A.E. “Bean” Backus Exhibition comes to the Appleton: Feb. 14 – Apr
Transcription
A.E. “Bean” Backus Exhibition comes to the Appleton: Feb. 14 – Apr
A newsletter highlighting exhibits and events arti f acts January – April 2009 A.E. “Bean” Backus Exhibition comes to the Appleton: Feb. 14 – Apr. 12 Albert Ernest “Bean” Backus was an American artist famous for his vivid tropical landscapes, particularly backwoods and coastal scenes of Florida. He was a master at capturing light and its effect on the landscape, showing incredible detail of the sun’s location, the time of day, the season, the wind’s direction and velocity. Considered the “Father of Florida Landscape Painting,” he is acclaimed for his artwork featuring magnificent Florida skies, particularly the rosy peach colors of early morning or late afternoon. His style greatly influenced his followers of the Indian River School of Artists and he was a mentor of the famed African-American landscape painters known as The Florida Highwaymen. Born Jan. 3, 1906, along the Indian River in Fort Pierce, Fla., Backus was largely self-taught as an artist, relying on books and magazines for his early training. His formal art education was limited to two summers at Parsons Art School in New York City. Backus’ 1930s and 1940s paintings show a heavy use of the palette knife and his preference for sweeping gestures with the knife in painting storm scenes brought a sense of unbridled vigor to his work. By the 1950s his style and technical approach became more controlled and detailed and his works were usually painted from sketches in the studio with a brush. During this time he also painted portraits, genre scenes and boat scenes. Backus grew up around boats and the water because his father owned a boat shop on Moore’s Creek, so many of his works reflect the feel of his strong personal attachment to those subjects. His success at capturing Florida’s rugged beauty came as much from his artistic talents as from his knowledge of wildlife, plants and meteorology. He also spent time living and painting in the Bahamas and Jamaica, but always returned to his native Fort Pierce. Backus came into prominence as a national artist in the 1960s when his work was hung in President Lyndon B. Johnson’s library in Texas and in the Senate offices in Washington, D.C. He was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 1993 and painted until his death on June 6, 1990, leaving behind a half-finished oil painting now on display at the A.E. Backus Gallery & Museum in Fort Pierce. Directors’ Circle Reception, Feb. 12 (5-8 p.m.) Members Preview, Feb. 13 (4-7 p.m.) Above: Works by Backus, painting titled “Edge of the Glades.” Below: painting titled “June in Florida”. inside From the Director Recent Events Current Exhibitions 2 Webber Center Gallery 2 News and Notes 3 After Hours 3 Volunteer Spotlight 4/5 Trips ’N’ Tours 6 Calendar 5 6 7 F rom the director Recent events It is with a great deal of anticipation and enthusiasm that I start my new position as your director of the Appleton Museum of Art, a unique and remarkable institution. I’m looking forward to continue the success of past exhibitions and programs and to further enhance the opportunities that the Appleton has to offer. We are currently moving part of our growing permanent collection that is not on display into our new state-ofthe-art storage facility. This addition to our building makes it possible for us to better protect and preserve the valuable treasures that have been entrusted to us. As a step toward our goal of becoming an accredited art museum according the standards of the American Association of Museums, these improved storage facilities are of the utmost importance. With your continued support and generosity, we will be able to make the Appleton an even more interesting and vital place. We will firmly establish our museum as a showcase for the entire community and with its outstanding collections of art and artifacts, exciting exhibitions and programs, the Appleton will be known not only throughout our own county but throughout Florida and beyond. Appleton Museum of Art Director Dr. John Lofgren. Recent Events The last four months of 2008 were busy at the Appleton Museum. There were “After Hours” performances by Bill Allred’s Classic Jazz Band and celebrated pianist Dick Hyman; CFCC’s Brass, Woodwind and String Ensembles presented “Sounds of the Season”; and two exhibitions opened, “Responding To Home” and “Thomas Hart Benton: Prints from the Collection of Kyle Culley and the Estate of Mary Helen Bohmer,” followed by “Winslow Homer In America.” Other special events included a weekend Family Day and Saturday Art Craft programs for families with young children, a lecture and reception with famed Norwegian artist Anki King, a Holiday Happening Open House and an overnight Trips ’N’ Tours excursion to South Florida to view Art Basel in Miami. We invite everyone to come and enjoy all of the exciting exhibits, programs and events scheduled in the coming months. For details go to www.appletonmuseum.org. I thank the members of the executive search committee, headed by Joan Stearns, executive director for College and Community Relations, for their confidence in me and for their belief that together we can build new enthusiasm and a glowing future for the Appleton. My door is always open and I welcome your suggestions. I invite you to come and enjoy your museum. Sincerely, During the Appleton Family Day last November, guests of all ages enjoyed making their own works of art and listening to live folk music performed by Jon Semmes and The Florida Friends. John Z. Lofgren, Ph.D., Director 28 A newsletter highlighting exhibits A newsletter and eventshighlighting Septemberexhibits - December and events 2007 C urrent exhibitions Winslow Homer In America Through Jan. 18 Winslow Homer is widely considered one of America’s favorite 19th century artists, and 125 of his fine art wood engravings produced between the 1850s and 1880s are on display through Jan. 18 in the “Winslow Homer In America” exhibition at the Appleton Museum. Produced over three decades during the height of magazine engraving, Homer’s wood engravings illustrate scenes of everyday American life and served to inform and entertain readers of national publications such as Harper’s Weekly, Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper, The Galaxy, Every Saturday and the Appleton Journal. The “Winslow Homer In America” exhibition is the largest and most comprehensive collection of Homer wood engravings in the nation. The engravings are displayed in categories titled “Early Portrait Works,” “Life In Rural America,” “Leisure Time Activities,” “Holidays,” “The Sporting Life,” “Courtship and Romance,” “Seaside Views,” “America’s Youth,” “The War Years,” “The Changing Role of Women” and “Urbanization and Society.” Webber Center Gallery at CFCC EXHIBITION SCHEDULE Jan. 20-Feb. 20 Santos: Devotional Art of Puerto Rico The spiritual and aesthetic figure carvings featured in this exhibit are made by contemporary artisans, or santeros, from Puerto Rico. Reception: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 26-Mar. 28 The Art of Uncle Monday These elegant illustrations and watercolors celebrate Florida Heritage Month and portray Florida’s history and folklore from Native American, African-American, Afro-Caribbean, White and Hispanic cultures. Reception: Thursday, Feb. 26, 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 8-May 6 2009 CFCC Student Art Showcase Dr. John Lofgren (far right) meets with Ocala Style Editor Dean Blinkhorn (far left) and First Avenue National Bank President John Hunt (center) during the Homer opening. Reception: Wednesday, April 8, noon-1 p.m. Live Musical Performances at CFCC/Ocala Campus All three events will be presented in CFCC’s Fine Arts Auditorium. Tickets required and available in advance by calling CFCC Box Office at 352-873-5810. Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m. Aishu: Divine Strings South Indian music virtuoso Aishu Venkataraman appears in concert with Indian percussionist Vinod Venkataraman. Jan. 31, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jungle Book Theatre IV, a national touring company, presents this musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic novel. Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Galen Abdur-Razzaq Directors’ Circle member Arlene Bowman (left) and Museum Educator Korene Wilbanks (right) discussed and viewed the wood engravings at the opening of the “Winslow Homer In America” exhibition on Dec. 5. January – April 2009 A sizzling jazz ensemble to celebrate African-American heritage Month. 3 C oming exhibitions N ews and notes Special Programs and Coming Exhibitions Community Day … Feb. 8 As a special “Thank You” to the local community, the Appleton Museum is offering free admission all day starting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 8. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy docent-guided tours of the Appleton’s extensive permanent collections of European, American, African, Asian, Contemporary and pre-Columbian art and artifacts. In addition, world renowned flutist and art educator Donna Wissinger will present live musical performances at 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. Accompanied by Joy Myers, Wissinger will be performing “An American Tapestry,” a musical exploration of our multicultural American heritage. On exhibit in the Appleton’s pre-Colombian collection: “Kneeling Female” (ca. 100 B.C. - 250 A.D.) West Mexico. Wissinger has performed at Carnegie Hall, throughout the U.S. and Europe. In addition to being a celebrated concert performer, she is a published author, poet and known for her exemplary work in the field of arts education. Wissinger has developed several motivational assemblies and workshop programs to help students who want to learn through music, art and drama. Two Shows for Spring and Summer Season … From April to August, watch for two separate exhibitions showcasing artwork from the Appleton’s own collection. One will feature a light hearted and whimsical theme, and the other will be military oriented with paintings of battles, patriotic posters and wartime artifacts. Appleton Library Hours The museum’s library is open for Appleton members, CFCC students and faculty every Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment by calling 352-291-4455, ext. 1613. European and American Art, 15th Century to Contemporary 48 Museum Shop News Florida’s wet spring weather will soon be here, so be proactive and purchase an art-inspired umbrella