JUNE BISANTZ

June Bisantz - "Turning Pages" at the Willimantic Public Library

©June Bisantz

June Bisantz could be considered the queen of public art in Connecticut. She often works big, and uses public spaces to challenge peoples' relationships with everyday objects and situations. Billboards, buses, and traffic signage often fall under her spell. 

Her current exhibit "Turning Pages"  is an interactive light projection on the facade of the Willimantic Public Library, 905 Main St., Willimantic, CT. It will be viewable from 8pm - midnight April 12-16. A preview of the project is online on Bisantz's website. 

In "Turning Pages," text becomes luminous--optically, and as it ignites the imagination of the reader who approaches the library. The projection is a metaphor, as the beauty of reading depends on inner visualization, on the words coming off the page. Its existence highlights people's relationship with reading, and cleverly acknowledges the new roles libraries (and readers) must take on as electronic media changes what people think of "book" and "text".  

From the press release: “Reading has saved my life many times”, says Bisantz, “A good book offers escape, high drama and great adventure. Turning Pages is about the excitement and anticipation of reading a new story.” 

In addition to being an exhibiting artist, Bisantz is a teacher of digital art and design at Eastern Connecticut State University, and is a jazz musician.  

~Lys


Upcoming, interesting, local: in the mix...


© June Bisantz

June Bisantz is featured in a show called Commentary/Herself along with Jennifer Knaus and Rachel Siporin at the Brickbottom Gallery, 1 Fitchburg St., Somerville, MA from May 28-June 27. There is an opening reception Sunday, May 31 from 3-5 pm. Bisantz's work is thought provoking, and often humorous. (Check out her website to see the very cool things she's done with public utility signage and billboards.) 

Chalk Walk Danbury Saturday, May 30 10 am-2pm on the Danbury, CT Green. "Participants turn the sidewalks of CityCenter Danbury into an artistic walkway." If you feel like participating and drawing out in the sun on Sat, check it out. There will be some live music, and music from WXCI radio. 

The Connecticut Film Festival comes to Danbury June 2-7. "6 days and nights of film, music, interactive & screenwriting, 140 films, 70 bands, 100 workshops, panels & keynotes, and lots of industry networking & parties." Last year we went to several films and events. I have yet to peruse the schedule. If there's anything photography or art-related, or just plain too cool to go unmentioned, I'll be sure to post it.

If you're coming to our little city for any event, and want a few insider restaurant suggestions, please feel free to drop a line...

~Lys