It is often said that two heads are better than one, and that is definitely the case when it comes to artistic endeavors. When artists come together to merge and mutually celebrate their styles, ideas and creative leanings, the results are often magical. From September 29 – October 6, Gallery 201 at Brooksville City Hall is inviting artists to submit three pieces of artwork created in collaboration. This is the “Meeting of the Minds” exhibit, the final show of the year at Gallery 201, 201 Howell Avenue, Brooksville. “Art created as a combination of techniques and intelligences in an effort to work together,” read an event notice written by Gallery Coordinator Pedram Moghaddam. “As we move into yet another new year, we recognize that significant cultural communication means reaching out to our neighbors, listening to one another, and working together to create unique, new experiences and works of art! This show is about collaboration. It mixes media, people, and ideas.”
In general, participating artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from something or somewhere new.” Initially, artists answering this call were encouraged to collaborate with a partner, such as their art teacher or friend who works in another medium, creating images and pieces that complement each other.
“Coordinate with other creatives to create artwork that speaks to the importance of discussing your art and what it means to you, working together and exposing yourself to different themes and mediums,” reads the event notice.
Moghaddam feels that collaborative art can rank among the most creative. “As we saw with Andy Warhol and his Factory artists, collaborations can produce the finest art,” he said. “A collaborator pushes you to keep up the momentum; you keep each other going. You form a team to create the aesthetic.”
Yet, in Moghaddam’s eyes, Meeting of the Minds is about far more than a collaboration between individual visual artists. “The idea for this exhibit is in itself a collaboration,” he revealed. “I worked with the Hernando County Fine Arts Council on this idea, with Allisa Babor and Jessica Knutilla offering so much valuable input.”
This exhibit, to Moghaddam, personifies and exemplifies his vision for an enhanced Hernando County arts scene. “I want the gallery, the Arts Council, Brooksville Main Street, City Hall and so many organizations and government agencies to come together and promote art in our community,” he said. “Everyone loves the arts.” He stresses, furthermore, that not all of the art presented in “Meeting of the Minds” will involve the partnership of visual artists. “We have poets and sculptors working together to illustrate written works,” he said. “To post a poem next to a painting or sculpture is more visually exciting than a handwritten poem simply pasted on a page.”
Other “Meeting of the Minds” works, Moghaddam says, may be created by a single artist, but represent a merging of different artistic styles. “An artist could recreate ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ by Johannes Vermeer but use a Matisse style and method to execute the image,” he said.
All media are welcome for Meeting of the Minds, including 3-D, glass, and digital art. Display cases will be available to display items such as jewelry, fine glass, or sculpture. Submit your proposals to [email protected].
The deadline for submissions is October 6, 2023, between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the City of Brooksville. The opening reception for Meeting of the Minds, featuring art, music and poetry, will be celebrated from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 13.
“Through ‘Meeting of the Minds,’ We ask you to pay tribute to the undeniable talent and culture of the arts throughout Central Florida,” reads the event notice.
