:: Russ RuBert: press ::

Foam Figures at Artsfest
Sculpture and Drury students create wacky sculpture
Springfield News-Leader

excerpt from article by Sony Hocklander

Last week, sculptor Russ RuBert called to invite me to see the wacky foam figures that peopled his studio. They're for Artsfest, he said enticingly, knowing I would likely be writing something up.

I tried to imagine what could be wackier than the giant stuffed snakes and metal sculptures that usually greet visitors to Russ's studio (arguably the most interesting work place in town). But I was unprepared for the hilarious, oversized creatures that were made by Russ and Drury University art students and teachers.

It seems the sculptor put away his blowtorch for a while in favor of packing foam, donated by Engineering Packaging. Collected by the truckload, the spongy foam comes in all sizes, shapes and colors—prefect for making spaghetti hair, wiggly skirts, googly eyes and egg-carton bodies.

The foam people will greet visitors to Artsfest, with most located in the new activity area for kids called Art Town, downtown.

Art Town was conceived because the Springfield Regional Arts Council wanted more things for kids to do, says Russ, the council's board president. Activities include an interactive mosaic project, carving into a gigantic wall of clay and drawing with chalk on the street.

Jodie Adams, superintendent of recreation for the Springfield Greene County Park Board, says they'll submit a picture of the chalk art for a national contest.

Russ, his wife Pam and crew will be stationed in Art Town to help kids make more foam creatures, which I'm betting will entice as many parents as kids. My 13-year-old (a teen-ager, no less) was even intrigued.

Sony Hocklander is the features writer for the News-Leader.