By Colin Fissenden

In conjunction with the grand opening of the Center for the Visual Arts, the Schneider Museum proudly presents an exhibition by the renowned artist Judy Pfaff. 'Transforming Traditions' features some of Pfaff's finest works of installation art, multimedia three-dimensional sculpture. The installation "Notes on Light and Shadow" occupies an entire wing of the Schneider, and took Pfaff and her assistants a week to arrange.

Pfaff, a professor of Art at Bard College, has been at the forefront of experimental installations since the early 1980s. Her work pushes artistic boundaries, redefines traditions, and emphasizes experimentation. The spectacular "Notes on Light and Shadow" is the featured work.

SOU Art student Rylan Phillips skillfully explains why the work works: "I think instillation art is supposed to change the idea of how people think about gallery space, and Judy Pfaff did that really well. This piece puts the person in a surrealist space and brings substance to what previously had no substance. More than anything, her artwork is very emotional. She starts with a feeling and builds upon it. There are elements in her work that you can't talk about, and that's what makes it good art. You can think about it and not figure it out, yet still feel good for thinking about it."

"Transforming Traditions" was the ideal exhibition for the CVA's grand opening. Pfaff's role as an innovator in contemporary art suits the design of the new buildings. More than that, Pfaff serves as an apt model to develop their artistic vision. "There's certainly the intimidation factor," said Phillips, "you ask yourself, can I do that? Her work gives you a taste of the real world."

The Schneider Museum of Art brings a wealth of contemporary art to Southern Oregon. Exhibitions range from classic art in the permanent collection to work of the finest artists in the region, and work from all over the world. The Ashland art community supports the Schneider, for as Judy Howard put it, "I firmly believe that the Schneider should continue as it has with challenging and educational shows."

The Museum is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10am to 4pm. On November 3, 2000, the Schneider will be participating in Ashland's First Friday event, and will be open from 4 to 7pm.