This summer, Blaffer Gallery unveiled one of its boldest exhibitions, “POPulence.” For those who missed its opening reception and lunchtime lectures, the newly-formed Blaffer Student Association (BSA) is sponsoring an afternoon of events centered on this innovative collection of pop art.

The Red Block Bash will run 1 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, in the gallery and the outdoor courtyard next to the Fine Arts Building.

“We are pleased to inaugurate the Blaffer Student Association with this event,” said Terri Sultan, gallery director. “Designed by students and inspired by our programs, the bash and the BSA are part of a larger initiative to spark campus participation in museum activities and build awareness of Blaffer Gallery as an invaluable academic resource, and as a place for students, faculty and the community at large to enjoy innovative contemporary art.”

The event kicks off with an art contest. A lecture from the exhibition’s curator, David Pagel, will follow from 1 – 2 p.m. in Room 110 of the Fine Arts Building. Pagel, a Los Angeles-based art critic and curator, selected from 19 artists 50 works to be displayed in “POPulence.”

At 2 p.m., vocalists from the Moores School of Music and authors from the Creative Writing Program are scheduled to participate in an afternoon of open mic performances. Dance presentations also are planned. The bash will offer free “POPulence” tours by Blaffer docents at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. From 4 – 5 p.m., a scavenger hunt also is planned to acquaint faculty, staff and students with the museum.

From 5 – 7 p.m., a closing reception for POPulence will be held in Blaffer Gallery and at 5:30 p.m., a preview screening of the documentary “Art: 21” will be shown in the Fine Arts courtyard. This film, which will air on PBS in September, explores art in the 21st century.

The BSA was formed earlier this year to boost student awareness of the gallery and its many events and programs.

“We want to let more students know about what’s happening at Blaffer Gallery,” said Jessica Rios, sophomore graphics major and BSA president. “There are a variety of lunchtime and afternoon events that are free for the campus community. Often, students will have an hour break between classes, and that’s the perfect time to visit Blaffer and witness fascinating art.”

For more information on the Red Block Bash and the BSA, contact Rios at blaffersa@uh.edu.

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu