May 28 - September 4, 2022
From the Amarillo Museum of Art:
“FriendsWithYou is the art collaboration of Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III, created with the intention to bring more joy, kindness, and love to the world. The collaboration is a vehicle for the exploration of emotional healing through culture creation and art-making. Each work is created with the intention of transcendence, and nurturing care for the viewer or participant. FriendsWithYou’s meaning is in its name, in that everything in the universe can and wants to be friends with you, an aide in the promotion of love, harmony & peace in our lives. Their goal is to connect and heal as much as possible through their work, to grow the love and joy in each person, creating an exponential aggregate of sharing, healing, and compassion for each other and our living planet.
As a celebration of AMoA’s 50th anniversary, this film project is a unique and exciting way to showcase the topography, industry, and culture of Amarillo, Texas. Cattle ranching has been a significant part of the region’s history and there is also increasing interest and support for public art installations. As seen in the film, the vast landscape of the Texas Panhandle provides a unique “canvas” on which to display monumental works of art. This film merges the art practices of installation, performance, music, videography, and documentation. The production of the film involved local talent including filmmakers, artists, and musicians who showcase Amarillo’s growing creative talents and capabilities.
More than 50 years ago, Betty Bivins Childers had a vision for an Art Center in the Texas Panhandle. Through the decades, the Amarillo Art Center, now the Amarillo Museum of Art, has been dedicated to enriching the lives of the diverse people of the Texas Panhandle area, bringing them together for the experience of art through exhibitions, education, and collections. This film is a gift from Meredith Childers Varlamis (Betty Bivins Childers granddaughter), her family, and friends of the Amarillo Museum of Art, to inspire the next generation of community patrons for the museum. As stated by Meredith, “The Amarillo community and surrounding region will reap exciting rewards, wider exposure, and a wealth of opportunity by continuing to contribute in creative ways to our cherished AMoA.”
Betty Bivins Childers loved the Texas Panhandle. The landscape and culture fostered her creative spirit in much the same way that it nourishes her granddaughter’s. Meredith Varlamis was inspired to create this film after experiencing an installation titled The Dance by FriendsWithYou. Created by Los Angeles-based collaborators Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval, III, FriendsWithYou creates exciting art experiences. Their larger-than-life installation titled The Dance is composed of two large, furry orbs. These pink and blue “fur fur” characters were filmed roaming the Texas Panhandle prairie and visiting the iconic Cadillac Ranch among other adventures. Along with the film, they are here at the AMoA to celebrate the museum’s 50th anniversary and history of cultural enrichment. Experiencing the installation and watching the film will bring joy and creative inspiration to visitors of all ages.”
Artist talk: July 28, 2022
2200 Van Buren
Amarillo, 79109 TX
806-371-5050
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