Community, students invited to co-create interactive mural

As part of the an exhibit presented by The Akus Gallery at Eastern Connecticut State University, students, staff, faculty and members of the community are invited to join guest artist Vito Bonanno in creating an interactive mural.

This project coincides with an exhibit of his work, “Unfiltered V: Vito Bonanno Riding with the Train Girls” on view from Jan. 19 through Mar. 1, 2012 at The Akus Gallery.

The mural project takes place from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2 in the gallery, which is located in the lower floor of Shafer Hall.

A reception with the artist will be held the same day, from 5- 7 p.m. in the gallery.

Bonanno’s work is image- and concept-driven and may incorporate spray paints, gouache, India inks, oils, acrylics and other media, on paper, canvas and other materials.

Most of his characters or topics are embedded in his personal life, feelings, thoughts and dreams, centered around objects or topics that “get stuck in his head,” including traffic lights, grids, ceiling fans and graffiti.

“He has found a way to tap into the intensity of focus and insight afforded him through Autism Spectrum Disorder to unleash a formidable creative power and vision,” explains Akus Gallery Director Elizabeth Peterson.

His work has been described as raw, unfiltered, unedited, truthful, comedic, irresistible, bold, playful and charming. (Watch video at http://www.vitobonanno.com/#311100/video )

“Unfiltered V: Vito Bonanno Riding with the Train Girls” offers an unabashed glimpse into the inner workings of the artist’s complex and creative mind.

Shrine-like installations and an unconventional, quirky accompaniment of objects bring both alarming and charmingly comedic elements to the table.

The Interactive Mural project of “Unfiltered V” is a Dean’s Cup Event at Eastern. The Dean’s Cup competition is an academic and service-related event that promotes spirit and collaboration among students living in the residence halls on campus.

The competition’s purpose is to see which residence hall can get the most students to attend special events on campus, while simultaneously encouraging students to become well-seasoned in a variety of experiences, conducive to Eastern’s liberal arts mission.

The Akus Gallery is located in the lower level of Shafer Hall at the corner of Windham and Valley Streets in Willimantic, CT.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1 to 7 p.m. on Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The public is invited. Admission is free.

For more information regarding this and other exhibitions at Akus Gallery, please call (860) 465-4659 or visit on the web at www.easternct.edu/akusgallery

Posted Jan. 27, 2012 as edited by HTNP.com Editor Brenda Sullivan

Related links: Vito Bonanno’s web site http://www.vitobonanno.com/#1885253/about-the-artist

What is Austism? http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

VSA, http://www.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/programs/exhibitions.cfm

VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, was founded more than 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all.

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