As the 20 years of Art-o-mat® exhibit enters it last week at Secca.org.

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As the 20 years of Art-o-mat® exhibit enters it last week at Secca.org.

 

When running a short lived gallery with two friends in an abandoned area of Charlotte (circa 1989), I discovered that people would become open minded and curious when I made a genuine effort to explain my ideas. My point of view has always been in contrast to the stigma that art is for the elite and/or unnecessary. Anyway, my art back then was based on observations/experiences and much of it ended up in dumpsters.

 

The concept of Art-o-mat® came to me during that time of my life and the idea remained tucked away in archive until I moved to Winston-Salem, NC in 1997. Shortly after settling in, my new hometown welcomed me and my unconventional ideas into the local cultural scene.

 

Being a contemporary artist in the South can be challenging as the audience for experimental/conceptual art is extremely niche. However, it can be very rewarding to produce an exhibit or attend another artist’s opening when surrounded by people who are genuinely engaged by content. WS/NC has been a great place for me to work as an artist as it has provided a solid foundation for me to share this project with communities far away.

 

Here we go. In regard to our National/International machine hosts, I am honored that you chose to take our project under your wing and make it part of your cultural community. In regard to all artists who have participated in Art-o-mat, I am truly humbled that you trust me with your work. To our patrons, thank you for helping us achieve our primary mission by ker-plunking art, living with it and making it a part of your daily life. My sincerest gratitude goes out to all who have supported our project along the way.

 

If you have not had a chance to see the exhibit, hope you can check it out by end of day on August, 27th.

 

Sincerely, Clark.