Fletcher Benton: The Artist’s Studio
November 20 – February 6 at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
World-Renowned Sculptor from San Francisco Brings “Childlike Wonder” to Exhibition
Living Walls: A Collaborative Installation by Kurt Kemp and Mark Perlman Runs Concurrently
www.svma.org
4 November 2010 – Sonoma, Kids have playrooms. Fletcher Benton has a studio.
“Most of my life is motivated by childishness,” admits Benton, the world-renowned constructivist sculptor whose childlike wonder and worldly-wise vision will be on copious display at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (www.svma.org) from November 20 – February 6 in Fletcher Benton: The Artist’s Studio curated by the Museum’s Executive Director Kate Eilertsen. A special members preview will be held on Friday, November 19 from 6pm – 8pm.
“This exhibition will feature several larger works, but the focus is really on a recreation of Fletcher’s studio and his creative process. said Eilertsen. “It will feature not only a recreated work table complete with the tools he uses, but also many of the maquettes he has used to design larger pieces.”
The show explores the unique attitudes and methods that Benton, an internationally-esteemed modern sculptor, applies to his work. This experiential and interactive exhibition looks at the inspirations, processes, toys and tools that the artist uses to create his magic. It’s a rare opportunity to see the typically private artist’s studio through the artist's eyes.
“Our hope is that the Museum is a magnet of creative energy and cultural inspiration,” said Eilertsen. “Our goal is for our exhibitions and educational programs to engage the community in the art and ideas of our time, encouraging curiosity and innovation. Fletcher’s studio is the perfect vehicle for inspiring curiosity.”
In conjunction with the Fletcher Benton exhibition, collaborative artists Kurt Kemp and Mark Perlman, will create Living Walls: A Collaborative Installation. Both professors of art at Sonoma State University, Kemp and Perlman will construct two walls comprised of sixty 12"x12" works on paper. The collaboration consists of works created in the studio as well as in the Museum during the course of the exhibition.
Fletcher Benton: The Artist’s Studio will be on view at the Museum, 551 Broadway in Sonoma, November 20 through February 6. Museum members are invited to an opening reception on November 19 from 6pm to 8pm. Museum hours are Wednesdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm. More information about the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is available at www.svma.org or by calling (707) 939-7862.
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