Introduction

The Dark Ride Project presents a revolutionary new way for artists to approach art and a new way for museums to overcome traditional obstacles to a media conscious audience. As Giotto offered an infinite new world for artists with the use of visual perspective, Rudd offers an equally new world by controlling the viewer's field of vision, enhancing the art in a time sequence and letting the viewing experience become the art itself.

This exhibition addresses issues regarding the viewing process and with Rudd's use of technologically advanced materials, audiences who have physical, cultural or educational obstacles to visiting traditional art exhibitions will benefit. A highlight of the Dark Ride Project is the ride in the "Sensory Integrator," a computer programmed vehicle which takes the viewer through the art installation.

Eric Rudd is a pioneering artist who over the years has built up an impressive record of important art. "A Future for Art" is presented by Walter Hopps, one of the foremost authorities on contemporary art, whose historical overview traces the important roots leading to the new age art concept of the Dark Ride Project.

The Dark Ride Project is a futuristic art exhibition like none other! With the use of theme park technology, artist Eric Rudd has created -- multi-media information stations, biomorphic sculptures made out of space age materials polyurethane foam and GE Plastic's polycarbonate plastic "Lexan," a walk-thru "art cave," the cavernous "Space Sculpture Garden" of illuminated blue trails containing the "Purity Vacuum" and the "Artifacts Gallery." The highlight of the Dark Ride Project is an eleven minute ride on the "Sensory Integrator," through "creative space."

An introductory presentation, "A Future for Art," is hosted by Walter Hopps, one of the world's foremost authorities on contemporary art, whose historical overview traces the important roots leading to the new age art concept of the Dark Ride Project. This presentation is signed for the hearing impaired. The Young People's Monitor has an introductory presentation especially geared for children. All the galleries in the Dark Ride Project and in the Historic Beaver Mill are wheel-chair accessible.

The exhibition will remain open Wednesday through Sunday, June through August, and then weekends during the fall foliage season. The exhibition is located in the Historic Beaver Mill, adjacent to the Contemporary Artists Center and Natural Bridge State Park, in North Adams, (Berkshires) Massachusetts (near MASS MoCA), Williams College Museum of Art and the Clark Art Institute. Ample free parking is available.

• Educational groups are invited with advance reservations.

• For additional information, call (413) 663-6662;
  or email Eric Rudd.

• For additional materials, to arrange group tours,

  or for museum/installation inquiries, please call the Project office at (413) 664-9550
  or email Eric Rudd.