Participating artists include: Joseph Annino, Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong, Marcio Arteaga, Mary Bailey, Carlos Biernnay, Byron Bigelow, Joan Fitzsimmons, Lilah Heyman, Suzanne Kachmar, Bob Keating, Daniel Lanzilotta, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, Larry Morse, Shanna Melton, Miguel Mendoza, Ellie Mesa, John O’Grodnik, Lisie Orjuela, Yolanda Vasquez Petrocelli, Samuel Pintos, Lindsay Randolph, Scott Schuldt, Jodi Strimska, Rita Valley, and Joan Wheeler.

About the exhibit: Inspired by the quote by Van Gogh, “One must never let the fire go out in one’s soul, but keep it burning.” The Bernhard Center hosts two exhibits presenting a large survey of selected new works from the Bridgeport Art Trail community and a companion exhibit featuring artful welding, to highlight curriculum offered at the University. The New Works exhibit provides an opportunity for artists to share recent creations with their community.

Artists often seek out others who understand the need to create, experiment and live authentically, abandoning social conventions. The congregation of artists in industrial and city neighborhoods eventually creates a destination for culture vultures, who like the artists are attracted to the creative flame.

The artists’ compulsion can be described as an ‘impractical practicality’. It is how creative empaths function, process and cope in a world full of conflict and unanswerable existential questions. Regardless of their points of view, artists are attracted to the flame of creativity, navigating uncertain conditions of the artists’ practice and lifestyle. The artistic pursuit, like a flame, has the potential to create, forge, and destroy. Artists often strive to create something new, following their vision while not knowing how it will be received or where the process will take them.

A way to keep the creative flame burning is through experiencing art, and from receiving the support and feedback of one’s peers and the greater community. For many, art is an all-consuming compulsion. Designing a life where art is a focus demands sacrifice and often engenders an unconventional lifestyle that is understood by fellow creatives and questioned by many others. The annual Bridgeport Art Trail celebrates the commitment to the arts, by artists and their supporters.

Attracted to the Flame - Welding Art Exhibit  

From our primordial beginnings, we have been attracted to the flame for warmth, inspiration, and life itself.  We have tried to tame it, but it is bigger than us and will outlast us. The most we can hope for is a dance with the flame where one temporarily shifts to fill the void created by the other, working with the flame, but respecting its omnipotence.

The University of Bridgeport offers a program in welding and would like to inspire the creative application of welding skills and for artists to consider welding in the exploration of their artwork.  Schelfhaudt Gallery will be presenting a collection of welding art curated by Peter Schelfhaudt as part of the Attracted to the Flame event. All work to be exhibited will incorporate some element of welding.