The Shade Gallery at MonOrchid is featuring the work of Lara Plecas in an exhibit titled “Old Stories,” which includes whimsical collages in quilt-inspired patterns.
Intrigued art lovers gathered on Third Friday at the gallery, located on Roosevelt Street between Second and Third streets, for an artist reception. Curator Nicole Royse said Plecas’ work, which will be displayed through the end of September, had received positive responses, particularly after First Friday, when she said about 4,000 people came through.
Each piece hung on plain white walls, the small squares aligned neatly beside more massive artwork. The work consisted of old currency, blurred maps and intricately placed geometric shapes. The repetition of pinwheel arrangements was a prominent technique in her work.
“She’s a very talented artist,” Royse said. “This is her first solo show since showing at Eye Lounge down the street, which is a collective. So it’s really a big deal for her.”
The antiquity of the advertisements, maps and book pages combined with pinwheels of currency presented a connection between history and emotion. With years of experience, Plecas has developed the ability to transform the ordinary into an astonishing, cohesive body of work.
“I’m very inspired by the struggles that have occurred over the generations, and the stories are what inspired the show,” Plecas said. “I think it’s great to know your own family history.”
Plecas defined art as an expression of how someone interprets the world, a personal aspect that shows how someone feels.
“(When you feel a certain way) other people will feel similar to how you feel, because we’re human. And when you relate to them, I feel like that’s what makes art successful,” Plecas said. “It’s when you can touch other people.”
Plecas said she wanted to study art but was talked out of it by suggestions to study something more practical. She attended ASU, majoring in exercise science and dance, which involved the study of movement through science and art. Plecas worked in physical therapy for several years throughout college, despite her desire to study art.
After eventually becoming bored with the field, she started painting in the downtown area when it was still fairly desolate.
“When there wasn’t much down here, then I was surrounded by artists that were working and I just watched and I experimented,” she said. “I painted, and I’ve been painting for 14 years.”
John Blackwell, a family member of Plecas, praised her work and attended the event to support the local artist.
“We even have some of her artwork in our house,” Blackwell said.
Not only has Plecas gained exposure from the exhibit, but it has also proved to be beneficial and enjoyable to the community.
“I think it’s a great way for the community to connect with each other, and it’s uplifting, and it’s fun and it’s just wonderful,” Royse said.
Christine Cassano is also being featured this month at MonOrchid’s Bokeh Gallery. Her mixed-media exhibit “Confluence” explores the relationship between materials such as clay, wood and metals.
Cassano’s “Confluence,” as well as the work by Plecas, will continue to be displayed through Sept. 26.
Contact the reporter at Aida.Chavez@asu.edu
