ART THAT MAKES DRAMATIC STATEMENTS:  DAY AND NIGHT

(Scottsdale, AZ: January 14, 2008)  Scottsdale artist Scott McNeill, 38, has spent three long years developing and refining a creative process that rivets the viewer --- around the clock!  His dazzling glowing relief sculptures, such as ‘Jungle Boogie/ Glow’, delight art lovers with their intricate artistry by day.  And then assume another dimension at night, when they glow in the dark!  “In many ways, it’s like experiencing two different works,” says McNeill.  “The daytime colors undergo a transformation in terms of hue and luminosity.”

             Those who appreciate unusual talent combined with a unique technique will experience a special visual treat at the West Valley Art Museum.  “This is Scott’s third show with us,” says Museum Curator George Pavlovich.  “We’re preparing a special showcase for him, complete with black walls, special lighting and a black-out curtain!”  Scott McNeill: The Glow Series -displays 20 works; including an 18-foot wall encompassing more than 100 images in a myriad of glowing colors.

              Refining a unique process   “I use a photo-luminescent powder, called strontium aluminate, that can absorb a great deal of light energy and will glow in the dark all night long,” explains McNeill.  “This material was originally engineered/ created 10 years ago by a Japanese wristwatch manufacturer to illuminate the watch’s dial throughout the night.”  Mixing crystals for his cast resin relief sculptures, he painstakingly applies layer after layer with brushes, tongue depressors and Q-tips.  “While I have to wait for each layer to cure, I am constrained to work on individual sections as the curing of the resin dictates,” points out McNeill.  In addition to being a slave to such a time-intensive process, the artist spends thousands of dollars in materials.   

Scott,

    This is to confirm that 48 Docents will be at your studio / home on Thursday, November 29, at about 10:15 AM.

    If you could provide us with 40-50 minutes or so of description and explanation of what you do and how you do it, we would appreciate it. Docents are always interested in specifics: how much time, what amounts, exact ingredients, why this procedure and not that one, etc., and a description of how you came up with the ideas for the shapes and figures you use.

    After we visit your place, please join us at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute for lunch as our guest. Following lunch we are all going to the Scottsdale Artists School for a tour led by the new director there.

    Also, we are expecting you at the Museum at 9:00 AM on Thursday, December 20, for a 30-minute talk to the docents about your work on exhibit at the Museum. At that time you can share your philosophy about your work. (So don’t shoot your wad during our visit on the 29th.)

    Thanks for all you do to help us. It is appreciated.

Chair, Docent Planning Committee

West Valley Art Museum

17420 N Avenue of the Arts

Surprise, AZ 85374

•November 29, 2007.