by Bob Martin | Oct 10, 2009 | Art, Arts, Entertainment and Music, Creativity, Exhibits, Galleries, sculptor
The best way to understand history is not through a backwards look through time reconstructing a narrative from tidbits of info.
William H. Johnson, Folk Family, ca. 1944, oil on plywood.
Novels, Paintings, Sculpture, Music and Dance created at the time, provides a better picture of what life was like, what people appreciated and the challenges they encountered. I think this can also be said about curating the work that is on display at the “White House”. As historians look back at this period, they will make note of the first African American President and First Lady and the distinctions between them and earlier occupants of the “White House”. In particular the selection of paintings, sculptures and performing artists who were featured, will say more about these times then most anything else.
One of Mrs. Obama’s selections, Johnson’s “Folk Family”, speaks to commonality, aspirations and accomplishment for the African in America over the last 100 years.
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by Bob Martin | Oct 4, 2009 | Art, Education, Events, Exhibits, Galleries, sculptor
Part of the High School Exhibit "Face Forward" @ TCA
Had a great time at the reception of the “Faces” exhibit at the Tempe Center for the Arts, meeting some of the artists like Bailey Doogan, Linda Brandon and John Tuomisto-Bell. Another treat was watching the high school students, whose work was on display as part of the Face Forward multimedia exhibit in the TCA lobby, meet and mingle with the professional artists and guests.
Both of these shows were curated by Michelle Dock who deserves a special acknowledgement for her vision and support for young artists.
by Sandy | Sep 9, 2009 | Art, Artist, Blogroll, Exhibits, Museums, sculptor
45 pieces by Saint-Gaudens, 1848-1907, will be presented at The Met until November. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he moved to the U.S. as a child and apprenticed in New York City. He is credited with steering American sculpture away from the usual classical subjects of the time to a more natural, dynamic style.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens * until 11/15/09
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
5th Ave and 86 Street, NYC
by Bob Martin | Sep 5, 2009 | Art, Exhibits, sculptor
Opening Reception September 10th, 4pm – 8pm through September 25th
Phoenix College, Fine Arts Building – Eric Fischl Gallery
1202 W Thomas Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Joe Willie Smith
“I’ll be sixty years old in September, so I thought this would be an appropriate time
to take a look at my life as an artist and some of the events that have occurred along the way.
This exhibit will be part retrospective, part chronology with a few new pieces.
I continue to work with found resources, I’m starting to paint again, but still enjoy multi-media work.
My journey as an artist has carried me from before the Civil Rights Movement and many historic moments in-between, to our first African-American President.
This exhibit gives me a wonderful opportunity to reflect on events both personal and societal that have occurred during my time.
My work is in the collections of The Phoenix Art Museum, The Butler Museum of American Art, Neiman Marcus Corporation, Gannett -The Arizona Republic, Taller Experimental De Grafica (Cuba) and many personal collections throughout the U.S.” Joe Willie Smith
by Bob Martin | May 28, 2009 | Art, Artist, Creativity, Photograhy, sculptor, Writing and Speaking
Applications for the 2009 William H. Johnson Prize are now available online at http://www.whjohnsongrant.org
Please note that the due date for all applications is July 31, 2009, several months earlier than in past years. Applicants are advised to take note of the change so that they do not miss the deadline. The 2009 William H. Johnson Prize is 25,000 USD and the winner will be announced in September 2009.
William Johnson Self Portrait
The William H. Johnson Foundation for the Arts is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that seeks to encourage African American artists early in their careers through its annual award, The William H. Johnson Prize. Early career African American artists who work in painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, installation and/or new genre are eligible to apply.
William H. Johnson, an African American artist born in Florence, South Carolina in 1901, is the namesake of the Foundation. He moved to New York as a young man to study at the National Academy of Design, and though he was acknowledged as the most talented artist in his class of 1926, he was passed over for a traveling scholarship, most likely because of his race. Rather than see Johnson struggle in the United States, his teacher, Charles Hawthorne, gave Johnson 1000 USD so that Johnson could travel to Europe. This act of faith and generosity was pivotal in Johnson’s life, for it provided the seed from which his career flourished.
In the same spirit, the William H. Johnson Prize is intended to encourage the best artists working today. Past Johnson Prize Winners include Laylah Ali (2002); Nadine Robinson (2003); Kori Newkirk (2004); Dave McKenzie (2005); Edgar Arceneaux (2006); Rodney McMillian (2007); and Jennie C. Jones (2008).
THE WILLIAM H JOHNSON FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
6022 Wilshire Blvd, #200
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323 931-3744
323 931-3751 fax
http://www.whjohnsongrant.org
info@whjohnsongrant.org
by Sandy | May 11, 2009 | Art, Artist, Blogroll, Museums, sculptor
45 pieces by Saint-Gaudens, 1848-1907, will be presented at The Met beginning June 30, 2009. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he moved to the U.S. as a child and apprenticed in New York City. He is credited with steering American sculpture away from the usual classical subjects of the time to a more natural, dynamic style. (Saint-Gaudens made everyday things, like a mantelpiece, beautiful)
Augustus Saint-Gaudens * 6/30/09 – 11/19/09
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
5th Ave and 86 Street, NYC
Images:
Vanderbilt Mantelpiece, 1883 (marble, oak and cast iron)
Davida Johnson Clark, 1886 (Plaster and shellac)
www.metmuseum.org
