Masks Galore

This Spring brought a tradition from the Fort Collins Museum of Arts for our first time enjoyment. In its eleventh year, this is a signature event for the Museum to raise funds to support its existence. Beyond that goal, it seems to me that the event has encompassed what a Museum of Art is all about. It brings together community artists who can express themselves in a multitude of ways. Starting with a plain white ceramic mask form, any community member can bring the blank mask canvas to life. And the many ideas of life can be seen in the hundreds of ideas that take shape in the masks. We received tickets courtesy of Carolina Westers, a local real estate agent. It was through Carolina's generosity that we entered one of our favorite worlds at the end of April 2015: into the World of expression through the many Masks that can be worn in life. And here we go - Jeff at the entrance of the Masks exhibit with title and explanation of the auction process.

The auction came in a silent auction format. With its brilliant organization, they made it easy to place bids next to the mask and track your bids on a type of scorecard. The museum also had a Gala night where one of the masks was bid on, bringing thousands of dollars in donation to the project before the community auction had even begun. This is a picture of the mask upon which bidding brought a nice chunk of change. If I remember right, I think the mask went for around $6,000.

Back at the Museum, we took our first tour of the masks the afternoon before the big auction night. Here's some examples, including a peek at the bidding forms. Where to start? There are so many interesting and fun expressions. These two masks show the art form in two different formats: one with an eye included in the mask and another with a very abstract painting not depicting eyes forthright. Jeff and I had our own criteria when we decided on bidding, with a "go" or "no go" criteria being that the mask had to have left the eyes intact in some way, or at the very least not have blocked them behind the art.

What about double points for the mask over the mask? This artist was overachieving when he or she reflected the art of the mask in double-time.

Another one, with double-meaning, had word art meet visual art. "There are possibilities in all I see". I favor the masks that bring light and hope to the world like this one. Thus, you will see less of the masks that shed darkness through artistic form.

So, are you wondering yet what Jeff and I bid on? Well, wonder a little more. I have a few more fun masks to show. What about an animal mask?

Do you ever feel like an octopus has taken over your brain and dribbled into your view of the world?

Okay, here's one we bid on, but didn't win. It's called Eternal Child, and who wouldn't want a little eternal child hanging around?

Here's one we didn't bid on, but absolutely fascinated me. In a country driven by finances, the bull and the bear obsessing one's sight and mind is a startling way to make the financial world come to life. I've attached the artist's interpretation of the mask, which I think is quite eloquently written.

Okay, I will give you a slight peek at the ones that Jeff and I may have taken home. You can see more interpretation by the artists.

The night of the silent auction was bustling with activity. They had a very fun activity for the kids, of which I was in gratitude to the museum staff member who thought to entertain the kids. Lexi and Gabi don't actually care for masks that much - but I guess as a child who lives with a wall full of masks outside their bedroom door, he or she might have certain nightmares of faces haunting him or her at night. They did enjoy the scavenger hunt; going around and finding masks that answered the questions on the activity sheet.

You could say these kids took the hunt fairly seriously. They look like they are deep in thought - really trying to come up with the best answers that work for them. And what about my silly husband? When he went back later that night to do the final bidding, he decided to wear one of our masks to the finale. Notice the color coordinated shirt and mask.

The Masks exhibit was more of a process than just an exhibit, bringing the truest form of interaction to art. Yes, we might be biased because we love masks. Nonetheless, I think you can appreciate the many fine attributes such an exhibit and fundraiser can bring to the community. Here's the two masks that we won. We had to take down many of our masks and rearrange around these two wondrous and imposing pieces.

My favorite was the dryad, which complimented our fairy theme beautifully. Jeff's favorite was "Age before Beauty". Such a great ending to a fun and meaningful event.