[Seattle-editorial] Denise Smith Exhibit Opens at the Tollbooth Gallery-PRESS RELEASE

[tollbooth at artrod.org]

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Attn: Arts and Entertainment Editor

Contact:
	Michael Lent
	Vice President, Artrod
	Phone: (253) 572-0995
	Email: michael at artrod.org

Video Artist, Denise Smith, Opens Exhibit
Show titled “Stepback” by Denise Smith
opens at the TOLLBOOTH Gallery in Tacoma

(Tacoma, WA)- “Stepback” by Olympia-based artist Denise Smith is the
newest TOLLBOOTH exhibit and will open on April 11, 2004 and run until
June 2, 2004.  "Stepback" incorporates a one channel video and paper based
work into an ongoing public space.

Los Angeles Art Pioneer, Patti Pendleton, has said that Denise Smith’s
“Stepback” is a “fascinating show that uses the tools of modern society
(technology) to convey a message of simplifying one’s life and
experiences.”

Stepback is a meditation on the literary quote, "Step back and He will
lead the way." Stepback appreciates the merit of stepping back from the
brink. Outward focus and forward momentum in concepts such as western
expansion, onward and upward, full speed ahead, inform the American way of
life but, sometimes, the next step sends us over the edge.  The practice
of taking pause and allowing for inward reflection before taking action is
often lost to us. Repose allows for the reception of insight that solves,
heals and leads us to peace.

The Tollbooth is the ‘World’s Smallest Gallery dedicated exclusively to
video and paper based fine arts’ and is a project of Artrod. “This is a
brilliant way to deliver street level public art to the City and provide
more public exposure to experimental media” says the City of Tacoma’s
Public Art Administrator Amy McBride “This programming is truly unique and
will garner exposure on a national level.”  The work of eight different
artists or artist teams will be featured at the Tollbooth’s unique outdoor
public installation space in 2004.  Exhibits are planned at the Tollbooth
well into 2005 and include work from recent contributors to both the
Whitney and Havana Biennials.

Artrod is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization established in 1958. 
Artrod’s mission is to facilitate art exhibition in nontraditional public
arenas.  Artrod has grown out of, and in response to, a specific need to
bring contemporary art forms out of a solid, conventional museum setting
and directly into the community’s path.  In addition to the Tollbooth,
Artrod produces the quarterly magazine, Toby Room, and the experimental
film series, Don’t Bite the Pavement.

Don’t miss “Stepback” an experimental video and paper art installation at
the Tollbooth Gallery starting April 11, 2004 thru June 4, 2004.  The
Tollbooth is located just north of the intersection at 11th and Broadway
in downtown Tacoma. The Tollbooth is open to the public 24 hours a day and
admission is free. Artrod (253) 572-0995 tollbooth at artrod.org

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For more information or to set up interviews with artist Denise Smith,
contact Michael Lent at (253) 572-0995

Publication Quality Photographs available for use at
http://www.artrod.org/press