Artist's Creatures Draw Patrons' Attention

by Misty Chybrzynski

From The Valley News Dispatch, Nov. 16, 2005

At first sight, all may seem normal at the Saxonburg Library. But a deeper look into the traditionally quaint and serene building exposes a dark underside this month.

Meet the clawed, yellow-eyed, scaly creatures of Gene Fenton.

The artist, whose works are hung from the walls surrounding the main room at the library, creates sometimes realistic, sometimes outrageous dinosaurs, monsters and mythical men constructed of papier mache that have been catching regular patrons by surprise.

The library exhibits a new artist each month, but it has never featured anything as unique as the sculptural art Fenton provided for its November display. Steve Twentier, the head librarian, says the pieces piqued his interest as much as they made him wonder how library visitors would react.

"My first thought was, 'Whoa, this is different,'" Twentier says. "We have only had paintings in the past."

The bright, archaic figures float chillingly -- seeming out of place in the surroundings. A camouflage-green snake wrapped around itself stares with its yellow eyes across the room, directing its gaze to the one staff member who probably dislikes it the most.

Staff member Dolores Koegler says that at first glance, it swirls from the wall like a snake firecracker kids set off on the sidewalk during Fourth of July celebrations. But upon closer examination, deep scales and a slithering tongue validate the creature's realistic creepiness.

"His work is very unusual," Koegler says. "I don't like snakes very much, and it stares right at me. The rest of them are interesting, though."

Fenton, 38, of Indiana, Pa., says exhibits such as the one in the Saxonburg Library often are his favorite because of the mixed and unexpected reactions. Sometimes, he says, he is surprised at who becomes fans of his work.

"The responses to my creations vary," Fenton says. "Sometimes, people I don't really think would be into it are the ones who like it the most. Like the librarians in Saxonburg -- I was surprised that they got into it."

The majority of the nine-piece exhibit consists of ghoulishly cute dinosaurs with alien-like characteristics. Although the long fangs and yellowish nails may deter some, the cool blend of colors and attention to detail make this exhibit worthy of the intellectual and creative house it is harbored in.

Twentier says that many times, a visitor will have to come through the main room a few times before noticing the new monthly displays. Hanging high above the bookshelves, these unique pieces have yet to be discovered by many of the people they are watching over.

"Sometimes, people will come here four or five times before noticing the new artist," Twentier says. "But once we point them out, they take great interest in them."

Fenton -- who began working with papier mache about six years ago -- says the medium has become his favorite to work with, even though he originally used it only because he had nothing else. The process begins fairly simply -- covering a balloon with layers of tissue paper and tape -- but becomes more complex with added layers and outreaching limbs, such as the arms, wings and tails. He experiments with colors and textures and uses techniques, such as sanding and trimming, to mold the multiple layers. He since has utilized a plethora of art materials to experiment and create his sculptures.

Fenton has degrees in sculpture from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Long Island University. He transforms what some might consider a juvenile art form into a mature, detailed craft.

The figures resemble Godzilla and other ghastly -- but obviously unreal -- icons of the '60s horror movies with a calming dash of Dr. Seuss' characters silliness. Fenton says he draws upon these inspirational genres of entertainment, as well as Marvel comics artist Jack Kirby, who created the X-Men and the Incredible Hulk.

One of Fenton's statues, a caveman character more than 2 feet tall, stands high above readers in the Saxonburg Library with a crooked stance and an inquisitive gaze. Horns protruding from his head bring an image of Greek mythology to mind.

Fenton says he hopes the pieces encourage visitors young and old to stretch their imaginations.

"I just like to have fun with (papier mache)," Fenton says. "It shouldn't be taken too seriously."

Fenton's pieces sell at prices starting at $80.

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