to protect yourself from sudden rain showers. To complement your umbrella, we have a variety of matching tote bags, wallets and small wrist bags. Also, we offer a varied selection of art games, children’s books, colorby-number horses and elephants, write-on journals, note cards and CDs. Our extensive collection of estate jewelry is available with rings in various settings and sizes of turquoise, lapis, coral and pearls. Need a special gift for Valentine’s Day? We have one-of-a-kind glass heart necklaces designed by Sweet Magnolia Studio and art glass heart paperweights designed by Canadian artist Robert Held. Elephant and horse-oriented merchandise is always available, as well as unique keepsake boxes, purses and tea cups. In addition, we offer our exclusive brand of Appleton Artisan tea, blended by Tantalizing Tea. Come early for the best selection of “After The Holidays” sale merchandise. Museum members always enjoy a 10 percent discount on shop purchases of $5 or more. The Art of a Perfect Event The Appleton Museum is a great place to hold your next company event/seminar, wedding reception, family reunion or special event. Rental spaces include our classrooms, outdoor courtyard and café, and the 250-seat auditorium with state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. To book your event or learn more, call Colleen Harper at 352-291-4455, ext. 1831. Wedding Set-up in Appleton Courtside Café. A newsletter highlighting exhibits A newsletter and eventshighlighting Septemberexhibits - December and events 2007 A fter hours After Hours March 5 … Spanish duo-pianists Elena Martin and Jose Meliton. This dynamic couple has been hailed by critics and audiences in America, Europe and Asia as one of the most compelling talents of their generation within the realm of Spanish two-piano music. Martin-Meliton will perform music composed by Isaac Albeniz specifically for two pianos, which John Salmon of American Music Teacher’s Magazine described as “playing in perfect synchronization and with hypnotic poetry…sharply chiseled refinement, fierce commitment and palpable charisma.” Both musicians hold the Titulo Superior de Piano from the Real Conservatorio Superior de Musica de Madrid and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina at GreensSpanish duo-pianists Elena Martin and Jose Meliton boro. Their numerous collaborations with Spanish embassies and cultural institutions throughout the world have made them the Ambassadors of Two-Piano Music from Spain. May 8 … Ya’Gozo: The Latin Jazz Band. “Ya’ Gozo” is derived from the Spanish word ‘gozar,’ meaning to have already enjoyed or had a good time, and the audience will definitely have a good time hearing this group’s rich flavor of rhythms and style that range Ya’Gozo: The Latin Jazz Band from Latin, Funk and Smooth Jazz to Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Caribbean. The talent and popularity of Ya’Gozo has made it possible for the group to perform recently with seven-time Grammy award winning pianist Eddie Palmieri, national recording artist Nestor Torres and smooth jazz artist Ed Calle. Members include Al Ortiz (drums/percussion), Scott Readamaker (alto/ tenor/flute), Julio Bello (acoustic piano), Felix Colon (congas, minor percussion/bata) and Rachael WilCox (vocalist). The Art of Giving Volunteer Spotlight The Appleton Museum of Art has a rich heritage of providing our community with exciting exhibitions and inspiring education opportunities year-round, and we rely on the support of our members and community to make it happen. This vital revenue is put to use in all areas of the museum, and your gift helps us care for our permanent collections and continue to provide world class exhibits, educational programs and exciting special events. Mary Campbell will be celebrating her seventh year as a volunteer at the Appleton Museum of Art in April 2009. She started as a front desk receptionist and then moved to the Museum Shop before transferring to the Trips ‘N’ Tours department two years ago. Working with Dodie Jerz and Sue Primeau, Campbell does a little of everything including planning upcoming trips to art museums and historical destinations, confirming reservations and transportation arrangements, processing fees and escorting groups on the tours. When asked what she enjoys most about her position she said, “Everything! Especially when I take on the role of ‘Bus Attendant’ because that’s when I have the chance to meet all the passengers individually as I’m offering them bottled water, cookies and other refreshments while on route.” You may make a gift to the museum in a variety of ways. We accept gifts for special projects, gifts of stock and gifts of art. Another way to support the Appleton is through planned giving. The Appleton can also help you honor a loved one with a gift in honor or memory, and there are many museum naming opportunities as well. If you are involved in a private, family or corporate foundation, we would be pleased to speak with you and provide information on how we can partner together. Company matching gifts are another wonderful way to significantly increase the amount of your contribution to the museum. More than 7,500 companies in the U.S. match gifts, so please let us know if your company offers this benefit. The Appleton Museum’s Corporate Partnership program seeks to build solid relationships with our community’s corporations. This program joins you and your company with the Appleton, a landmark institution and one of the Southeast’s premier art repositories. Underwriting one of the museum’s exhibits, educational programs or special events creates a mutually beneficial partnership that offers the sponsor maximum visibility among our many members and visitors. For more information, please contact our development officer, Pamela Mock, at 352-291-4455, ext. 1294, or [email protected]. January – April 2009 September - December 2007 Appleton’s Trips ’N’ Tours Volunteer Mary Campbell. 