I love UMMA. Even though I walk past it all the time, I haven’t stopped
inside since last year when I had a painting class and I think a lot of
students are in similar situations (more so about the walking past and not
stopping than the painting class last year). We walk by UMMA nearly
everyday but don’t think about making time to stop inside. The other day,
I was sitting in class when my friend Lindsay, who works in UMMA’s shop,
mentioned that she was going to have to work that night because of UMMA’s
after hours event. I had heard of the event and thought about going, but
had completely forgotten. I decided to take the time to go.
Inside, there were snacks and a strawberry shortcake bar. The museum was
also giving away tote bags as well as notebooks for people who were wearing
blue, the color of the evening, which my friend and I just happened to be
wearing. There was a band and the museum had lights up everywhere. After
saying hi to Lindsay, stuffing our faces with strawberry shortcake and
scoring a couple notebooks, we decided it was time to actually look around.
One of the current exhibitions, which I really enjoyed, is “Fluxus and
the Essential Questions of Life,” which features Fluxus artists. UMMA’s
website says that the Fluxus works demonstrate the idea that art is
everywhere and can be created with anything by anyone – the pieces
utilize mediums that step outside the world of canvases and clay, many of
which are elements of everyday life like a shirt, a dresser, a door, and
more. If you haven’t heard of Fluxus, this exhibit is a great way to
explore what it’s all about. The Fluxus art is on display until May 20th.
Overall I had a great time at UMMA after hours. I was surprised that, since
it was at night and not during the day with classes, there weren’t more
students at the event. Plus, you would think the free food would be a
student magnet in itself, but I guess not. I definitely plan to go again
next year. You should, too – or at least go see the Fluxus exhibit now!
Take the time to stop into UMMA, even if just to study for finals.