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Fair Trade Exhibition

admin — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:28:59 +0000

I’m going to attempt to write an article about an art exhibit that doesn’t exist, at least not yet. On October 24, Art Hospital will be showing work by artists from Indianapolis gallery Big Car. I’m writing this in late August to meet deadline, so that’s roughly two months from now. I’ve been told to expect group collaborations in a Surrealist vein, but no one will tell me who per se will be in this exhibition. “The upcoming Big Car Exhibit is part of a pair of traded exhibitions. The Art Hospital exhibits at Big Car Gallery and then Big Car Gallery exhibits at the Art Hospital. So, the show will feature work from the entire staff of Big Car,” explains Mark Rice, a Hospital staff member. The theme for the show is Bloomington itself, and all the crazy experiences, of which there appears to be a surplus, that the Big Car artists have had and will continue to have in the next two months. I can’t even tell you, the reader, what type of artistic medium to expect. If anything, expect a party at the opening.
I got in touch with John Clarke. He helps run the Big Car Gallery, created the zine pLopLop (which the IU Library subscribes to), and exhibited at Art Hospital last February. John is a confirmed participant in this new show, and if anyone was going to tell me what it was going to look like, it would be him. I asked him for an inside scoop.
“I don’t want to name individual participants. This will really be the fun aspect of this adventure: we don’t know exactly what will happen or who will collaborate with whom but we will create a fun, memorable show….guaranteed.” John says.
Apart from this, I did get the impression that Indy artists truly do have a sweet spot for Bloomington. Big Car Gallery has a habit of featuring Bloomington-based bands. Also, the IU Art Museum, while not the same scale as the one in Indianapolis, has bonafide masterpieces like Stuart Davis’s “Swing Landscape.” Either that, or Bloomington is full of the crazy life. Case in point: the last show John Clarke did at Bloomington ended with “me getting rope burns on 37% of my body,” he explains with apparent glee. It’s easy to forget that beneath the veneer of farmers markets, downtown gallery walks and scooter riders, there is a crazy side to Bloomington. You see it in every pair of shoes hanging from a power line and every near-campus house party that floods into the street. My best bet is that this is the face of Bloomington that will most inspire the Indy crew.
Big Car’s opening and reception will be Friday, October 24, from 7-9pm at Art Hospital’s new location: 102 W. Allen St. You might also be interested in Art Hospital’s show at the Big Car Gallery at 1043 Virginia Ave. on September 5, opening reception 6-midnight, should you be going to Indianapolis.

Train of Thought

admin — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:19:55 +0000

Researchers are scrutinizing what many of us assume to be the norm for those prone to perfectionism. Their findings are clear: trying to be perfect can be filled with flaws. In fact, a certain style of perfectionism is harmful; this according to newly published research presented last summer at the American Psychological Association annual convention in San Francisco, California.
The study, published by researchers at Iowa State University, collected data from nearly 300 college students at a large midwestern university and sought to better understand how one type of perfectionism can cause some people to excessively seek reassurance from others. Moreover, the research found that this specific type of perfectionism, driven by the escalated need for strokes and approval (from others), was linked to the increased occurrence of anxiety and depression. On the upside, the research also discusses an alternative, healthier version of perfectionism that actually helps insulate people from anxiety and depression. Really, you say? Yes…really.
According to the research, the unhealthy version of perfectionism is closely associated with the establishment of lofty personal performance criteria, driven mainly by the fear of receiving a negative evaluation of one’s performance. Motivation for this style of perfection stems from the hope of attaining approval and love from significant others. What causes this? Well, it appears this style of perfectionism is learned because of exposure to a parent (or caregiver) that established unusually high standards of performance, or perpetuated an environment of harsh criticism related to performance. As a result, these individuals often hold deep-seeded beliefs regarding the importance of pursuing this style of perfectionism. Thanks, Mom!
So, what does this all mean? To begin, the psychological ramifications of this style of perfectionism are important and far-reaching. Researchers found that the need to attain approval from others created a vulnerability to anxiety and depression for those with these perfectionistic tendencies. This dilemma places individuals in the precarious position whereby their mood is, in large part, based on the capacity and willingness of others to reinforce or validate them. Note to self: stop seeking excessive approval from others.
Now the good news is, an alternative form of perfectionism does exist, and those with this tendency exhibit far more self-direction and self-reinforcement. Those with this more flexible type of perfectionism often strive for excellence; however, their standards are derived from their own personal needs or choices. By being able to experience satisfaction based upon their own personal criteria, they can experience more fulfillment while striving for excellence. In fact, the research established that self-reinforcement, a key attribute of this style, is protective against depression and anxiety. In the end, being able to thrive without approval from others appears to be a capacity worth increasing or acquiring. Second note to self: re-read first note to self.
Interestingly, researchers suggested that many college students may have both types of perfectionistic styles, and because of this duality are able to make changes based on the presence of both styles. Two strategies emerged from the research that may be helpful to increase one’s capacity for the healthier version of perfectionism. Conscientiousness, an attribute strongly associated with the healthier version of perfectionism, is a characteristic that researchers indicate is protective against depression and anxiety. Additionally, keeping a daily written account of one’s accomplishments is beneficial because it helps one to become more aware of progress and achievement. Moreover, being able to use positive self-appraisals (or self-talk) can be very helpful. And besides, if people overhear you talking to yourself, tell them to mind their own business—you don’t really need their approval anyway, do you?
Have a personal issue or question for Train of Thought? Send your question to _______________ Questions and answers to be published in upcoming issues. Confidentiality steadfastly observed, of course!

Copyright © (2008) by the American Psychological Association. Adapted with permission. The official citation that should be used in referencing this material is Wu, T.F., & Wei, M. (2008). Perfectionism and Negative Mood: The Mediating Roles of Validation From Others Versus Self. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(2), 276-288. The use of APA information does not imply endorsement by APA.

CW Events Calendar: Venues Guide

admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 06:43:08 +0000

Venues Guide

Rhino’s

Fester’s

Space 101

DeAngelo’s

Wonderlab

Rachael’s

JWAC

BusChum

Cinemat

Bear’s

Bluebird

Art Hospital

Sweet Hickory

BPP

Brown County Playhouse

People’s Park

Player’s Pub

JWAC

Kilroy’s/Kirkwood

Sport’s

SoFA