Bob Hadley & Pat Topping - Fine Arts Center members for one year
Why did you
become a member of the FAC?
Pat: I wanted to be able to visit whenever I
wanted, and not rely on the free days so much. I am on a fixed income and it
was a stretch to purchase a higher level membership so that Robert could be
included. But I have found I come more often and I always feel so relaxed, yet
energized, after a visit.
Bob:
It was a gift from my Beautiful Lady…
When did your
interest in the arts begin?
Bob:
My formal introduction to the arts was in kindergarten. Mrs. Kohlstead tried to
expose the class to every aspect of the arts– music, painting and even opera.
My grandmother was instrumental in the introduction of opera though. My parents
were also a factor. My father played piano and my mother sang with a jazz band
during WWII.
Pat: I think it was in the 7th grade, in art
class. I wasn’t very good at anything, but part of the class was art
appreciation and history, and our teacher was good at exposing us to different
things. I fell in love with Salvador Dali’s work; that dripping clock I
understood! His work just somehow resonated. I remember all I asked for that
year for Christmas was a book about him. My parents gave me a wonderful coffee-table
book about him and his work (I still have it) and that first delight just grew
over the years.
What has been one of your
favorite plays, classes or exhibits at the FAC?
Pat:
Lots of exhibits pop up – the Birger Sandzén exhibit (Sandzén in Colorado, 2011) comes immediately to mind. I love his
work, and have been to the Sandzén gallery in Lindsborg, Kansas, twice. But two
things that really stand out are the current Continuance exhibit and the play, Chicago (2003), from a few years back. I like industrial art and
simply can’t get enough of Chuck and Collins’s exhibit Continuance. That huge circle of light is wondrous (Divided, 2013). I can sit for hours and
watch it. I would love to see the FAC purchase some of the exhibit pieces for
the permanent collection.
Bob: Hands down, Continuance: Charles and Collin Parson
(2014), the exhibit was awesome. The Artist & Curator Conversation forum
(which took place Feb. 7, 2015) with the artists and staff was amazing. To be
able to get the thought process and ideas from beginning to end: art in motion,
the conception, birth and raising of a baby. I think the forum is essential to
understanding and appreciating the artwork.
What is your
favorite work of art on display at the FAC right now?
Bob: Collin Parson’s sixteen
foot circle (Divided, 2013). When I
first viewed it, the room was relatively empty. It gave me, a combat vet with
PTSD issues, a sense of peace. When I conveyed this to Collin, it affected him.
All I want to say to him is thanks. It is a very powerful, tranquil piece. Art
should affect a person and this piece does. I’m grateful to be able to tell him
how it affected me at the Artist & Curator Conversation forum hosted at the
FAC. I feel that the FAC staff wants the community to really immerse itself in
the world of art, not just the displays, but during the social gatherings like the
first Saturday Monthly Member Tours, and just being approachable by all. It’s a
very welcoming attitude.
Pat:
Besides the Continuance exhibit, one
piece I love is the Vance Kirkland (Vibrations
of Scarlet on Blue and Green, No. 5, 1969) that is currently on display. I
have also been a member of the Kirkland Museum in Denver, and think he is underappreciated.
What else do
you like to do for fun in Colorado Springs?
Pat: Besides follow the Broncos
and the Avalanche? Hiking, road trips
for any reason but especially to see my grandkids, TheatreWorks, movies,
needlepoint and embroidery (I belong to the Embroiders’ Guild of America. For
the past 10 years I have enjoyed learning new techniques about fibers, fabric,
color and texture, and have started designing some of my own work), playing
with my dog (who wants to play Frisbee until my arm falls off), and I read,
read, read!
Bob: We, my lady Pat and I, are members of TheatreWorks, and
the Colorado Springs Conservatory’s The Mezzanine. Between those and the FAC we
manage to keep busy. We also like to travel, play with our dogs (read kids),
restore old cars (works of art in themselves… could be a future exhibit!! Hint,
hint), and work on our house.
To hear what else Bob & Pat had to say about the Fine Arts Center, check out the video below!
