Art opening at Alcove
Known for its eclectic mix of folk, lowbrow and pop art and shows themed after such pop culture misfits as Willy Wonka and "The Wizard of Oz," the Alcove Contemporary Arts Gallery is no stranger to the strange. As part of its ongoing "Cartoon Madness" series of group shows, Alcove’s "Circus" definitely offers a somewhat demented take on the otherwise childlike theme.
Kicking off with an opening party on March 7, the gallery was transformed into a virtual big top of bizarreness. The limber ladies of Guerilla Aerial performed daring feats of suspended suspense as patrons browsed works by more than two dozen artists. The smell of fresh popcorn permeated the air as revelers lined up for complimentary beer and wine, transporting the tattooed and trendy crowd to more innocent times.
Outside, a fire performer twirled flaming objects, while jugglers and clowns mingled with the art lovers inside. Many of the artists were also on hand, including Ben Prisk of "Squidbillies" fame, local surrealist R. Land, vinyl specialist Brian Colin and Rene Arriagada, exhibiting at Alcove for the first time.
Closing out the night was a performance by Greasepaint, a clown-themed band led by Mike Geier and Jim Stacy (who also has art in the show). The band, joined by primate-faced female dancer Monkey Zuma, played a ribald and rude set of carnival tunes while serving up samples of hobo stew from the side of the stage.
Info
What: "Cartoon Madness IV: Circus"
When: Through April 1. Noon-7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: The Alcove Contemporary Arts Gallery, 2852 East College Ave., Decatur
Cost: Free
Call 404-663-0159 or visit www.alcovearts.com.
