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April on Art
In South Florida and Beyond |
Classics by Ohr, plus works by 15 modern ceramicistsAn joyful mixture of contemporary sculptural ceramics, along with influential works by George Ohr, "The Mad Potter of Biloxi," are on display at the Boca Museum from November 7, 2017 to April 8, 2018. Entitled "Regarding George Ohr: Contemporary Ceramics in the Spirit of the Mad Potter," this unique exhibition shouldn't be missed. Seen above, left to right are: A Single Joy of Song by Betty Woodman; center and right, Stella and Nestoris II, both by Nicole Cherubini. Ohr's work still startles us, but he opened doors! George Ohr, "The Mad Potter of Biloxi" (Biloxi, MS) Enter this amazing exhibition at the Boca Museum and you will be hit with a double whammy. The strange abstract art pottery of the "Mad Potter of Biloxi," George Ohr, is waiting for you in the opening hall. Many of these pieces are glazed in surprising, starling, dark and moody colors; and some of them even project a sense of hesitancy or underlying conflict. But the work in the last case, most of it created in the 1890s, has a different aesthetic. It projects strength and power, and an abstract look far ahead of its time.  Walk a few steps further and you're in for a surprise: A large airy gallery, filled with colorful, happy sculptural ceramic installations. These burst forth with beauty, joy, and bright colors--very different from Ohr's work. But at the same time, they are clearly influenced by him. That accounts for the title of the show: "Regarding George Ohr: Contemporary Ceramics in the Spirit of the Mad Potter." Rare Ohr ceramics on display in opening hallTwo pieces--above left--on display in the exhibition illustrate Ohr's ability to combine traditional shapes with with startling colors and glazes. On the right, you can see the jump he made in the 1890s. He collapsed those shapes, twisted them, created thin walls, and came up with an abstract effect. The Arts and Crafts Movement of the day scorned these stange-looking pieces. But 50 years later artists like Jasper Johns and others consider him a forerunner of Abstract Expressionism. Today, it's hard to find these 1890s pieces for sale, and their prices keep rising. The most iconic pieces on display here come primarily from the collection of Marty and Estelle Shack, local collectors. Ceramics expert Garth Clark sought out the artists Looking at one of Takura Kuwata's glorious giant-sized tea bowls, I squeal with delight! Garth Clark, the guest curator who put toether the show, says that he looked for artists "whose work continues the legacy of Ohr without copying it." He certainly succeeded. Plus, he managed to pull together a group of ceramic artists whose work today is considered "fine art"---not just decorative or utilitarian, as ceramics were thought of in Ohr's day. Indeed, today many artists and critics believe that Ohr's abstract art pottery hastened the transition of American ceramics from the world of utilitarian function to that of "fine art." The Boca Museum offers visitors an unusual opportunity to examine the work of many of these outstanding contemporary ceramic sculptural artists in one venue. The show runs from from Nov. 7, 2017 to April 8, 2018. For more details, see the my PalmBeachArtsPaper Ohr preview posted on my website, www.klimley.com.
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Over 300 people crowd into beautiful modern space It was almost a gala--the opening of the new Boca Artists Guild Gallery lasat week. Over 300 people arrived for the opening Wedneday Nov. 15 and avidly examined all the art--beautifully displayed on the well lit walls of the large new space--over three times that of the former gallery in Delray. Great variety of different types of painting, photography and sculpture--both abstract and representational. Interesting art jewelry in cases. Good food and wine. Lots of smiles. Animated conversation and many reunions! It seemed as if the event was opening the winter "season" here in South Palm Beach County! This space looks as if it will be very successful for members of the Guild. Much more space. Better lighting. More room for more art. It has a good chance of attracting will serious art buyers, along with those loyal art afficionados, both during and after "the season." Check out the video below. The gallery is located at 2910 N. Federal Highway. Plenty of good parking and other interesting stores nearby.  The new Guild space with artwork installed--before the arrival of the big crowd for the reception. See video above for the tempo and excitement generated. Grand Opening Reception Tonight Large, modern space of Artists' Guild in Boca. at 2910 N. Federal Highway. Join the arts community at tonight's Opening Reception of the Artists Guild in Boca. The ehe Guild has moved from Delray to Boca. It now has an exciting, much larger gallery space--with plenty of room to display the works of Guild Members. The Opening Reception is free to the public tonight Nov. 15, 2017. Join us to enjoy plentiful New Works by Guild Members, free refreshments, and good art conversation as the winter season jumps into high gear. Hope to see you there. The event runs from 6 pm to 8 pm. Address: 2910 N. Federal Highway.
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"Art washes away
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