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Writer's pictureHilda Van Netten

Making Something Beautiful

We are so fortunate to have Critical Mass Art in our little towns. Their stated goal is: "Critical Mass seeks out, creates and brings inclusive, socially-aware and engaging contemporary art experiences to Port Hope." Somewhere around a month ago, they challenged artists in the surrounding area to make art out of other people's cast offs. We were to go to Beyond the Blue Box, find up to 5 pieces, take them home for free and make a new piece of art out of them. Beyond the Blue Box is "one of Canada's longest standing and most successful community based waste reduction and reuse centres". Most items are sold by the pound. So, a book could set you back a whopping 25 cents. It turns out that it is a great place for artistic inspiration. Over 100 artists rose to the challenge.


Today's opening of the Thinking Beyond the Blue Box art show was the most creativity I've seen under one roof in years. Maybe ever.




Some of the artwork looks better in black and white.




But others .......... this artist used inks to embellish glassware, a ceramic tile and a serving tray. Artists were encouraged to price their works. Half of the proceeds will go to the artists. The rest back to Critical Mass Art and Beyond the Blue Box. A win-win.




Sometimes the title notched the artwork to the next level. Like these ones below: "Mug One" and "Mug Two".




There was a healthy dose of Barbie-themed art at this show.




And Frida Kahlo made an appearance too. Love the title of this one: "Frida Would have Shopped Here."



Most times individual artists submitted single works, Some submitted the maximum of 3 items. And, then there was this one: a collaborative project by the Green Wood Art Hive folks. It looks to me like 17 people worked on this one. You can read their names to the left of the clock.




Looks like these Barbies are in Paris. Or dreaming about being in Paris.




I like this one a lot. "Art World Gone Mad". Well, maybe we have all gone mad.




And, we are having fun while we're doing that. Isn't that the coolest lampshade ever?




I have a feeling that if Critical Mass Art has this event again, you will see a switching of media and methods. As in: "Wwwhat a cool way to make a painting... I think I'll try something like that next time."




I got the back story on the masterpiece below. This artist arranged to go to Beyond the Blue Box after hours. She asked to be able to rummage around in the bottom of the toy containers. She wanted all those tiny toys that are hidden under everything else and allow them to shine. It took her 45 minutes to collect these. I am not surprised that this one is sold.




And another by the same artist. Back story: She took the toys to a paint store and matched paint chips to each one.




Sometimes parents and kids joined in the fun. This extremely well designed piece was done by a young girl.




The first time I laid eyes on the one below, I was blown away. Who would ever think of making a NYC skyline using old wooden rulers? I think there is some truth in the idea that limitation aids creativity. This is a good example.




If you look closely, you will see what this artist used. Playing cards. Now that you know, you will see pieces of them all throughout this work of art.




After opening words and thank you's, we were treated to a drum circle. What fun!




Art, music, tasty treats, drinks, friends, hugs.....


..... and the cherry on the top of the day..... nature's own art show as we stepped out of the theatre. Look at those clouds.



And this art didn't come from Beyond the Blue Box, it came from beyond the blue.




Today's sponsor: Words on the back of someone's T-shirt:


Go out and find some people

Eat and drink together

Listen to each other

Learn to judge less

Work together to solve problems

Celebrate birthdays, successes

Or just the sun coming up.

Make something beautiful,

Art, music, dance

Recognize our common humanity

Imagine a better future

Repeat with regularity


I think we did that today.

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