Art speaks of politics

BRECKENRIDGE - Younger generations have expressed their political views - sometimes constructively, sometimes not so constructively - throughout the decades, and this weekend, a group of young artists are expressing their opinions through mixed media.

The 4/5 Gallery and Studio hosts a political art opening at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Six artists who share a similar ideology will display their pieces at the opening, and Green Party candidate Tom Castrigno will talk about the Green Party and Summit County issues as it relates to younger people at 8 p.m.

Brad Sutor, one of the owners of the gallery, planned the event to raise political awareness, especially in young people.

"Since I have a gallery, I have an opportunity to talk to the community or at least generate interest," Sutor said. "It's a step for our gallery to take - something credible and community oriented."

Sutor's mixed media piece comments on television and other media using key words, "fear" and "consume." Amy Small, another co-owner, addresses consumerism through her multimedia piece using a storefront door and stickers.

"(The art) has more to do with the effects of politics on a culture," Sutor said.

"The opening gives young locals an opportunity to come and look and have a forum to discuss local events," Small said.

The flyer Sutor made for the event encourages people to educate themselves about at least four issues: Salazar and Coors; Lindstrom and Lemon; Amendment 37; and the Bush administration.

"The broader voice the community has, the more accurately its need will be met," Castrigno said. "Typically, it's a narrow segment of people who vote or attend community meetings."

For more information, call (970) 453-0313.



Kimberly Nicoletti can be reached at (970) 668-3998, ext. 245, or at knicoletti@summitdaily.com.