New Contract Furniture

Need something to do while you’re in Oklahoma? “Illumination: the Art of Lighting and Furniture” is now open at Oklahoma’s City Arts Center. This exhibition proves that there’s a fine line between form and function. It features the work of 16 local artists, and will run through December 22, 2007.

Some of the exhibits that viewers can expect to see include “Empire State Locker” and “Mister Kelvinator”, by Oklahoma art duo JYD. The artists, Cameron Eagle and Chuck Clowers, turn junk into art. (I guess one man’s trash really is another man’s treasure?) “Locker” is a free-standing skyscraper-like metal structure with spotlights at the base. “Mr. Kelvinator” is a robot with bathroom scales for a head.

Then there’s the 70 inch tall CD and DVD display cabinet from artist Jeff Gullett. This cabinet, called “Lighthouse”, is topped by a self-lit glass box that makes it resemble its namesake. I’m sure it’s much more interesting than the watercolor paintings of lighthouses you’ll find in most motor inns. At 70 inches and with multiple shelves built in, the “Lighthouse” could hold the hardiest of DVD collections. It would be a shame to put such an original piece to work, though.

Designer Hugh Meade makes a futuristic impression with his biomorphic office furniture. With names like “Scorpio” and “Mothership”, these black and red creations look out of this world. Expect slim designs and decorative talons. Who could resist the latest in spaceship decor?

Also featured are the works of Kyle Golding and Steven C. Schmidt. Golding offers a red funnel lit from within, that looks like it’s boring into a wooden table. It’s been described as tornado-like. And Schmidt displays an assortment of round and triangular lamps displayed on their own wooden stands and adorned with numbers and signs.

If you’re into art, furniture, or both, you should check out this exhibit. Sometimes you just need a break from the same old dinner-and-a-movie, and “Illumination” should be a great conversation starter. Plus, all the pieces will be for sale, ranging in price from $125 to $3,500. This could be your chance to purchase a great conversation-starter for your home or business.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 16th, 2007 at 9:21 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.