Open Day Hallein

Strolling through the former salt refinery in Hallein on their open day, one had to pay close attention to not miss any of the works exhibited throughout the vast halls and corridors of the building. Whereas LucyMcKenzies decorative painting class exclusively used their workspace as the place to present their works, the class of Dierk Schmidt, operating under the title “painting as a narrative”, allowed some stray works to settle in other room of the saline.

Destiny Deacon let her photography students roam freely in the search for space, with works ending up in very unusual places. They even treated the surprised visitors to a performance, having organized a singer who then dressed in the traditional uniform of the salt miners and kneeled down in midst leftover salt to yodel at the gathered spectators. It was interesting to see the saline transformed into a bustling art space, full of visitors. Talking to the students beforehand, they all seemed very relaxed and satisfied with the outcome of the last couple of weeks, and more than just a bit blue that it was now over. But, there will always be next year. Maybe then we will be able to enjoy a longer concert in the courtyard where our valued technical chiefs, taking a break after the last setup rush, were strumming their electric guitars but soon found themselves surrounded by an audience they had not asked for. Thanks to all teachers, staff and students for an amazing 3 weeks at Hallein, and the wonderful outcome we could share this Friday.