the tough questions

stark naked salon

The Massillon Museum hosted another huge party Aug. 22 for the opening of the Stark Naked Salon exhibit. I hear about 1,200 people showed up to support a show of many artists, all of them from Stark County. The show, put together by co-curators Alexandra Nicholis and Dan Kane of the Canton Repository, brought together some artists that I’ve seen around at First Friday and other venues, but gave some new artists a chance to show off as well.

I was running a little late, but I got there just in time to see a fishplosion of dance and art from the art/theatre group Xaingo. While the artist in the back worked on a quick painting, the actresses in front interpreted the ideas of the art and music through the dance of some curious fish and graceful water. They even got some kids involved in the dance:

Inside, the gallery was packed full of people checking out the new art. I enjoyed some of the pieces by Marti Jones Dixon and Ron Copeland, who has had art in the Acme Gallery in Canton. There were some fun pieces from Scot Phillips as well, but the whole show is much more impressive than any links I can find.

Before the night was over, I had my photo taken in the lobby by Nick Brewer, so I can’t wait to see how that turned out.

And, while I did get some food at the party, I also had to run down the street to Smiley’s before the evening was over to pick up a stromboli. I only recently discovered this place, but I like it more and more every time I’m there.