5 T rips ’N’ Tours Trips ’N’ Tours Presents – Come join us for these terrific trips planned in 2009 and enjoy the finest art in Florida and beyond…including Spain! For details and reservations, call the Appleton Trips ‘N’ Tours Coordinator Sue Primeau at 352-291-4456, or e-mail at [email protected]. Jan. 7 and 14 … “Proud Florida Natives,” Art, Flowers and History We start our day traveling to the Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo for the exhibition, “Christopher Still: Coming Home.” A native of Tampa, Still is one of Florida’s preeminent painters. Perhaps his most notable project is the epic 10 murals he painted for the House of Representatives in Tallahassee, each piece measuring 48x126 inches and depicting key stages of Florida’s history and heritage. He also has works on exhibition in the Smithsonian and other museums throughout Florida and the world. We will have lunch prepared by Café Arte on the premises of our next site, the Heritage Village in Pinellas County, where we will have an outdoor guided walking tour. This is a living history museum with more than 25 historic structures dating back to 1852 and features a school, church, sponge warehouse, railroad depot, log cabin, sugar cane mill, mercantile store and a house of Seven Gables. You will also have time to enjoy the adjacent Florida Botanical Gardens. Cost for this trip, including lunch, is $60 for members and $75 for nonmembers. Feb. 4 and 10 … “Discover Florida’s Fountain of Art” We will visit the Orlando Museum of Art to witness first hand the glass world of Therman Statom in the exhibition, “Therman Statom: Stories of the New World.” A renowned glass works artist famous for pushing the boundaries of the medium, Statom works with a variety of materials in addition to blown glass. This gallery-size installation begins with Ponce de Leon’s 1513 search for the Fountain of Youth to guide viewers to historic and contemporary themes of hope, discovery, ambition and destiny. While at the museum we will also be able to view one of the works sculpted by John Henry that are currently being displayed in seven cities around Florida. Across the street is the Mennello American Museum of Art where you will enjoy the special exhibition “First Coast to the Space Coast.” This is Florida art from the past to present, including the folk art of Earl Cunningham, who showed the many small interactions of Atlantic coastal life. We will take a break from all this art just a few minutes away in Winter Park, where a gourmet lunch will be served at the Park Plaza Gardens. Cost for this trip, including lunch, is $65 for members and $80 for nonmembers. March 4 and 12 … “Art and Architecture” We will travel to Florida Southern College in Lakeland to tour the 12 “Child of the Sun” buildings designed and built by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This is the largest on site collection in the world of Wright’s work. Restoration efforts have been under way for the past couple of years on the Water Dome (a fountain), the Esplanades (1.5 miles of covered walkways) and many other buildings, and the challenge has been to follow Wright’s original “organic” architecture and maintain his vision while at the same time adhering to today’s building codes and material. Then we’re off to Lake Wales for lunch at Chalet Suzanne. Cost for this trip, including lunch, is $65 for members and $75 for nonmembers. April 15… “History In The Making” We will visit our state capitol in Tallahassee, see the Legislature in action and then view the 10 stunning murals of Florida artist Christopher Still, who has depicted the history and heritage of our state in grand size and style. A tour of the Governor’s Mansion is also on the itinerary along with a number of other treats during the day, including lunch. Cost for this trip, including lunch, is $60 for members and $75 for nonmembers. Sign up now for Trips ‘N’ Tours’ “History In The Making” program on April 15 that will include a visit to the Florida State Capitol (shown), viewing of Florida artist Christopher Still’s 10 murals of Florida history and a tour of the Governor’s Mansion. Special Trips ’N’ Tours Calendar Notes – We will be keeping you up to date about more fun and educational day trips throughout the spring and summer, but mark your calendars now for these trips in 2009: SPAIN…For 14 days starting Sept. 27. -- This is a country rich with art, romance, history and architecture. We are planning a two-week excursion with overnight stays in Seville, Madrid and Bilbao, and day trips to numerous other cities and sites to provide a grand view of Spain. An additional four-day extension