Installation of "Beat Blossom" at Artpark (July 2017)
UB percussion students beating on the Beat Blossom, July 30, 2017.
Since arriving in the US in 1980 from his native country Brazil, Cyro Baptista has emerged as one of the premier percussionists in the country. During his residency, Baptista worked with Buffalo sculptor Shasti O’Leary Soudant and UB students on the creation of a unique sculpture/percussion instrument to be installed in the Percussion Garden at Artpark.
Cyro Baptista and Shasti O'Leary Soudant. Photographs courtesy of the artists.
Situated in a picturesque New York State Park, high atop the Niagara River Gorge, Artpark offers a magnificent celebration of the arts happens every summer taking the finest in performing and visual art and make them accessible to everybody. Artpark also seeks to foster an understanding and awareness of the many and varied forms of art and art makers. Since its formal opening on July 25, 1974, Artpark has successfully forged a new role for the arts in leisure. Artpark is unique as a public park and as a space for art. There is nothing like it - anywhere.
Shasti O'Leary Soudant, Sculptor. Photo courtesy of the artist.
The installation created by Baptista and Soudant will create a permanent, interactive, musical experience for guests of Artpark. It will be designed specifially to enhance the location in which it will reside.
Baptista'sresidency also included a week-long workshop for UB students and the public entitled Sound of the Community (July 24-29). Opening performance on the installation by Cyro Baptista, Billy Martin, Tom Kolor, UB music students, participants in the Sound of the Community workshop, and others, July 30, 2017.