www.krasl.org
WINTER 2012 • JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH
2012: A Year of Sculpture
WINTER 2012 • WWW.KRASL.ORG www.krasl.org 707 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, MI 49085 269.983.0271
Gallery Hours
Monday - Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm Thursday 10 am - 9 pm Friday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm Sunday 1 - 4 pm Exhibitions at the Krasl Art Center are free of charge. Donations are welcome.
Cover Image: Strata by David Barr 1981 Steel, Granite Location: Silver Beach, St. Joseph, MI
Striving For Excellence The Krasl Art Center is an exciting place to be; exhibition openings, classes, lectures, workshops, art camps, gift shop, nationally recognized art-fair and a sculpture collection that extends throughout the region. At the heart of this very busy organization is an art museum that is committed to making a unique contribution to the community by preserving, exhibiting and interpreting visual culture. Moreover, the KAC is accredited by the American Association of Museums; there are only 23 accredited museums out of the more than 700 museums in Michigan. This status is a testament to the determination and work ethic of the Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, educators and staff. Members, donors, students, volunteers and visitors should take pride in the status of the KAC as an accredited museum because it is a national seal of approval of our commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. When you volunteer your time or make a donation to the KAC you can be assured that you are making an investment in a strong and well founded organization.
Message from the Director Seeing children engrossed in a studio, talking with guests about a sculpture, hearing teachers express appreciation for the Krasl Art Center’s support of their curriculum, experiencing the energy and enthusiasm of an exhibition opening, hearing friends of George and Olga Krasl share stories about this dynamic couple. These experiences are what continually motivate me to advance the work of the Krasl Art Center. I have been spending a lot of time thinking about the mission of the Krasl Art Center. What does it mean ‘to bring people and art together’? It is far more than a passive relationship and extends beyond a proximity to art. It is about appreciating the way art informs our understanding of the world around us. This is both a conscious and unconscious process. For me the contrast of the fury of Lake Michigan and the stoic and solid sculpture, Strata by David Barr provides a moment to pause and contemplate. And seeing guests delight at the whimsy of George Rickey’s Three Lines Diagonal Jointed Wall gives testament to the accessibility of the arts.
Photo credit: John Madill
In 2012, we will highlight the role of public art in the community and the KAC’s commitment to collecting sculpture. Through this, we will invite you our members, visitors and guests to discuss and explore your relationship with art and the Krasl Art Center. When you come in contact with a sculpture in our collection, take a moment to pause and think about what it means to you; from its physical construction, and its location, to symbolism, meaning and aesthetic value. For instance, when you see Young Flight by Gail mally-mack, as you enjoy a day at Silver Beach, what thoughts, memories or emotions enter your mind? I invite you to come to the Krasl Art Center and talk with our staff, and share your thoughts and inspirations. Just as importantly, discuss art with your friends, proudly show off the collection to your guests, and share in the beauty and meaning of art that we are so fortunate to have. As the KAC continues to bring people and art together to enhance quality of life we thank you for your support as a donor and member.
Julia Gourley Executive Director
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In the Galleries Olga Krasl generously donated Kirk Newman’s bronze sculpture Gulwave to the Krasl Art Center in 1983. With this gift, the KAC began collecting sculpture in earnest to foster a creative and unique arts environment, setting it apart from other arts institutions in the region and nicely complementing the public memorials on view in its community. Gulwave Kirk Newman 1983 Bronze Location: KAC Grounds
Unlike traditional art museums, the KAC’s sculpture collection is largely viewed outdoors on the KAC’s grounds, and throughout multiple communities in the region. This offers the opportunity to share artworks beyond museum walls, to provide art at every hour of the day, every day of the year, in a multitude of settings. It also presents the challenge of connecting the collection to the Krasl Art Center. In response to this challenge, the KAC is featuring exhibitions in its indoor galleries which will highlight sculpture for the entire year of 2012. Exhibitions in the main galleries will include three dimensional forms ranging from beautiful product design, mixed media assemblage, fine art glass, traditional sculpture and an exhibition relaying the fascinating history of the KAC’s permanent collection. January 27- February 26
The Krasl Art Center Members’ Show: In 3D Every other year, the KAC showcases the artwork of its members in its galleries. This year, member artists have been asked to submit artworks that address the 3D – through materials, composition, or subject matter. View the fruit of their labor in this energetic exhibition of diverse styles, mediums and form. Download the application at www.krasl.org. Opening Reception: Friday, January 27, 5:30-7:30 pm
March 2-April 29
FORM: Essence and Simplicity in Product Design A Thirty Year Retrospective of Bret Bortner Design, Ltd. Opening Reception: Friday, March 2, 5:30-7:30 pm If there is an underlying theory in my work, it is the desire to find within each piece, each form, its essence; to create an object that imparts a simplicity and a humility that bring a sense of beauty and serenity to any environment. ~Bret Bortner The career of the product designer is often led behind the scenes. Yet good design and beautiful objects are both highly valued and desired by retailers and consumers alike. Follow the evolution of Bret Bortner Design from its inception as production pottery in a garage in Dundee, Illinois, through its peak years shipping one million dollars of product annually to retailers, including Crate & Barrel, to its relocation and transformation in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Designs by Bret Bortner
Read more about Bret Bortner on page 6.
Save the Date! May 11-July 22
2012 Biennial Sculpture Invitational Opening Reception: Friday, May 11, 5:30-8:30 pm Join artists, collaborators and friends on a tour of this newly expanded exhibition throughout the cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor!
The Marsh (detail) James Clover 1986 Steel & Epoxy
Members of the Krasl Art Center receive special invites to every exhibition.
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In the Galleries Becoming a Product Designer By Bret Bortner “I had taken all the ceramics classes I could when I attended college, but everything we did was handmade. I knew little about mass producing a clay product.’
‘In 1972 I had a concept for a ceramic item that I wanted to mass produce, but I knew that I had to learn more about the process. I took a job in the mold shop at Haeger Pottery (Dundee, Illinois) in 1973, thinking I would stay just a few months while I learned these production techniques. As it turned out, my fledgling ceramic idea, while initially successful, would soon fold and the “few months” I anticipated staying at Haeger turned into six and a half years. Those years would prove to be the equivalent of a graduate degree in commercial pottery; learning all about tooling and production methods, and in the latter years, about management and marketing. At the same time I was honing my design skills while doing freelance work on the side as a model maker, mold maker.’ ‘I left Haeger at the end of 1979 to pursue freelance work full time. In 1982 I made a presentation of some of my designs to Crate & Barrel. They bought one item, a terra cotta candle lamp, and proceeded to sell 7,000 of them that year. It was the beginning of Bret Bortner Design and this Thirty Year Retrospective at the Krasl Art Center will trace the history and define the evolution of the lines and designs produced since 1982.” Bret Bortner’s designs are featured in the exhibition: FORM: Essence and Simplicity in Product Design A Thirty Year Retrospective of Bret Bortner Design, Ltd. March 2 - April 29, 2012
In the artlab – The Exploration of Art Continues
The Krasl Art Center kicked off its artlab in 2011 by converting a 367 square foot gallery into a site for emerging artists pushing the boundaries of medium and form, i.e. proposing new concepts of what art is and can be. Rather than displaying art neatly confined within a picture frame or politely resting on a pedestal, the artlab utilizes the potential of the entire gallery space. Referred to as ‘installation’ art, the artlab extends the KAC’s commitment to contemporary sculpture and its practices, already evident in its permanent collection of 37 sculptures. The artlab’s premiere artist, Susan Li O’Connor embraced the concept of the lab completely, transforming it into a wondrous cathedral-like setting that appealed to children and adults alike. Mandy Cano Villalobos’ installation commemorating missing individuals from Pinochet’s dictatorship drew mixed reactions; some were upset by the dirt poured over the gallery floor while others experienced chills from the numerous names tacked to the wall. The most touching moment came when one woman pointed out the name of her missing uncle while her husband recalled his time of imprisonment in Chile. The artlab has also drawn new audiences to the KAC through its Thursday evening artist talks. It illustrates the ability, and even desire for diverse art forms to be represented and coexist. The KAC is excited to continue the artlab in 2012. Thank you to those who have visited and welcome to those who have yet to experience the artlab! Tami Miller, Director of Exhibitions and Collections artlab is a venue for all artists who are pushing the boundaries of medium and form.
artlab is a gallery space dedicated to installation, time-based media, sound and light.
artlab is not afraid to showcase the fruit of visual experimentation; it does not require a ‘finished product’ or an ‘established artist.’
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IN THE STUDIOS Letter from Education
We look forward to you joining us for a year full of sculptural exhibitions! Inspired by the celebration of sculpture, we have new and exciting sculptural toys for the KAC lobby, along with enhanced gallery activities. When you visit, be sure to bring a sketchbook or journal, or request to borrow one at the front desk, and rest, reflect and explore your artistic skills in the galleries. The KAC is a great place to bring a friend or date and learn about each other while engaging with inspiring works of art. Adults are welcome to join curator Tami Miller for one of the free Thoughtful Thursdays programs (page 10). Instructor Tom Hurst teaching a student to use a router table.
I encourage you to sign up for a winter class or workshop for some serious play in our studios. Family Art Workshops are a wonderful opportunity for everyone to expand their creativity, without the mess at home! Whatever your purpose may be, we hope to see you soon. Rebecca Hunt, Education Programs Coordinator
Winter Classes and Programs
Faculty Nicole Rimes and daughter during a Family Art Workshop
Summer campers relating to sculpture
Winter term begins February 6 and runs through April 1 and has something for everyone! Classes range from 4-8 week sessions and workshops meet 1-3 sessions. Exciting new adult workshops include Mixed Media on Paper with Mary Burke, a Beaded Wrap jewelry workshop with Angi Caldwell, and Basic Portrait Lighting and All About Lenses with Tim Schroeder in photography. Children’s after school classes take place Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and teen programs are available throughout the week. It’s not too late for home school parents to sign up for the KAC Home School Tuesday class, meeting February 7 through May 29, 10 am-12 pm. For a full complete listing of classes see the 2012 Winter & Spring Schedule at www.krasl.org. Important note for registration: The KAC will be closed January 9-26. Please mail, fax, or call in your registration during this time. Thank you!
Family Art Workshops Flow
Saturday, January 7, 2012, 10:30 am-12 pm Families are welcome to celebrate the closing of Flow with a docent led gallery tour, complete with interactive games in the library and a watercolor project in the studio. $3 per person (free for children 3 and under). Appropriate for all ages. Please pre-register.
Coastline Children’s Film Fest Sunday, February 12, 2012, 2:00-3:30 pm Enjoy watching French film maker Albert Lamorisse’s classic Red Balloon complete with a studio art project. $10 per family. Appropriate for all ages. Please pre-register.
Form: Essence and Simplicity in Product Design Sunday, March 11, 2012, 2-3:30 pm Celebrate local artist Bret Bortner’s retrospective career with a docent led gallery tour followed by a hands on clay project in the ceramics classroom. $3 per person (free for children 3 and under). Appropriate for all ages! Please pre-register.
Holiday Break Shorts for Children Ages 4-6 and 7-12 Dec. 27-29, 2011 and Jan. 3-5, 2012 10 am-12 pm
Spring Break Shorts Ages 4-6 and 7-12 April 2-6, 2012 10 am-12 pm and 1-3 pm
Children are welcome to sign up for any number of these fun filled custom 2-hour art programs!
SAVE THE DATE: 2012 Summer Art Camp
Adult Art Camp, SB-CEU’s pending, June 11-15 Teen Summer Studio 1, Grades 6th-8th, July 23-27 Teen Summer Studio 2, Grades 9th-12th, July 30-August 3 Mini Art Camp (half day), Ages 4-6 June 11-15 • August 6-10 Summer Art Camp (full day), Ages 6-11 June 18-22 • August 13-17 • August 20-24 Art Camp Shorts, (custom camps), Ages 4-6, 6-9, 9-12 June 25-29 • July 2-3, 5-6 The 2012 Summer Art Camp theme for children’s camps (ages 4-12) is Krasl Rock—A Subterranean Journey! Enjoy searching for prehistoric fossils, creating Paleolithic art, and discovering the elements of art in nature!
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Thoughtful Thursdays This past October, the Krasl Art Center launched Thoughtful Thursdays. This series of free public programs is based on the belief that creative thinking and intellectual stimulation is beneficial across disciplines, that the art museum can be a forum for discussion every bit as much as a temple for art, and that the KAC’s resources extend beyond our studio classrooms, into the galleries, the library, among our staff and members. You are always invited to attend a Thoughtful Thursday event. They are free and no RSVP is required.
1st Thursday of every month: Coffee with the Curator
11:00 am in the KAC galleries artlab artist Jennifer Rogers artlab artist talks occur on the Thursday before exhibition openings
2nd Thursday of every month: Art + Book Club
7:00 pm in the KAC library
3rd Thursday of every month: Creativity + Sustainability Lecture Series 7:00 pm in the KAC galleries
Upcoming Creativity + Sustainability Lectures:
4th Thursday of every month:
January 19 No Lecture this Month
7:00 pm in the KAC galleries
February 16 Precious Cargo: Shipping Containers as Housing Solution By Jeff Saylor, representing the Lake Michigan College Greenforce Initiative March 15 Corporate Creativity: Whirlpool’s Innovation Process By Moises Norena, Whirlpool
Art Salon
Every Thursday: Noontime Videos
12:00 pm in the KAC library Please visit www.krasl.org or find us on facebook for a detailed listing of event topics. Thoughtful Thursdays are scheduled through May 2012.
IN THE COMMUNITY Annual Krasl School Art Shows
Underwritten by Whirlpool Corporation, Cunningham Benefits and Four Seasons Spa and Pool. In Partnership with Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) and the Box Factory for the Arts. The KAC, in collaboration with the Berrien Regional (RESA) and the Box Factory for the Arts, present the 11th Annual Krasl Elementary, 12th Annual Middle, and 38th Annual High School Art Shows. 2012 awards include the Sarah E. Cayo Scholarship of $500 awarded to one high school student; 43 cash and scholarship awards from the KAC; and a $50 scholarship to one student from each school from Berrien RESA. The students’ art abounds in color, texture, and vibrancy and fills all three galleries at the Box Factory.
11th Annual Krasl Elementary School Art Show
Thursday, February 23 - Sunday, March 11, 2012 Reception: NEW THIS YEAR-Saturday, February 25, 2012; 11:00 - 2:15 pm. A shuttle will be available for the elementary school show at the Lake Michigan Catholic High School parking lot.
12th Annual Krasl Middle School Art Show/38th Annual Krasl High School Art Show Thursday, March 15 - Sunday, April 8, 2012 Reception: Thursday, March 22, 2012; 5:30-7:30 pm Awards Program at 6:30 pm.
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KRASL ART CENTER NEWS Krasl Art Fair on The Bluff
I am pleased to announce that the 2011 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff was ranked 24th in Sunshine Artist Magazine’s top 100 Fine Art & Design Shows! (Results are determined by artists’ sales reports from shows across the country.) We also received a high rating (8 out of a possible 10) from Art Fair Source Book this year.
Artfair photo credit Edge New Logo Effective May 23, 2011 Competitive The success of 2011 has us energized about the coming 2012 Mike Jakeway
Artfair sponsors
art fair; please join us for the 2012 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff open jurying, at Lake Michigan College on Friday, February 3, 2012 beginning at 10:00 am. Krasl Bucks (gift certificates to spend at the 2012 Krasl Art Fair) are available and make great gifts! They may be purchased at the Krasl Art Center. Sara Shambarger, Director of Krasl Art Fair & Special Events
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff’s $50 to salute 50 years! CMYK
two spot colors
Kerrin & Peter Bermontspot colors with gradient Betty Ann Kesterke Jimmy Butt Barbra Kruggel Priscilla Byrns P. M. Kutz Jim & Betts Casey Gaston & Rolande Lemieux John & Rose Conrad Jim & Marion Maier Edward & Georgianna Conrad William Marohn Dr. Lawrence & Elizabeth Damiani Reo & Marilyn O’bryant Dar Davis Anne Odden Rick Dyer Rob & Marilyn Priddy Rick & Pam Dyer Marcie Schalon William & Arlene Emery Nancy J. Schroeder Dick & Alice Ford Heather Seawright Irma Gorman Sara Shambarger Nick & Robin Grozdich Dr. Don-Nee, Snider-German Janie & Donna Hild Jo Taylor one color Frank Hudson Elizabeth Upton Beth Jones Renee Williams
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT In September, 2011, Krasl Art Center volunteer Jerry Sirk completed his tenure as the Vice President of the board of directors. Jerry’s relationship with the KAC began through ceramic classes in January 1999. For the past 13 years he has supported the KAC as a student, volunteer and board member. Here Jerry shares his ideas on volunteerism and the value of the arts. What do you enjoy about creating art? I love to make things with my hands, it is very relaxing. While creating I get lost in the art and forget everything else in the world. What do you see as the role of the KAC in the community? With funding cuts to our schools; often one of the first areas cut are the arts. I believe that the KAC has the ability to restore art to our youth. What inspires you to contribute to the KAC? With my background repairing machines, I am able to repair kilns and other equipment in the ceramic studio. By keeping the equipment running and contributing new equipment, I contribute to the KAC. In my experience there are three ways to support your favorite organization; time, talent, and treasure.
Jerry Sirk
Advice to others about supporting the arts? The arts bring depth to our universe and beauty to the world. Without your support, the arts may not exist for your children and grandchildren.
Thank You to The City of St. Joseph for generously underwriting this newsletter. For information about underwriting and sponsorship opportunities contact Julia Gourley at 269.983.0271.
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NEW MEMBERS Krasl Art Center Board of Directors Donna Moynihan Rick Dyer Paul Fletcher Vern Breuker Janice Gibson Sam Adams Suzanne Berberet Lori Boekeloo Joen Brambilla Jim Hahn Carol Hake Patrick Schiavone Sharon Warren Renee Williams Marjorie Zibbel Staff: Julia Gourley Tami Miller Joshua Nowicki Patrice Rose Sara Shambarger Rebecca Hunt Danielle Shepherd Sharon Downing Caryl Meister Sylvia Lieberg Brittany Stecker Susan Peters
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Friend’s President
Executive Director Director of Exhibitions and Collections Director of Community Relations Director of Administration Director of Art Fair and Special Events Education Programs Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Gift Shop Manager Office Assistant Receptionist Receptionist Receptionist
The KAC extends a warm welcome to its newest members: Benefactor
Ms. Debra Davis Mr. & Mrs. Donald Fielding Ms. Alice Powell Mr. & Mrs. Carl Warren Sustainer Michigan’s Great Ms. Phyllis Wilke Southwest Sustainable Single Business Forum Ms. Darcy Baskin Marjorie Zibbel & Ms. Susan Bousseau Charlie Olszewski Mr. Robert Brown Family Ms. Lisa Montgomery Ms. Kristine Herman Mr. James Richmond Ms. Maureen Kinney Ms. Judith Buchalski Ms. Gretchen Lobik Mr. Steve Spear Cambron McCutcheon Michael Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Luke Tyson Tala Welch Youngi Kim Cynthia Brown
Ms. Peggy Brozovich Ms. Patricia Carlson Mr. John Froggatt Ms. Margaret Kline Ms. Ruth Steinhagen
Youth
Ramsey Bousseau Kyin Kenreich Keely Knapp Katelyn Laurin Alexander Shier Ava Totzke Evan Brown
Support provided by:
Krasl Art Center Gift Shop
“I love to connect customers with local artists; there is a wealth of great art created in Michigan and the Krasl Art Center is a wonderful venue to showcase this work,” Sharon Downing. Designed by Michael Johnson
Your purchase helps support artists, the local economy and the Krasl Art Center.
CALENDAR December 24 Christmas Eve, KAC closed 25 Christmas, KAC closed 27-29 Holiday Break Shorts, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 29 Noon Video: Simon Schama’s The Power of Art: Picasso 31 New Year’s Eve, KAC closes at noon
23 24 25
January
March
1 3-5 5 5 7 9-26 27 27
New Year’s Day, KAC closed Holiday Break Shorts, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Coffee with the Curator, 11:00 am Noon Video: Simon Schama’s The Power of Art: Rothko Family Art Workshop, Flow, 10:30 am – 12 pm KAC, Closed Opening Reception: Members’ Show: In 3D & artlab, 5:30 – 7:30 pm Children’s Art Workshop, Member’s Show: in 3D, 5:30-7 pm
February 2 2 3 4 6 9 9 11 12 16 16 17 17 18
Coffee with the Curator, 11:00 am Noon Video: How Art Made the World: More Human Than Human Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, opening jurying, 10:00 am – Location: Lake Michigan College Coastline Children’s Film Festival + art activities, Paddle to the Sea, 10 am-12:30 pm; Between the Folds, 1-3 pm Winter Term begins Noon Video: How Art Made the World: The Day Pictures Were Born Book Discussion, 7:00 pm Ice Fest: Magician, John Duddley, 10:30-11 am; Coastline Children’s Film Fest. Animated Shorts and art activities, 11am-12pm Family Art Workshop + Coastline Children’s Film Festival’s Red Ballon, 2-3:30 pm Noon Video: How Art Made the World: The Art of Persuasion Creativity + Sustainability: Lecture, 7:00 pm Friends Luncheon, 12:00 pm Mixed Media on Paper Workshop with Mary Burke, 5:30-8:30 pm Basic Portrait Lighting Workshop with Tim Schroeder, 10 am-4 pm
1 1 1 1 2 8 8 10 11 15 15 16 22 22 22 22 29
Noon Video: How Art Made the World: Once Upon a Time Art Salon, 7:00 pm Opening Reception: Krasl Elementary School Art Show, 11:00-2:15 pm – Location: Box Factory for the Arts Coffee with the Curator, 11:00 am Noon Video: Objectified; design of everyday objects Beaded Wrap Workshop with Angi Caldwell, 5:30-8:30 pm artlab artist talk, 7:00 pm Opening Reception: Form & artlab, 5:30-7:30 pm Noon Video: : Between the Folds: Origami’s connection to art, science & philosophy Book Discussion, 7:00 pm All About Lenses Photography Workshop with Tim Schroeder, 11 am-4 pm Family Art Workshop, Form, 2-3:30 pm Noon Video: Herb & Dorothy; a mail clerk and librarian’s vast art collection Creativity + Sustainability: Lecture, 7:00 pm Friends Luncheon, 12:00 pm Opening Reception: Krasl Middle School Art Show, 5:30-7:30 pm – Location: Box Factory for the Arts Opening Reception: Krasl High School Art Show, 5:30-7:30pm – Location: Box Factory for the Arts Noon Video: Cezanne in Provence Art Salon, 7:00 pm Noon Video: Make Me Think; artist Bruce Nauman
April 2-6 5 5 12 12 18 19 19 26 26
Spring Break Shorts, 10:00 am-12:00 pm & 1:00-3:00 pm Coffee with the Curator, 11 am Noon Video: The Passing; artist Bill Viola Noon Video: Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies; connections between cinema and Cubist paintings Book Discussion, 7:00 pm Volunteer Recognition Party, 5:30- 7:00 pm Noon Video: Marwencol; outsider artist Mark Hogancamp Creativity + Sustainability: Lecture, 7:00 pm Noon Video: Craft in America; Landscape Art Salon, 7:00pm
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Art Insight Published Quarterly 707 Lake Blvd. St. Joseph, MI 49085 Volume 34, Issue Number 1
Hours: M - W, F & Sa 10 - 4 Th 10 - 9, Sun 1 - 4
707 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, MI 49085 269.983.0271
Refers to the movement of geological plates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania along the Allegheny River. It is also a reference to a steel workers’ tool called a drift pin and the hometown of Michael’s grandfather who was an artist and architect.
Inspired by childhood memories of tractors from the Allis-Chambers factory in Springfield, Illinois.
Title:
Color:
Material: 3” solid plate steel
Weight: 11 tons
Interesting Facts
Allegheny Drift Michael Dunbar 1995
Featured Sculpture