Alessandro Powell Photo
Over 30 guests filed into Doug Papuga’s Mech-Tank startup Erector Square studio. “Let’s call it Art-Tank, said the 28-year-old artist and furniture builder.
Papuga plans to host art show parties for the general public at Erector Square every three months in 2016. Art-Tank events will feature the work of local artists, as well as live music and projections. Last Saturday’s projections were produced by New Haven videographer Ian Applegate. Papuga’s studio is conveniently located right above the main entrance to the Erector Square complex on Peck Street in Fair Haven.
Last Saturday night’s Art-Tank assembly at Erector Square was a test run. Papuga said he wanted to get a feel for where crowds might bottleneck in the space, and how loud the music could be without compromising the eardrums of his guests.
Papuga’s studio felt like a funky Ikea as we perused the rooms, with his own custom furniture installations strewn about the space. Papuga makes his pieces from salvaged wood.
Guests made their way about the vast halls by foot, bicycle, and skateboard.
John McGillin’s colorful wooden panels, somewhere between graffiti and paintings, were exhibited.
The harrowing mirrors of Hailey Atkinson were also displayed.
Jamie Grillo, of Guilford, posed before her eyeball wall of paintings.
Papuga himself bounced up and down upon a chair he built with car suspension and interlacing wooden panels (above). His chair reclines by each panel shifting to fit the sitter’s back. It also folds into the seat to form a bench.
A statue Papuga built out of car and bicycle gears and pistons, really a monument to speed, was on display in a room full of his sketches, which ranged from psychedelic razor schemes to motorized humpback whales.
An open jam entertained viewers, but Papuga hopes to book bands for future events. Those interested in attending Art-Tank or submitting art can contact Papgua at [email protected], or, as Papuga suggested, by calling him at 203 – 745-7433.
Graffiti isn't painting?