Kudzu’s ‘Lateral Thinking’ Open House Today

What do a bird, leaves, snow, a glass, musical instruments, a wrench, a chair, flowers, berries and a seashell have in common? They were all objects that local artists had to choose from when creating a piece for Kudzu’s Lateral Thinking exhibit. 

The show will kick off with an open house today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a part of the downtown holiday shopping festivities.  In addition to the show, Kudzu has expanded its “Wall of Small,” which are, you guessed it, smaller and more affordable works that a good for gift-giving.

The artists, who are all Kudzu members, were given the list of 11 objects then had the challenge of incorporating at least five of them into a work of art. The results were surprising, with everything from sculpture to collage to watercolor on display.

Attending the show is interesting because it turns into a kind of “seek-and-find,” trying to zero in on the five objects in every piece. The work was juried and three winners were chosen along with three honorable mentions.

The first place ribbon hangs next to Anne Labaire’s piece “In the Garden,” a detailed, fascinating ink-and-pen drawing that is very much like a game of Where’s Waldo. Labaire managed to fit all 11 items into her work, but finding them might take some time among the tangle of shapes and outlines in the black and white work.

Karen Devine’s “Child’s Dream,” the second place winner, is a soft watercolor painting with a floating, dreamy feel.

The third place winner, Diana Dice’s “Chopin’s Clubhouse,” is very different in feeling from Devine’s work. The bright, almost tropical, coloring of the piece draws the eye. A simple, stylized house is at the center of the work, but artist’s touch is the details.

The exhibit will run through the end of the year. Kudzu’s regular hours are Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.