Monday, September 28, 2009

Quimby Galley Artist

For those of you lucky enough to have already seen the exhibit in the Quimby Gallery, and those of you who haven't, here is the scoop behind the talented artist, Sumner Crenshaw. And don't miss the exhibit; it ends October 14th.

I wasn't fortunate enough to meet Crenshaw in person, but I found everything I was looking for through our emails.

Q: What can you tell me about your background?
Crenshaw: I was born in Phoenix, AZ, in 1984 but I grew up in Derby, VT. I received my BFA from Johnson State College in 2006, and this spring I earned my MFA from the Academy of Art University.

Q:What are your hobbies?
Crenshaw: I enjoy traveling, walking my dog, and lately I’ve also gotten into baking. And, I suppose that one of my favorite pastimes is shopping:)

Q: Name your favorite museum:
Censhaw:I love the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. I could go there a million times and not get bored. Their collection is just astounding. One of my favorite art pieces is Salvador Dali’s “The Temptation of St. Anthony”. Another is Picasso’s “The Frugal Meal”. Both of these pieces are so full of power, and I really admire how the artists exaggerated the forms.

Have you ever attended LSC?
Crenshaw: I attended LSC for a semester in 2003; I took a figurative drawing class with Martin McGowan.

Q: Name a few pieces in the Quimby Gallery:
Crenshaw:“Avoidance”, “Pulling Our Weight”, “The Anguish of Surrendering”

Q:How long have you been painting?
Crenshaw: I’ve been creating art my whole life, but I started painting about 5 years ago.

Q:What is the inspiration behind your art work?
Crenshaw: A lot of what inspires me comes from within. I think that inner emotions and struggles are great creative starting points, and many of my ideas come from expressing these hidden emotions. Letting yourself feel pain and getting in touch with it unlocks so much creative potential. I’ve never been afraid to paint the darker side of things, and to me, every little drama and stumble in life is an opportunity to find an idea and tell a story.

Q:Where is your favorite place to create art?
Crenshaw: My home studio. It’s quiet and free of distractions. There I can just go off into my own little world and focus on what I’m painting.

Q: What are your goals for the future?
Crenshaw: My goal has always been to be recognized. I hope that one day people will know my name and recognize my art. I want to be remembered, and, as corny as it sounds, I hope that someday my own work will be hanging in the Museum of Modern Art.

Q:Is your work displayed elsewhere?
Crenshaw: I don’t have any other exhibitions up right now, but my work is displayed on a few websites, including www.ugallery.com and www.icogallery.com. I also have an online shop where I display and sell t-shirts and other products that are decorated with my art. It’s at www.cafepress.com/SumnerCrenshaw.

Q: Who is your favorite artist, and things to paint?
Crenshaw: I think that Salvador Dali’s work is just spectacular. He’s always been a favorite of mine. I can remember being a little kid, looking through a book of his paintings, and being mesmerized by his work. His paintings transport the viewer to a whole different realm. I also admire the German Expressionist painters, especially Egon Schiele. I like how they managed to fuse emotion and style in their work. I really like to paint people and imaginary environments. The idea of being able to create a new world and present a different viewpoint appeals to me. I’ve painted other things, such as landscapes and still lifes, but they don’t grab me the way that figurative work does. I have a great amount of respect and admiration for artists who work in these genres, but they’ve just never been for me. Being able to paint figures in some imaginary scenario is what I’m passionate about.

Q: Do you create other forms of art?
Crenshaw: I create ceramic pieces, and I also do printmaking.

Q; Does your work have a message to the viewer?
Crenshaw: I hope that this exhibit resonates with viewers. My desire is to have visitors connect to and identify with the paintings. I hope that viewers will look at the works and ponder the emotions behind the subjects, realizing the diverse ways in which art can convey and illuminate emotions, and the powerful creative possibilities of both realism and surrealism.

Q:If you could describe your work in a few sentences what would it say?
Crenshaw: My work stretches from realism to abstraction to surrealism. The images I create represent things swirling in all of us, too hidden to recognize and often too frightening to acknowledge. I try to paint the passions, frustrations and fears that sway us all; the feeling of looking at someone and knowing you’ve been betrayed, or of facing your own reflection and just wanting to scream.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Think Before You Drink

