Today In downtown Manassas the ARTfactory is showcasing Scott Eagle’s art works.
History of the ARTfactory Building
The ARTfactory is a historic red brick building on Battle Street.
Initially, it was the site of Hopkins Candy Factory built in 1908. In the years that followed, it was owned by the Manassas Feed and Milling Company when it became a flour mill. Then, the building changed hands and became the Southern States Cooperative selling farm supplies in the 1930’s. Lastly, in 1980, it was a tire warehouse owned by the Merchant Family. In 1998, Mae Merchant donated the building to the city of Manassas for restoration as a public arts center.
The ARTfactory
Upon entering the art gallery, the steps and railing glowed a surreal purple from the the overhead lighting.
“Sightings a Solo Exhibit” by Scott Eagle is today’s art showing. So, we walked about the gallery and checked out the paintings. In my understanding of things, the artist wants the viewer to examine their inner feelings of change, joy, fear, and death, etc., to try to understand them. For instance, one of his paintings is of a fragile butterfly near what looks like a circling tunnel of doom. He feels good art educates, heals and creates joy.
Eagle’s exhibit consists of paintings, drawings, sculpture, digital art, and mixed media works.
Interactive Installation and Scott Eagle
In particular, I find Eagle’s interactive installation very interesting.
Visitors are invited to create and add/”plant” their own piece during the duration of his display.
The photograph below shows boxes containing materials for making and bounding the visitor’s interactive art pieces.
So, a variety of art materials in each interactive box helps visitors express their feelings.
In addition, the theme of beauty versus death is found in many of the interactive art pieces. These pieces are “planted” to Eagle’s work or scattered around the gallery.
Ending Notes
I enjoyed visiting the ARTfactory and learning more about Scott Eagle’s art pieces and his views on art.
Unfortunately, I did not have time to make or “plant” an interactive art piece.
Eagle’s art work is currently on display and is for sale.
Gallery Wall of Interactive Art in Scott Eagle’s showing.
A Special Thank You to the ARTfactory Representative, (Kim or Beverly?), for allowing me to blog and take today’s photographs.