to Barcelona will also be offered. Details will be announced shortly. Note: A special multi-media presentation detailing the itinerary for the trip to Spain will be offered at the Appleton on Monday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. If you are interested in signing up for this trip, come with your questions and be ready to make your reservations and leave a deposit. CHRISTMAS IN NASHVILLE…Nov. 20-23. -- Enjoy Trips ’N’ Tours’ “Art and Architecture” excursion to the Florida Southern College campus in Lakeland on March 4 and 12 will feature a tour of the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel (shown) and 11 other “Child of the Sun” buildings designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 68 a few days and nights of dazzling lights, stunning museums and high energy entertainment topping off another amazing year of art and travel. A newsletter highlighting exhibits A newsletter and eventshighlighting Septemberexhibits - December and events 2007 C alendar Appleton Calendar Dates and times subject to change. Please call 352-291-4455 or visit www.appletonmuseum.org for the latest information. Also, videos are shown each Sunday unless otherwise noted. JANUARY 4 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 7 Trips ’N’ Tours Program – “Proud Florida Natives,” Art, Flowers and History. Visit the Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo and Heritage Village in Pinellas County. 10 10:30 a.m. Saturday Art Craft – Special museum tour and art class for families with children ages 6-9. Advance registration required by calling 352-291-4455, ext. 1613. 13 2:00 p.m. CFCC Film Series: “The Willow Tree” 14 18 Trips ’N’ Tours Program – “Proud Florida Natives,” Art, Flowers and History. Visit the Gulf Coast Museum of Art in Largo and Heritage Village in Pinellas County. 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 18 25 Last day to see “Winslow Homer In America”exhibition. 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. FEBRUARY 1 4 10 10 Trips ’N’ Tours Program – “Discover Florida’s Fountain of Art.” Visit Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello American Museum of Art in Winter Park. 1:30 p.m. Community Day and Live Performances by Flutist Donna Wissinger. 22 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. MARCH 1 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 3 2:00 p.m. CFCC Film Series: “The Italian” 5 5:00 p.m. After Hours: Spanish duo-pianists Elena Martin and Jose Meliton. 7 10:30 a.m. Saturday Art Craft – Special museum tour and art class for families with children ages 4-7 (parents required to be present with their children). Advance registration required by calling 352-291-4455, ext. 1613. 8 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 15 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 22 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 5 1:00 pm. Ocala Youth Symphony 11 10:30 a.m. Saturday Art Craft – Special museum tour and art class for families with children ages 6-9 (parents required to be present with their children). Advance registration required by calling 352-291-4455, ext. 1613. 12 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 19 1:00 p.m. Unveiling of CFCC’s “Imprints” Magazine. 26 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 2:00 p.m. CFCC Film Series: “Pan’s Labyrinth” Trips ’N’ Tours Program – “Discover Florida’s Fountain of Art.” Visit Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello American Museum of Art in Winter Park. 12 5:00 p.m. Directors’ Circle, “A.E. Backus” 13 4:00 p.m. Members Opening, “A.E. Backus” 14 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. APRIL 1:30 p.m. Educational Art Film shown in the Appleton’s Auditorium. 7 10:30 a.m. Saturday Art Craft – Special museum tour and art class for families with older children ages 10-14. Advance registration required by calling 352-291-4455, ext. 1613. 8 15 Opening – “A.E. ‘Bean’ Backus” Exterior front image of The Appleton Museum of Art January – April 2009 September - December 2007 7 NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 12 OCALA, FL 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL. 34470-5001 APPLETON M U S E U M O F A R T of Central Florida Community College Museum Expands Art Storage Area Construction of the Appleton Museum’s new two-story art storage facility was completed in mid-December. The addition expands the museum’s capability to protect and preserve its collections of masterpiece paintings, sculptures, photographs and other works of art. The 2,662-square-foot art storage facility, located at the back of the museum, features 13-foot-tall ceilings, separate climate control systems on both floors, closed circuit security TV, sprinklers and lightning protection. Special insulation material was installed to the outside of the building in order to maximize the amount of interior storage space. Photo by Jim Jernigan courtesy the Ocala/Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Appleton Museum of Art is supported in part by Star Banner/Ocala.com, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau, Party Time Rental, and Phillips Printing of Ocala. s % 3ILVER 3PRINGS "LVD /CALA &, 8 www.appletonmuseum.org A newsletter highlighting exhibits and events January-April 2009