After last year’s successful run of the “BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise” — despite a pandemic — the John Ball Zoo will have what some might consider a part two with tis “BRICKLIVE Supersized!” exhibition.
Opening this Saturday when the Zoo officials kicks off its season, “BRICKLIVE Supersized!” will feature more than 30 sculptures created with nearly two million toy bricks. The sculptures supersize some of nature’s smallest and mightiest creatures.
For example, the small and new Bornean neon blue-legged tarantula is a recently discovered species in nature that fits in the palm of a hand, but with “BRICKLIVE Supersized!,” it is magnified 84 times, standing 12 feet tall.
The brightly-colored common kingfisher, which is small and territorial in real life, is magnified more than 30 times to a towering 11 feet tall toy brick sculpture. (Supplied)
From the small and stinky honey badger to the small and highly venomous blue-ringed octopus, all creatures have been chosen for their colorful appearance in nature, unusual natural abilities, and because they can be magnified to an eye-popping size.
As guests make their way through John Ball Zoo, they will discover more about these often misunderstood creatures, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, insects, mammals, and marine species that are truly small and mighty in nature.
Each sculpture will have educational signage featuring facts about where the animal lives in the world, what they eat, and their real-life size, along with how magnified the sculpture is, how many toy bricks were used, the amount of time and the number of builders it took to create.
“BRICKLIVE Supersized!” will be on display at John Ball Zoo through Sept. 26 and is included with general admission.
Admission prices for the Zoo’s spring season is $10 for seniors and children (ages 3-12) and $12 per adult. Children aged 2 and under are free. Spring hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To reserve timed entry tickets and for more information, visit John Ball Zoo’s website at www.jbzoo.org/visitandtickets. If you have any questions, call 616-336-4300 or email info@jbzoo.org.
The beauty of the blue-ringed octopus, which is the world’s smallest and highly venomous octopus, can be seen in the BRICKLIVE “Supersized!” exhibit at John Ball Zoo. (Supplied)
Krasl Art Center (KAC) has reopened its galleries and The Shop as of June 26. Policies for staff and guests are in place for the safety of all. KAC will operate under reduced hours and will announce opening of studios at a later date.
In the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, KAC has adopted a Preparedness & Response Plan. KAC has adjusted office, gallery and shop hours of: Friday through Mondays: 11 AM – 5 PM; and open early at 9 AM on Saturdays. Krasl Art Center will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence day.
In addition to a regimented cleaning schedule, all staff and persons who enter KAC must observe the following guidelines:
Use of face covering indoors is strictly required (Accommodations available for those who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons).
Wash or disinfect your hands upon entering the building, after using items touched by others, and when exiting the building.Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If unable to wash hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
A distance of no less than 6 feet must be maintained between people (both indoors and outdoors) who do not reside in the same household.
Guests will be required to sign in providing name, number in group and contact information.
No person-to-person contact such as shaking hands.
When sneezing or coughing, use the crook of your elbow or sneeze into a tissue, then dispose of the tissue.
Food and beverage consumption by guests is presently prohibited inside KAC buildings.
Do not touch your face, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands.
KAC is thrilled to welcome the work of Charlie Brouwer whose sculptures have been installed at the corner of Pearl St. and along Lake Blvd. as part of a new outdoor exhibition: Human Interest: Four Figurative Sculptures, on view through Fall 2021.
Pieces by Charlie Brouwer have been installed for an outdoor exhibition.
Artist Charlie Brouwer brings to life poetry, whimsy and human emotion amidst the contemporary landscape through his figurative sculptures. He is an artist in search of the beautiful, true and good. These elements are evident in the four sculptures selected for this intimate outdoor exhibition, Human Interest: Four Figurative Sculptures, which draw upon childhood memories, rites of passage, and spirituality.
Brouwer and his wife Glenda live in Floyd County, Virginia. Living on 30 acres of land, they offer a mile-long sculpture trail to any who wish to make an appointment. It is his goal, especially in the current moment, that all enjoy the restorative qualities of art, the outdoors and contemplation. You can learn more about Brouwer’s work at krasl.org/art/exhibitions/
The indoor exhibitions, originally scheduled for March 13 through May 31 have been extended to August 31. Current exhibitions include Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits in the main gallery and Barbara Cooper’s solo exhibition the artlab.
Influenced by the cultural richness of his Caribbean heritage and Pan-African studies, Dexter R. Jones unwaveringly removes the veil of self-conscious inhibition by eliminating preconceived notions of beauty. Instead, he masterfully reveals true splendor and regality, even amidst vulnerability. Jones relentlessly pushes the characterization of beauty not often seen.
Encompassing a mixture of texture, hues, flesh and heavy contrast in his editorial photography, his expertise in justly capturing women of vast shades is indicative of his strong matriarchal upbringing. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jones works on artistic projects, editorial assignments, and creative collaborations in both photography and film. Storied Portraits is Jones’ first solo show outside of New York and features 20 images produced in large-scale, further enhancing the vibrancy, strength and appeal of his artwork.
Artworks on view during Dex R. Jones: Storied Portraits are available for purchase through The Shop at Krasl Art Center. View a complete list of artworks for sale with pricing by visiting krasl.org. To make a purchase or for additional information, please email giftshop@krasl.org.
In the artlab, Chicago-based sculptor Barbara Cooper uses wood, books and glue to create elegantly structured artworks. Using nature as her starting point, the artist is inspired by the stresses and obstacles nature confronts. These evolutions in growth and form provide the foundation to her stunning sculptures.
Both exhibitions are available virtually at krasl.org.
