The “Fall of Freedom: Fighting Fascism Through Art” exhibition is coming to Bloomington this weekend. It’ll host more than 40 art pieces from eight local artists, all united by the goal of thwarting fascism in the United States.
It’ll run from 5-10 p.m. Friday and 1-9 p.m. Saturday at 714 W. Kirkwood Ave.
Along with showcasing art pieces like sculptures, paintings and ceramics, the event will also feature live music by Travers Marks, who owns Max’s Place. Attendees will also be able to make protest posters. Materials will be available at the exhibit, and signs can be added to the event’s “Wall of Dissent.”
Homemade snack foods and beverages such as beer, wine and water will also be provided. There is no cost of admission, but the organizers will be accepting donations and selling some of the artwork, with all proceeds going to Community Kitchen of Monroe County, a nonprofit food kitchen that helps those without food security.
Paul Pruitt, the main coordinator and one of the artists participating in the showcase, will display several sculptural pieces made with "found objects."
“One is made from old paint can lids, and two more are made with corn and another is made with old wood,” Paul said. “Most of our work was inspired by one person right now, Donald Trump.”
Paul said many of his pieces represent the current climate of the United States. He’s also focused on the struggles of local farmers, who are losing revenue on corn, wheat and soybeans, and immigrants targeted by presidential executive orders this year.
Another artist, Bert Gilbert, is showcasing a large sculpture piece called "Fear From The Left And Fear From The Right."
“I made it a few years ago when I suddenly realized that fear was being used as a political tool,” Gilbert said. “Fear makes you constantly conscious of your periphery and pushes all your attention to the things around you.”
Lance Pruitt, Paul’s son, will present his artwork at the event, as well. Lance has a background in sculpture and woodworking and will display several sculptures at the event. He has created a text-based piece that combines walnut woodworking with carved text using computer numerical control, which is computer assisted woodworking.
The artists all said creating an open space for art in a time of political strife is integral to fighting fascism, those who oppose freedom of expression through art and the current administration.
“I think this is a wonderful way for us to get together and to maybe provide a voice for outrage across the community,” Gilbert said.
Lance said it’s important for the community to show up for this event to make a powerful statement against the government. He said coming together as a group is one of the greatest resistances a community can muster.
“One of the key, kind of, tenants of fascism is isolation,” Lance said. “The strongest thing we can do is build bonds with one another and find common cause and find common goals and find common language and find common expression.”
