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Revenge of Monster

Gallery Exhibition

A special Halloween exhibition of artwork by artists with developmental disabilities at San Francisco’s Creativity Explored

October 20 – November 23, 2005
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm

SAN FRANCISCO…Back out of the coffin by popular demand – it’s Creativity Explored’s monster show! ‘Reanimating’ a successful 2003 show that first launched the monster theme at this visual art center for artists with developmental disabilities, Creativity Explored artists take a fresh look at classic monsters in the exhibition “Revenge of Monster” on view October 20 through November 23, 2005. The exhibition opens with a reception on October 20th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm that will feature a one-time-only screening of artist Gordon Shepard’s live action short film “Horror Castle.” The gallery is regularly open Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and Saturday from 1:00 to 6:00 pm.

The gallery will be a veritable who’s who of horror with a King Kong diorama, a simulated underwater installation featuring the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and ceramic busts of favorites such as the Bride of Frankenstein, the Wolfman and more. Monster-sized murals of other famous creatures will hang throughout the studio.

Studio artist and author Michael Bernard Loggins contributes a monster zine called “Creepy Creatures in the Month of October.” In it, Loggins reflects on each monster individually and asks questions that reveal the humanity of each. His musings on the Bride of Frankenstein center on her relationship problems with the groom. He wonders how the Werewolf feels about himself, and ponders a more general issue. He writes, “What does monsters do in the morning when they wakes-up? Does they goes in the bathroom and see themselves in a mirror while they stand around poking themselves all day with a razor blade at their faces to get rid of lots of stubs?”

For exhibition curator Francis Kohler, Loggins’ questions get at the heart of his own long-held interest in monsters. A monster fan since childhood, Kohler retains his fascination with Dracula and his pals, but for new, more political reasons. “It wasn’t that long ago that people with disabilities were called “monsters,” and it sadly persists in some places,” says Kohler. “And look at the classic monsters – the Hunchback, Phantom of the Opera…when you get down to it, they are really just people with disabilities. The Frankenstein of the movies would probably be considered developmentally disabled today. Thankfully, places like Creativity Explored exist to eliminate some of the ignorance.”

Studio artist Gordon Shepard is just as hooked on monsters as Kohler, and the two have been collaborating for months on a special live-action short film that will premiere at the opening of the exhibition on October 20 entitled “Horror Castle.” Shepard developed this terrifying tale of a mad scientist with a diabolical plan and also takes the starring role of the scientist. Fellow studio artist Heidi _Hennessey is the all-important doctor’s assistant, and Michele Kunard plays the unfortunate woman abducted for an experiment in monster making. Attendees of the opening festivities are encouraged to wear their best monster attire.

Creativity Explored is a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.

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# Posted on September 10, 2005