WBAA to feature performance art collaboration
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – WBAA public radio from Purdue on Tuesday (Feb. 22) will collaborate with artisan Rena Brouwer and Joe Peters in the creation of an original watercolor painting in the studio.
Brouwer, an accomplished artist from Delphi, Ind., and Peters, a local musician and host of WBAA's "Acoustic Blend" program, created a live performance art experience in which Brouwer paints a watercolor piece inspired by Peters' original music.
Sally Lutes, WBAA development director, wanted to see if the pair could create that experience in a way that would be meaningful to radio audiences.
"When you think about public radio programs, what often comes to mind is the skill and finesse the hosts and reporters have with creating imagery for the listeners," Lutes said. "It's an art form in itself. As a host of one of our locally produced programs, I thought it would be interesting for Joe to create that experience for our audience."
The process also will be videotaped, and the finished painting will be on display at the Greater Lafayette Museum of Art. A "QR tag" will accompany the display so those viewing the painting can use a smart phone to access the video and see the creative process behind the work.
"It really adds a new layer to the experience of viewing a static painting. The painting is there, but at the same time you're viewing it at the museum, you'll also be able to see the artist create the painting and hear the music that inspired it," Lutes said.
A set of note cards that feature the painting and include the QR tag will be offered as a thank-you gift to anyone who donates to WBAA prior to the station's One Day Pledge Drive on April 7.
The "Acoustic Blend" program will air at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 12, on WBAA 920 AM.
Source: Sally Lutes, 765-496-7794, lutess@purdue.edu