Art lovers may want to spend Valentine’s Day in an art immersion, starting with a reception at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, then going to the San Juan Community Theatre for the opening performance of the winter play “Art.”
“Art is meant to move us and make us reflect, and that is exactly what the piece of art in the show does. It acts as a catalyst for these three friends to reflect. It is truly a beautiful story filled with laughter and tears,” the show’s director, Adam Parrott, replied when asked why he chose this particular play.
“Art” was written by Yasmina Reza. It is a French language play that premiered in 1994 at Comédie des Champs-Élysées in Paris. Four years later “Art” hit Broadway.
The storyline follows Serge, a modern art fanatic who buys a large, expensive white painting that, if the viewer squints at it, can make out several fine white lines. His longtime friend Marko is horrified, while their other longtime friend Yvan attempts to keep the peace.
“It’s a very tight comedy — 90ish minutes with no intermission. In some ways, it feels like a sitcom,” the Theatre’s Artistic Director Nathan Kessler-Jeffery said. “One of the characters does something ridiculous … and it changes the way everyone in the group perceives their friendships. It is funny, ridiculous and it asks some really interesting questions about the nature of art and what moves us as people.”
When asked his thoughts on what makes art, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art Executive Director Blake DeYoung responded, “Ha, I’m not going to wade into that whitewater of technique and critique. But what I will say is that art moves us – moves us to reflect, to discover, to connect. It inspires. It causes us to see the world or ourselves in new ways.”
Kessler-Jeffery had a similar reaction to the question, saying “I can’t answer with a definition, but I respond with what I find to be art – I hope that’s acceptable.” He explained that he finds art to be “the thing that takes me out of the moment, the world, that I am living in and reminds me that it is not the only world that exists. Art creates within me the possibility of transformation, growth and becoming a better human being. Art is surprising and creative, and through the presentation of the unexpected, opens me to change.”
Parrott summed it up simply: “Art, for me, is anything created by another with the intent to make others reflect, question and/or celebrate. Art should make you feel.”
As a collaboration, there is more to the event than the play. The reception at SJIMA is on Feb. 14, runs from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments will be provided, and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Parrott and Kessler-Jeffery as well as view the Artist Registry show. “Support art in our community because it is important and if we neglect it, or take it for granted, we do risk losing it in an age when all the learning, all the struggle, all the effort to produce beautiful human expression is vulnerable,” DeYoung said.
The annual Artist Registry show features 105 works by 105 local artists.
“That’s an incredible amount of diversity. You’ve got artists of all different ages, backgrounds, mediums, philosophies, life experiences. There is plenty within our building right now for someone to spend time reflecting on what moves them, what they do or don’t understand about an artist’s work, what types of pieces show admirable technique,” DeYoung said. “It’s OK to not respond powerfully to everything. But with 105 works on the exhibit, you’re going to find something.”
The islands have had a thriving artist community for decades. When asked why he thought artists are drawn to the San Juans, De Young replied, “I’m still wrapping my head around it. What I will say is that we see evidence of artistic momentum continuing to accelerate, not decelerate. At SJIMA, we are asking: how can we be a positive force in supporting artists and artistic expression? What can we do within our own programs, like our Artists’ Registry, to support working artists; and where do we fit in the overall ecosystem of artistic expression – how can we do our very best within our lane and also cheer for other organizations as they work in their area?”
Partnering with fellow artistic organizations might be one way to foster that positive energy.
“This is a very exciting step,” Kessler-Jeffery said of the collaboration between SJIMA and the theatre. “The play Art is the perfect entry point … it really inspires questions about the impact that art has on our lives, which is a great conversation to have with the Museum.”
DeYoung noted the incredible work the Theatre has done and said that when he discovered they were performing “Art” it became obvious the two nonprofits needed to collaborate. DeYoung is also hopeful more projects will be in the works. Partnerships may even expand to other arts organizations throughout the islands, to support and celebrate one another.
“I think we all recognize the talent in these islands, all these amazing backstories, and that our organizations all play an important role in nurturing creativity and expression, “he said.
SJCT and SJIMA were both part of the coalition to support the passage of the Cultural Access initiative, slated to begin in April which funds culture, heritage and science in schools and nonprofits in San Juan County according to Kessler-Jeffery. “I for one look forward to all the possibilities that lie ahead of us as Blake and the SJIMA Board explore what’s ahead,” he said.
Meanwhile, a small cast and crew have been focused on putting together the performance of “Art.” While it is a comedy, there is drama as well, with relationships at its core.
“Often in our lives, we leave things unsaid in an effort to protect those closest to us. This play explores how that plays out — and it’s not always for the best,” Parrott said. The story, he added, hits on issues of honesty, love and feeling valued that are shared between them and can be applied to any form of relationship.
While that may sound intense, Parrott assures that the audience can expect a good time.
“This show is a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats!” Parrott said. “While it is presented as a comedy, the implications to the three friends in the show are very real and visceral. This mix of comedy and drama is the perfect recipe for a good time. As a one-act play without an intermission, there is no break in the action from the moment you sit down until the show ends.”
The cast and crew are small but mighty according to Parrott.
“I have been blessed with a supportive cast and crew, and some of the most enthusiastic designers I’ve ever worked with,” he said. “I am very excited to see everyone’s progress and even more excited to show the community what their hardworking neighbors have put together. Come see the show! We need all the help we can to spread the word!”