Tara Parenteau

One month ago, a 21 year old girl had her life taken from her without any warning.
Bethany McAllister, of North Troy, was taking an evening walk with her friend Alyssa Burns. Police say a drunk driver came up behing both girls and struck them. Bethany got thrown into a telephone poll and died almost immediately. Her friend suffered serious injuries but survived. Police then said the intoxicated driver left the scene of the accident to cause another one a few towns away.
Drinking and driving is a serious offense that people, mostly us young adults, still don't seem to grasp. With the new year just beginning, also comes the pressure for us students to drink. For those of you new to the area, Vermont has it's penalties for disobeying the law just like any other state.
In Vermont, the first time you are caught drinking and driving, you will have your lisence suspended for a minimum of 90 days, have to complete a drug and alcohol program at your own expense, be fined up to $750, or be imprisoned for two years.
The second time you are caught, you will be fined $ 1500, be imprisoned for up to two years, or both. More programs have to be completed, as well as 200 hours of community service. This time your license will be suspended for up to 18 months.
The third time you are caught your license will be revoked for life. You will be fined up to %2500, imprisoned up to five years, and have to serve 400 hours of community service. One hundred consecutive hours of imprisonment must be served as well.
Drinking and driving is just not worth your time, future or money.
(laws taken from dui.drivinglaws.org)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Jay Peak Vs. Burke Mountain

Tara Parenteau
September 15, 2009
Jay Peak Vs. Burke Mountain

It’s why alot of the students come to Northern Vermont. It’s where alot of students go on weekends and snow days. And it is coming soon. Skiing and snowboarding season that is.
With fall around the corner, many ski and snowboard bums are out working for their season’s passes to two of the closest resorts around the area, Jay Peak and Burke Mountain. Jay Peak is located a few miles from the Canadian border in the town of Jay. Burke Mountain is located a few miles from the LSC campus. While many students already have their preference of which mountain they like to invest in, here is a little information for those of you new to the area and want to get your ski on.
DETAILS JAY PEAK BURKE
College Student ticket (1 day) $50 $43
Season’s Pass $599-699 $599
Number of Trails 76 45
Acres of Terrain 385 250
Levels of novice (easy) trails 20 % 25%
Intermediate Trails 40 % 45%
Expert Trails 40 % 30 %
Mountain Elevation 3267 ft 1815 ft
Average Snowfall
366 inches 217 inches

Both of the mountains have parks, glades, and snow making. They also have events held throughout the year including music festivals, and if you’re looking for employment this just might be the place to look. Joel Lacoss, an avid snowboarder very familiar with both mountains, said each mountain has their advantages. “Burke has a great park crew who takes care of the terrain park. It is well maintained everyday and has lots of features. Jay Peak has better natural terrain and snowfall, as well as snow depths and glades.”
To receive more information go to: jaypeakresort.com or skiburke.com

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

What do you think of the new construction on campus?

Tim Gaskill
Freshman
Math + Secondary Education
" I definitely think it's loud, but nice to see more buildings rise up and the progress along the way."

Renee Hamel-Boudreault
Freshman
Elementary Education

" It hasn't really bothered me. I haven't really noticed it all that much."

Justin Rathbun
Freshman
Explorations

" I think it's a good thing for the students, but being a commuter there are certain things that need to be done that are priority, like more parking spots."

Thank you all for your help.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

DAN DIED!!!!

Daniel W. Williams, 52 of Lyndon, Vt., died last Friday when he took a bullet for the former President of the United States while reporting on his latest inaugural address.
Williams was born October 26, 1956 in Berwin, Il., the husband of Susan Millar-Williams also of Lyndon,Vt. Williams was born to James Williams of Hiltonhead, Sc.and Mary Williams. Mary predeceased her son and husband in 1998. Other survivors include sons Martin of Providence, RI., and James of Lyndon Vt., and daughter Gretchen of Detroit Mi. Daniel also leaves behind his dog Louis.
William's career in news started in 1977 when he graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism. He later completed his education with a master’s degree from Ohio State University in 1980. Soon after, Daniel worked for the Oklahoma Journal in Oklahoma City, Ok. William's then traveled across the ocean to Munich, Germany where he went to work for Radio Free Europe for nine years. After returning to the states, Daniel worked to become the Overseas Editorial Director for the first twenty-four hour news broadcasting station, CNN. He contributed to CNN from 1991 until 2004 when he commuted to Birmingham, Alabama for two years to teach at Samford University. Williams then moved his family up North and became a Professor at Lyndon State College, where he was currently employed.
Daniel enjoyed gardening, cooking, writing, teaching, and most of all, spending time with his family. He was a member of the College Media Advisers, and the A.E.J.M.C. Contributions can be made to the Lyndon State College Daniel W. William’s Journalism Scholarship, Lyndonville VT 05851.