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Above are Starkweather director, Tara Klein, and photojournalist Leni Sinclair. Photographs of popular musicians taken by Sinclair were on display at the Starkweather Arts Center for the opening reception of "The Beatles Show!" on March 5.

(Observer photo by Kelli Kreger)

Beatle fans show off their
artwork at SAC exhibit

by KELLI KREGER
Observer Special Writer

      Once again The Beatles have invaded, this time with the help of local artists at the Starkweather Arts Center.
       On March 5, the opening reception of "The Beatles Show!" proved to be a spectacular night out for all those in attendance.
       Live music filled the air when visitors started filing into the gallery at 6 p.m. Local musician, Jere Stormer, set the relaxing tone for the evening, providing different renditions of classic Beatle songs.
       Attendees also had the chance to chat with photojournalist, Leni Sinclair of Detroit, and view photographs that she has taken of many classic rock bands and jazz musicians during the 1960s and `70s. There were two photos on display that she took of John Lennon.
       While the music played, people browsed the gallery that contained 30 original Beatle-themed pieces created by local artists. Beatle memorabilia was also on display and included rare concert posters and album cover art, which was on loan from David McLaughlin.
       "There was a lot of enthusiasm revolving around this theme," said Tara Klein, art director. "There is a wide spectrum of interpretation here and that's what I was hoping for. There are great pieces, we were glad to see literal representations and abstract representations."
       "We like to give a broad idea and the let the artist do what they want with that concept. This way they can be true to themselves as an artist and can interpret our theme in their own way," added Klein.
       A variety of mixed media and mediums were used. They included guitar sculptures, stained glass and a variety of portraits of "the fab four" created with acrylic, pencil and pastels. Abstract pieces in the gallery provided an assortment of unique, visual interpretations of Beatle songs.
       "I'm a Beatles fan so it's interesting to see their songs interpreted into paintings," said Kevin Teller of Utica. "I'm really interested in music and art. A lot of the pieces are very inspiring to me."
       Music and art go hand in hand said Klein. "Music enhances the creative process. You meet a lot of people in the art world who dabble in both. It's hard to find a musician who doesn't automatically have an appreciation for what the other does."
       When Donn Enger of Armada thinks of the Beatles, he said he automatically envisions the guitar. For more than 25 years, Enger has been creating stained glass pieces, he created a piece titled "Psychedelic Guitar" for the show.
       "During that time period there were a lot of psychedelic colors, so I incorporated those colors into this design," said Enger. "You have to see it with the sun shining through it, the colors are very bright."
       As a special guest for the evening, Sinclair answered questions and recounted her experiences to anyone who asked at the event.
       "Not being from this country, I feel privileged to have had experienced all this," said Sinclair. "I made a record of what I saw and liked, which involves mostly music, my greatest love."
       Sinclair is originally from East Germany.
       "I have an obsession to record what I see," stated Sinclair. "I was very shy when I started taking photos, I used my camera to camouflage my shyness."
       "We are so thrilled to have Leni and Jere here; it's a one-stop shop for all kinds of art," said Klein. "Bringing people into this area who haven't been here before. They can see neat things right here in Romeo."
       The Beatles Show! will run until March 20 and is free to the public. Gallery hours are Thursday - Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
       The next juried show at SAC will be in May and is titled, "The Hair Show." Klein is hoping to involve local salons in the opening to show off unique hair styles. The show will be open to the public and to all mediums. Submission information can be found at, www.starkweatherarts.com