By Alicia Coffman
For many aspiring artists, getting the opportunity to show their work can be a rare opportunity. Even more rare is a chance for people in Provo to attend an art exhibit that focuses on art that is outside the traditional mediums.
Friday, Oct. 27, 2006, at 7 p.m. at Walden School, 250 W. 500 North, Provo, there is a free potluck dinner where local artists will show documentaries, photography slideshows, independent films, fine art, sculpture and storytelling with pictures.
There will also be the world premiere of a film by Kloie Picot called, 'Shots that Bind: Palestinian Photographers in the West Bank.' The film is a documentary concerning one of the most volatile regions in the world, Palestine.
The documentary is a unique opportunity for the community to be the first audience to view a film, said Eric Beecroft, a teacher at Walden School and the event organizer.
It was in the Occupied West Bank that Picot began making documentary films. Picot, said Beecroft, is known to make films in order to show others the injustice of the Israeli Occupation.
?Picot sees herself as an anti-war photographer/filmmaker who works to create images that attempt to give a voice to those who are being silenced,? he said. ?It will be an eye-opening experience for those who attend.?
Beecroft said the event is a great chance for artists to showcase their work and have a chance to net-work with fellow photographers as well as the public.
?The event will allow the community to come and have a great time, and allow artists to get inspired to continue going out and doing the work,? he said. ?It?s the perfect opportunity to learn about the world.?
Beecroft said this sort of event began in Seattle a few years back, with a photojournalism professor, and has since moved to New York, where it has drawn crowds of hundreds of viewers and presenters.
Beecroft decided to organize an event that would give new photographers a chance to get their work seen, which can be difficult for newer artists.
The event, he said, also will allow the artists to receive feedback and begin to form a community of support, which is always helpful for aspiring artists.
Liz Blackwell, a Brigham Young University student who is presenting photographs from around the world in the show this evening, said the event will be beneficial for those who attend because it will be a night filled with cultural awareness.
?From my work, for example, the audience will be able to see part of the world they otherwise wouldn?t have,? she said.
Blackwell said she hopes that all who attend will come with an open mind and will allow themselves to fully experience the places the photos are of, and then hopefully give feedback about the photos.
?I am not experienced yet and so I am excited to get people?s opinions on my work,? she said. ?I have seen my work so much I can?t look at it objectively anymore.?
Beecroft said he hopes BYU students will take advantage of the opportunity to open their eyes to new cultures and new types of art.
?There is nothing better than to give yourself opportunities to be receptive to other cultures,? he said. ?What else are you going to do? Go again to Movies 8 or Hollywood Video, followed by ice cream at the creamery? Get out, try something new, meet some people, and get inspired to pick up a camera.?