shame of being a big, fat failure in my career as often as possible. Not to mention, I'll be paying off that damn Art History degree for the next, oh, eight years of my life so I need some visual beauty on a regular basis - it helps wash that horse pill of a student loan down. But, really, it's more than just a fear of failure and obligation to my education that compels me.
Of course I love art. My favorite is when a piece pounces on me, latches its teeth into my jugular and drags me into its den. This doesn't happen often. And, last weekend, when I punked out on running an errand with my boyfriend to make an impromptu visit to ASU Art Museum, there was no pouncing.
But it's not ASU's fault. It was mine. I was a week early.
I had already seen the shows that were on display and was disappointed to find two upstairs galleries closed in preparation for "The Other Mainstream II" which opens today.
This is ASU's second exhibition showcasing the collection of Valley residents Mikki and Stanley Weithorn. This couple has a great story. They are admirable folks of the WWII generation who have built a collection based on the aforementioned "pounce factor" rather than ego-driven monstrous purchases. This show includes works that tackle an emerging mainstream of our modern identity of mixed cultural and racial backgrounds. And I'm happy to see that local artists Steve Yazzie and Roy Wasson Valle are included.
The show sounds interesting enough for sure. And ASU is kicking it up with an opening reception from 7-9pm tonight. Extra bonus: Wasson Valle's trunk show will have his signature T-shirts and collectibles for sale.
This is definitely on my list to see. And, as always, I'm hoping to get pounced.
"The Other Mainstream II", September 26th-January 4th at ASU Art Museum, NE corner of Mill Ave and 10th St. in Tempe. Call 480-965-2787 or visit asuartmuseum.asu.edu.