beyond first impressions

Culture Front Live is pleased to present “First Impressions: Looking Beyond Initial Impact” with Jenny Dowd, Andrew Munz and Aaron Wallis, on Wednesday, May 29, 5:30 p.m. at The Rose.

What information do we get from a first impression? This question is important in the context of art and literature. Often what attracts a viewer or reader to a work is the first impression – some kind of impact, positive or negative. However, closer reading or looking can reveal layers and meaning not apparent on first glance. The payoff of a work of art may be far greater than its initial appearance.

For the May 29 Culture Front Live talk, two artists and a writer will share their individual reflections on the power and limits of first impressions. Andy Munz will discuss impact vs. payoff in fiction. Jenny Dowd will speak about hidden mysteries in her artwork. Aaron Wallis will talk about the value of spending time with a piece of artwork to fully appreciate it.

Jenny Dowd earned an MFA in ceramics with a minor in fibers at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In 2006, Jenny’s work was exhibited in Milan, Italy, as part of the Premio Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro International Competition for Young Sculptors. In 2010, Jenny was an artist in residence at the Ucross Foundation, and in 2011 she received a visual arts fellowship from the Wyoming Arts Council. She lives in Alpine with her husband, Sam, where they co-own the small art and pottery business, Dowd House Studios.

Jenny Dowd, “Teeth: Furniture”

Andrew Munz grew up in Jackson and is constantly inspired by the various creative members of the community. A founding member of the improv group, The Laff Staff, Andrew has participated in many performances in the valley and has also written and directed plays that have premiered regionally as well as in New York and Chicago. He works at the Center for the Arts, but spends much of his free time working on a novel and teaching various improv workshops.

Andrew Munz

Aaron Wallis was born in Tacoma, WA, and lives and works in Jackson. He is currently the studio coordinator at the Teton Artlab, a non-profit artist studio center. He works in oil, drawing, silkscreen, lithography, intaglio and letterpress. One of his current projects is The Street Bible, an ongoing series of prints depicting rappers and drug dealers in the context of Christian iconography and the illuminated manuscript.

from “The Street Bible” by Aaron Wallis

more six-word memoirs

More Six-Word Memoirs. Submit yours by May 31 for exhibition in June.

“I know what I am doing.” – Amy Goicoechea

“Vagabond stays still, breathes in life.” – Adam Van Sickle

“Jonesing for sequel: Seven-word snapshot!” – David Baker

“Always eagerly awaiting my next disappointment.”  – Kate Dahlgren

“Rootless, home pulsates under my feet.” – Christina Cartier

“Life re-do’s work in Jackson Hole.” – Gary Weissman

“Wandering squirrel finds loving Teton tree.” – Giles Augustine

” Teacher’s son–teaches, tires, travels, (w)rites.” – Gregory Zeigler

” Art and kids, best life lived.” – June Nystrom

“Desde mi niñez, sueño sueños brillantes.” – Kjera Strom Henrie

“I’m faithful, friendly, fat, forgetful, fatigued.” – Mary Waid

“Teton Love. Now I know. Always.” – Rose Caiazzo

“My life is just beginning.” – Sally Baughman

(Image: “Another Love Story,” Mike Parillo)