New Exhibit Features Art You Can Sit On

Students don’t often consider the placement of their favorite movie poster above their bed or the color of their futon as artistic expressions, but a new exhibit is proving otherwise. “Living With Art,” an exhibit created by the University College Interior Design program, is showcasing room design as an artistic venture. This is the first show by the Interior Design students and features the work of Robert Valle, Susan Westphal and Mary Jane Frazekas.

The exhibit features designs for different rooms in a home each with a unique theme. One room in particular, “Pour Me a Drink,” may appeal to students. It showcases a table of shot glasses on an animal-skin rug. Although this may seem like an expansion of “Trading Spaces,” the rooms possess more class than color coordination. Don’t forget to visit the very intriguing bathroom decorated with an assortment of art pieces.

All of the room set-ups include pieces by local artists. In particular, check out the woodwork by John Caesar, which is mounted in the living room set-up. The connection between the traditional art pieces and the furniture might often be over looked. The local art for the most part tends to dominate the interior set-ups.

At times you may have to remind yourself to step-back and look at the room as a whole. If any pieces catch your eye, you might just be able to take them home for a hefty price.

The exhibit opened Sept. 7 and will run until Oct. 20 at the City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport.