www.krasl.org
SPRING 2012 • APRIL, MAY, JUNE
2012: A Year of Sculpture
SPRING 2012 • WWW.KRASL.ORG www.krasl.org 707 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, MI 49085 269.983.0271
Museum & Shop Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm Sunday: 1 pm - 4 pm Exhibitions at the Krasl Art Center are free of charge. Donations are welcome.
The Friends of the Krasl Art Center Summer Luncheon Friday, May 18, 2012 Join the Friends of the Krasl Art Center for a delectable lunch at the Navajo Lounge in Bridgman. Following the meal meet at Fritz Olsen’s Sculpture Gallery, Studio and Gardens for a delightful tour of the facility. Olsen’s sculpture, Bouquet, is a part of the Krasl Art Center’s permanent collection.
Cover Image: And You, Seas Stainless Steel Richard Hunt 2002 Stainless Location: Silver Beach, St. Joseph, Michigan along the St. Joseph Channel
For more information, and to inquire about ticket prices call 269.983.0271. Bouquet Fritz Olsen 1999 Marble Location: Krasl Art Center grounds
Message from the Director Now is a perfect time to get outside and enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of southwest Michigan. Invite your friends to an event, have a picnic under a sculpture, post photos of the KAC collection and help us promote the amazing art in our spectacular communities. The Krasl Art Center (KAC) has been collecting sculpture since 1982. The Board of Directors’ minutes note, “the Permanent Collection will have a special focus on outdoor sculptural works, to be exhibited around the exterior of the Krasl Art Center.” Since then, with the support of many communities in southwest Michigan, we have extended well beyond the KAC grounds. Today sculptures in our collection can be found from New Buffalo to South Haven, Michigan. With the goal of further contributing to and enhancing the cultural life in our immediate communities and in support of the KAC’s commitment to sculpture the KAC hosts a Biennial Sculpture Invitational. In 2012, this exhibition has expanded to include sculpture placements in both St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. Recent statistics by Creative State Michigan (creativestatemi.org) report that in 2010 arts and culture represented over two billion in tourism dollars; more than golf, skiing, boating, hunting, fishing and viewer sports events combined. As we embark on this year’s exhibition we look to you; our advocate, member, patron, and visitors; to help spread the word about the positive effect that the KAC has on your community.
Photo credit: John Madill
The KAC is a vibrant and thriving arts organization because of the ongoing support of local businesses and individuals. Businesses large and small do their part to ensure that our excellent exhibitions and programs excel through sponsorship, newsletter underwriting and more. Recent exhibition sponsors include Third Coast Surf Shop, Newburg Law, LLC, Chemical Bank, B&L Information Systems and Timothy’s Restaurant. Norene Laney is an example of a quiet and behind the scenes supporter who made a thoughtful gift to the KAC. Read her story on page 11. Whether your support comes as a volunteer, donor or sponsor, or you do your part by sharing the KAC’s story with friends, we appreciate the role you take in the KAC’s success.
Julia Gourley Executive Director 3
In the Galleries Biennial Sculpture Invitational
May 11-July 22, 2012 In 1996, the Krasl Art Center began displaying sculpture in its Biennial Sculpture Invitational. Historically, artworks have been displayed on art center grounds, as well as at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum. As a result, over the past eighteen years, residents and visitors alike have encountered contemporary sculpture in St. Joseph when walking along the bluff, in front of the art center, as well as the riverfront.
David Kocka, Icarus
This year, the biennial exhibition is extending its reach. In collaboration with the New Territory Arts Association, two sculptures will be placed in the arts district of Benton Harbor. An additional two sculptures will be installed at Lookout Park along Red Arrow Highway in collaboration with the city of St. Joseph. Six regional artists will have their sculpture featured outside the Box Factory for the Arts as well in an annex exhibition. The Biennial exhibition series supports the Krasl Art Center’s collection of contemporary sculpture. It compliments and diversifies the art on view throughout our communities. An impetus for both the exhibition and the KAC’s sculpture collection is the acknowledgement that art in public places increases civic pride and bears witness to the cultural wealth of a community. We thank you for your dedicated support of the arts, together we continue to make this a wonderful community to live in and an extraordinary tourist destination. Exhibition Sponsor: Timothy’s Restaurant
Cynthia McKean, Libretto
May 11, 2012 Join us for the Progressive Sculpture Party to view sculpture at partner locations! Enjoy a variety of food, drink and live music at each venue. 5:00-6:00 Appetizers 6:00-7:00 Savories 7:00-8:30 pm Sweets
210 Water Street Studios Box Factory for the Arts Krasl Art Center
Shuttle service will be offered. Watch the mail for your detailed invitation! Where will I see sculpture? • Krasl Art Center • Margaret B. Upton Arboretum along the St. Joseph River • Lookout Park along Red Arrow Highway • Arts District in Benton Harbor • Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph
Bob Emser, Sky Trail II
How long will the sculptures be on display outdoors? • Through August 2013 How can I learn more about the sculptures? • Visit the KAC the indoor exhibition on view through July 22nd. Preliminary sketches and models (known as maquettes) by the artists who have work outdoors will provide insight to their process. • Dial, Listen and Learn: each sculpture has its own cell phone audio recording. Plaques near the artworks feature the phone number and special stop number. • Listen to artists and the curator discuss the artworks on view. • Take a moment to record your own thoughts on the sculpture here as well.
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In the Galleries Upcoming: July 27-September 2 Energy Reboot: The Art of Indira Johnson Chicago-based artist Indira Johnson mixes discarded objects with traditional sculptural practice. Her use of materials allows traces of former identities to remain amid transformed states; objects relay renewed energy and sensibility, functioning physically as well as spiritually and reinforcing the concept that everyday life is sacred. Artworks may be figurative, conceptual, or experiential. Exhibition Sponsor: Chemical Bank
Swinging for Sculpture! Monday, June 25, 2012 at Harbor Shores On view through April 29: Form: Essence & Simplicity in Product Design, A Thirty Year Retrospective of Bret Bortner Design, Ltd.
11:00 am
Registration and lunch for golfers with a 12:30 pm Shot Gun Start
5:30 pm
Party and Awards, public invited
The KAC has teamed up with the New Territory Arts Association to bring sculpture to the Arts District of Benton Harbor as a part of the 2012 Sculpture Biennial. Proceeds from this third annual event support KAC sculpture acquisitions and public sculpture efforts in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Support the collaboration and the arts by signing up to golf on Harbor Shores’ magnificent course and/or by coming to the party after to enjoy live music, hearty summer fare and cash bar. Golf Fee:
$225 includes lunch, golf & one party ticket
Tee Sponsorship: $200 includes two party tickets Party tickets:
$35 each
Event Sponsor: Mickey’s Linen.
In the artlab – The Exploration of Art Continues
This past January local artist Laura Boyce facilitated a hands-on artlab installation where all were invited to participate. It’s Your Turn! began as an abstract landscape. PVC pipes suggested trees, crocheted and knitted yarn became forested vines and masses of wallpaper rings formed clouds. Laura worked with guests the Thursday prior to the lab’s premiere to begin layering the space, with each person adding their own unique addition. It was spectacular. Young and old alike played for two hours non-stop draping fabric around the treetops, building tunnels to crawl through, decorating the walls, constructing more clouds and additional vines.
Laura Boyce
Over the six-week period of the exhibition, the forest continued to grow. Peering through the entrance to the lab, vibrant colors and textures offered contained chaos not dissimilar to a teenager’s bedroom. Several guests simply looked at the space, some shaking their heads not sure what to make of it. Yet an impressive number got in there and played. It’s Your Turn! visibly illustrated the joy of creative play and interaction. The current artlab installation by Aaron Flynn poses new questions regarding clay as an artistic material. It too invites viewers to participate in the opportunity to literally break traditional ceramic vessels. In May, artists Annica Cuppetelli and Cristobal Mendoza will cast light throughout the lab that responds to viewers’ movement. As always, you are invited! Tami Miller, Curator of Exhibitions, Collections and Education artlab is a venue for all artists who are pushing the boundaries of medium and form.
Aaron Flynn In the artlab On view through April 29: Aaron Flynn May 11-July 22: Annica Cuppetelli and Cristobal Mendoza July 27-September 2: Katie Vota
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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CUR-ED Two departments at the Krasl Art Center have become one; CUR-ED is the newly combined curatorial and education department of the KAC. The department is lead by Tami Miller the Curator of Exhibitions, Collections and Education; and Jodie Hardy, the Education and Interpretation Manager, oversees the functioning of educational programming. The combination of two formerly separate departments marks a concerted effort at the KAC to streamline and deepen the fine arts experiences in the galleries, studios and all KAC programs.
Spring Term begins April 10! Classes for spring are listed in the Winter & Spring Class Schedule. Summer Term will begin on June 11 Schedules are mailed to all members, distributed throughout the community, and available online at www.krasl.org May 31, 2012 is the last day to register for the guest artist workshop Hadar Jacobson: Texture and Architecture in Metal Clay Rings. See the Winter & Spring Class Schedule for details.
CUR-ED is responsible for the interpretation, presentation and development of the KAC’s permanent collection and fine arts opportunities in the museum galleries, classroom studios, and throughout the community. It is the goal of CUR-ED to make art engaging and relevant to diverse audiences. In this way, the department ensures the Krasl Art Center is meeting its mission of bringing people and art together. This is no small task; we take it seriously and we enjoy it immensely. We also encourage your input. Please email KAC Curator Tami Miller at tmiller@krasl.org, or call (269) 983-0271, ext. 20 with your thoughts. Thank you!
Ways We Are Bringing People and Art Together • Classes beginning at age 4 • Very Special Arts— classes for persons with disabilities • Art Angels—art experiences for pediatrics and oncology patients and their families • Art camps for youth, ages 11-14, as well as teen specific classes and camps • Family structured workshops and classes • Day time and evening ceramics offerings for adults • Free afterschool art programs in Benton Harbor (Benton Harbor Girls Academy and Waterstreet Glassworks) • Scholarships available for those with financial need • Additional and new classes, workshops and camps year round
This Summer: Walking SculpTours May 12 – September 29, 2012 Learn about the art in your community – including monuments along the bluff, sculpture in the KAC’s permanent collection and special biennial sculptures on view for a limited time only. Tours will begin at the stairs at Lake Bluff Park (intersection of Broad Street and Lake Boulevard) each Saturday at 2:00 pm. Tours last approximately 1 hour and will follow the bluff to the KAC. $3.00 suggested donation.
Thoughtful Thursdays April & May
1st Thursday: Coffee with the Curator at 11:00 am April 5: Join Tami Miller and special guest Anna Russo Sieber, Gallery Owner May 3: Join Tami Miller and special guest Ken Ankli, NTAA President 2nd Thursday: Book Discussion at 7:00 pm April 12: The Mistress of Modernism: the Life of Peggy Guggenheim, Mary V. Dearborn May 10: Christo and Jeanne Claude - A Biography, Burt Chernow 3rd Thursday: Creativity + Sustainability Lecture Series at 7:00 pm April 19: Art, Artists, and Daily Practice May 17: Photovoice: Exploring Community Health through Art 4th Thursday Art Salon at 7:00 pm April 26: Special Guest Anthony Schaller, Schaller Gallery May 24: To be announced Every Thursday @ Noon Noon Video: see calendar on p. 15 for listings
Summer Art Camp 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! Look for more information in the Summer Class Schedule.
June Schedule
2nd Thursday: Book Discussion, at 7:00 pm June 14: An Artist of the Floating World, Kazuo Ishiguro 4th Thursday Art Salon at 7:00 pm June 28: Studio visit with sculptor Bill Copper at St. Joseph Monument (meet at the KAC at 6:45 pm and carpool there) All Thoughtful Thursday programs are located at the Krasl Art Center (unless otherwise noted) and are free and open to the public. July and August Thoughtful Thursday programs will be featured in the summer newsletter.
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LOTUS Lotus, aka The Heavyweight, the Krasl Art Center’s hippopotamus sculpture has been hard at work promoting the KAC, area non-profits and southwest Michigan. Lotus has been a visitor favorite since her arrival in 1994; children and adults delight in having their photo taken with Lotus and sitting on her back.
The Heavyweight Dr. Burt Brent 1994 Bronze
In 2011, Lotus sought new ways to interact with the public. As a result, she opened a twitter account @Lotus_The_Hippo. It was not long after joining twitter that she started to build a following of local community members, museum mascots and a diverse range of national and international individuals and organizations.
Commissioned by the Krasl Art Center, this playful, resting hippopotamus was nicknamed Lotus in a children’s naming contest. Dr. Brent, from California, is a surgeon by day and a sculptor when time permits. Most of Dr. Brent’s work is bronze and he generally uses animals as his subject matter.
Within the last few months, Lotus has become an avid photographer, with subjects including sculpture, community events and Lake Michigan. Her tweets and photography have even been noticed by The Weather Channel, and five of her photos have appeared on television.
Location: Krasl Art Center grounds
Lotus would love to see your photos of the Krasl Art Center sculptures, and talk with you about sculpture, photography, museums and our wonderful community. You can find Lotus online, and follow her on her adventures on twitter at @Lotus_The_Hippo.
In February of this year, Lotus was interviewed by Owney the Dog (the National Postal Museum’s mascot) for a blog post entitled Museum Mascots on Social Media. Also in February, Lotus participated in the American Association of Museums,’ Museums Advocacy Day 2012 tweeting about the importance of museums and promoting arts and cultural organizations. Moreover, Lotus has been the theme of the Friends of the Krasl Art Center Luncheons in 2012, appearing on invitations, and as part of the décor celebrating her and the changing seasons.
Supporting the Arts Some of us identify as artists, others as patrons of the arts and still others appreciate the more subtle contribution of the arts. To Norene Laney (Rene), art did not need to be a picture on a wall or sculpture on a pedestal, it could be as effortless and free as seeing a bird on a fence. Rene had a love of art from the start, but it was not until she left the small farm of her youth that she was exposed to the fluidity of watercolors and the joy of visiting galleries and museums. As a mother of four children, Rene and her husband Dick Laney believed in exposing their children to all that life had to offer and engaged their children in the arts through trips to Chicago art museums. Rene spoke animatedly with her children about the paintings they would see and encouraged her young boys to try their hand at art, especially clay class, which they secretly loved.
Rene Laney
Although Rene was not actively involved in the Krasl Art Center, she did appreciate the contribution that the KAC makes to southwest Michigan. Rene understood the economic impact of the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff and recognized how public sculpture makes art accessible while adding sophistication and beauty to our area. In the months leading up to her death in December, 2011, Rene left many gifts to organizations in southwest Michigan including the KAC. Rene didn’t ask for much in exchange for her gift, understanding that the arts cannot thrive without the support of community members. She did, however, want to share a message, “you don’t have to come from greatness to give back to something you believe in, you simply need to decide to do something really nice.” We are truly grateful for her financial support of the KAC. Rene will be remembered for more than her financial gift, she will be remembered for her gift of confidence, and behind the scenes support for the work of the KAC, and for her message to give to what you believe is important in life.
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Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff! Saturday, July 14, 10:00 am-6:00 pm & Sunday, July 15, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Artfair photo credit Mike Jakeway Artfair sponsors
Friday Night Kick Off Party, July 13, 5:00-10:00 pm The thank you “Townie” party was such a hit last year that it is back by popular demand! Join us for a night of entertainment, wine tasting, tempting food from downtown restaurants, free activities for children and a “sneak preview” of art by the 2012 art fair artists. All of the events for the party will be located on the Krasl Art Center lawn. Krasl Bucks give art lovers an opportunity to pre-buy certificates that can be used toward art purchases at the Krasl Art Fair. For $100.00 (minimum purchase), Krasl Buck holders enjoy nearby parking, breakfast on Saturday morning and much more. Call or drop by the KAC today to purchase your Krasl Bucks!
Annual Poster Unveiling Thursday, April 26, 5:00-7:00 pm Join us at the KAC as we unveil our 2012 Fine Art Poster, Publicity Poster and our new merchandise. Catered by Lake Michigan College.
Best of Category The art fair has 19 categories and for over 10 years we have been awarding “Best of Category” to the artist who has the highest score in each of the 19 categories from the on-site jurying. Each of the artists is given a hand-crafted ribbon and a monetary prize. This year local businesses and individuals have the opportunity to sponsor these important awards. For a donation of $200, you will have your name on the ribbon and present the award in person at our annual “Round Table Discussion” for the artists on Sunday morning. Please call George Barfield 269.208.8955 to sponsor your ribbon today!
SUPPORT The Krasl Art Center is grateful to annual fund donors, members, corporate sponsors and granting organizations for the financial support required to continue to offer the programs and exhibitions you expect from the Krasl Art Center. We have recently received the following grant awards and thank the granting agencies for their support. The Krasl Art Center’s operations and programs are supported by a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs. Regional pARTnerships school and outreach programs are supported in part by a Frederick S. Upton Foundation grant. Art Angels and Very Special Arts Programs are supported in part by a Berrien Community Foundation grant.
Venus and Jupiter as seen from the Krasl Art Center. Krasl Stack Fred Spaulding 2011 Location: Krasl Art Center grounds
Blossomland Accounting, LLC 35 Years Of Experience Serving Our Clients Specializing in Small Business Services: • Bookkeeping • Payroll Processing Including Federal & State Tax Payments • Income Tax Returns Including Individual, Corporate, Partnership, Non-Profit, Profit- Sharing, Estate & Gift • Accounting System Setup & Analysis 3423 Hill Street, Saint Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 983-3339 ● fax (269) 983-6905 ● blossomland@acd.net Thank You to Blossomland Accounting, LLC 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 Jodie Hardy Sara Shambarger Brittany Stecker Caryl Meister Sylvia Lieberg Susan Peters
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Friend’s President
The KAC extends a warm welcome to its newest members: Sustainer
Ms. Becky Kliss Ms. Suzanne Berberet Mr. & Mrs. Bill Marohn Ms. Pat Walton
Sponsor
Ms. Judy Benninghoff
Family
Executive Director Curator of Exhibitions, Collections and Education Director of Community Relations Director of Administration Education & Interpretation Manager Director of Art Fairs Gift Shop Coordinator Office Assistant Receptionist Receptionist
Ms. Maureen Adams Ms. Leslie Arbanas Sharar & Amy Dauer Janet & Gordon Kilgore Mariele & Robin McBride Mr. & Mrs. Ed. Mack Ms. Barbara Weirich The Haley Weldon Family
Single
Mr. Sam Adams Ms. Wendy Simons Ms. Tamara Strickland Ms. Suzanne Wattles Mr. Brian Cooley Mr. William Cooper Ms. Juliann Edgar Mr. Nathan Geib Mr. Randy Gregg Ms. Joan MacDonald Ms. Cindy Odom Ms. Donna Schinto Ms. Ava Schlender Ms. Jacqueline Shelley Mr. Dave Smykal Mr. Fred Summerfelt Ms. Rebecca Swindler
Youth
Mr. Nathan Blied Mr. Simon Dienes Miss Sofia Fowler Mr. Jack Halstead
Support provided by:
Newsletter Design and Layout by Michael Johnson
Krasl Art Center Gift Shop
Focusing on art, regional artists, fair-trade goods, and jewelry, the Krasl Art Center Gift Shop is the perfect place to find unique gifts and home décor. Your purchase helps support artists, the local economy and the Krasl Art Center.
CALENDAR April 3-5 5 5 8 9 12 12 14 14 15 18 19 19 26 26
Spring Break Shorts (ages 4-6, 7-12) Coffee with the Curator & Special Guest Anna Russo Sieber, 11:00 am Noon Video: The Passing; artist Bill Viola (54m) KAC closed; Easter Spring Term begins (youth, teens and adults) Noon Video: Picasso and Braque Go to the Movies; connections between cinema and Cubist paintings (60m) Book Club: The Mistress of Modernism: the Life of Peggy Guggenheim by Mary V. Dearborn, 7:00 pm Byzantine Chain Making Party with Meg Tang, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, $50/$65 all materials included Photographic Composition Workshop with Tim Schroeder, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, $40/$55 Family Art Workshop with Jen Van Beek, 2:00 - 3:30 pm, $10/$25 per family Volunteer Appreciation Event, 5:00 pm Noon Video: Marwencol; outsider artist Mark Hogancamp (82m) Creativity + Sustainability Lecture Series: Art, Artists and Daily Practice, 7:00 pm Noon Video: Craft in America; Landscape (50m) Art Salon, Special Guest Anthony Schaller, 7:00 pm
18 24 24 24 31 31
Friends of the Krasl Art Center Summer Luncheon, see page 2 for details Noon Video: Christo in Paris (58m) Open House for the Senior PGA Championship, 5:00 – 8:00 pm Art Salon, 7:00 pm Noon Video: Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision; Vietnam War Memorial artist (83m) Last day to register for the Hadar Jacobson Workshop, see the Winter & Spring Class Schedule for details
June 11 11 14 25 28
Summer Term begins (youth, teens and adults) Summer Camps begin Book Club: An Artist of the Floating World, Kazuo Ishiguro, 7:00 pm Swinging for Sculpture see page 6 for details Art Salon, Studio visit with sculptor Bill Copper at St. Joseph Monument (meet at the KAC at 6:45 pm and carpool to location)
May 3 3 10 10 10 11 11 13 17 17
Coffee with the Curator & Special Guest Ken Ankli, 11:00 am Noon Video: Craft in America; Community (50m) Noon Video: In a Dream: muralist Isaiah Zagar (80m) Book Club: Christo and Jeanne Claude - A Biography by Burt Chernow, 7:00 pm artlab artist talk, 7:00 pm Opening Reception: Biennial Sculpture Invitational, see page 4 for details Children’s Art Workshop with Nicole Rimes, 5:30-7:00 pm, FREE KAC members/$10 non member families Family Art Workshop with Jen Van Beek, , 2:00 - 3:30 pm, $10/$25 per family Noon Video: Running Fence: Christo & Jean Claude (58m) Creativity + Sustainability Lecture Series: Photovoice: Exploring Community Health through Art
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Featured Sculpture Beacon Gold Chandelier, Dale Chihuly, 2000 Interesting Facts Weight: 700 pounds Material: 200 individually blown glass pieces attached to a stainless steel armature. 707 Lake Boulevard St. Joseph, MI 49085 269.983.0271
Museum & Shop Hours: Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 4 pm Thursday: 10 am - 9 pm Sunday: 1 pm - 4 pm Art Insight Published Quarterly Volume 34, Issue Number 2
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Color:
Bumble bee yellow is the primary color.
Shape:
Shapes include the horn, split leaf, and venetian leaf
This work is dedicated to local resident Ed Conrad for his distinguished service to the community
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