Skimmseum: Raindrops Keep

Fallin on My Fred
POSTED ON APRIL 17, 2015

Welcome to theSkimmseum. Weve skimmed the news around the museum, and
want to share the highlights with you.
Skimmd while feeling kind of sick from eating too much cookie butter.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
It was a dark and stormy night. Snoopy

SUMMER BREEZE, MAKES ME

FEEL FINE ARTS
THE STORY
Okay, artsy person reading this blogIm going to need you to brace yourself.
This post somewhat involves *tries not to gag* science. I know, I know. This is an
obscure blog posted by an art museum, why are we doing this to you?? YOU
THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS. Okay, calm down, breathe, re-bury those horrible
memories of Mr. Tysons biology class (why did the cadaver cat have to be
pregnant? Why? This is why I joined band). We might be talking about science a
little, but its a FUN science: weather! And there isnt a test at the end!

WILL YOU JUST TELL US WHATS HAPPENING

So what the Van Gogh does weather have to do with art? Im so glad you asked.
Journey back in time with us to the year two thousand and eleven, when we were
under the leadership of Ghislain dHumires (a name every journalist would love
to come across on the teleprompter). The Stuart Wing was under construction
that year, and the School of Art and Art History (whose annual student exhibition
is usually housed in the FJJMA) had to look elsewhere for a temporary gallery
space. They found one in an unlikely spotthe atrium of theNational Weather
Center. During the student exhibition opening reception, an art history faculty
member pitched the idea that it would be very interesting to put on an exhibition
that celebrated both weather and art. Two years later, in 2013, the first National
Weather Center Biennale became a reality. This year, were doing it again. The
guest juror is Houston conceptual artist Mel Chin. Hes pretty incredible, and if
you havent seen his stuff, you definitely should take a look.

SO WHAT IS IT?
Artists from around the world submit their works to be considered for the
exhibition. The ones who are selected are displayed in a temporary gallery at the
National Weather Center. Judges then select winners from the art that is on
display in the gallery. Need some incentive to get involved in 2017s biennale?
The prize for Best in Show is $10,000. No, I didnt accidentally put too many

zeros on there. Even if you arent the best out of everyone, Best of Painting,
Photography, or Works on Paper can get you a $5,000 prize. I know what youre
thinking: *dollar signs in eyes* we should work with science people more often!

SO HOW CAN I SEE IT?

The official opening event is on Sunday, April 19, 3 p.m. The opening reception
will feature biennale guest judge Mel Chin, announcement of prize winners at
3:30 p.m., and a come-and-go reception. Although this seems kind of ridiculous
to point out, it should be noted that the National Weather Center Biennale
exhibition opening is at the National Weather Center. Were expecting many
people to show up at the Fred Jones, assuming the National Weather Center
Biennale is here, instead of at the National Weather Center. The whole thing is
a cooperative exhibition between the National Weather Center, the Norman Arts
Council, and the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.

REPEAT AFTER ME
WHAT TO SAY IF YOUR FRIEND WONT GO TO THE
NATIONAL WEATHER CENTER BIENNALE WITH YOU
Its raining in my heart. But after you say that, you should find new friends and
come anywayno one needs that kind of negativity in their lives.

THINGS TO KNOW
Biennale: Nope, not that; youre thinking of bidet. A Biennale is a large art
exhibition or music festival that is held biennially. So first of all, I want to help you
avoid sounding like a moron (cough, how I sounded until someone corrected my
pronunciation). It is not pronounced Bye-Anne-all. It is only pronounced that
way if it is translated into Texan. The correct way to say it is Be-in-al. As in, Al
Gore looked over at his frenemies and thought to himself, Ya know, its
tough bein Al. Now, Google says that its ACTUALLY pronounced b-enl,
but were already using a weird French word and were only allowed eleven
overly-pretentious things a day.
So now, everyone put your books away, and get out a No. 2 pencil and your
scantron. (Just kidding, theres really not a test)