Exhibitions
Three distinctive artists help inaugurate new gallery space
Opening on Aug. 14 in the newest gallery space of the Museum of Friends is the exhibition Brendt Berger Monumental Paintings / Linda Fleming Wood Sculptures from 1988 to 1992. Upstairs in the special exhibition gallery is the multi-media works of Peggy Zehring in a show titled In Process. An opening reception for the show will be held Aug. 14, 5-7 p.m., at the gallery, located at 600 Main Street in Walsenburg.
The inauguration of the Museum of Friends’ downstairs gallery, in the Main Street space formerly occupied by Duckwalls, coincides with the Bergers’ (co-founders of the Museum) interest in developing the downtown area of Walsenburg and raising the visibility and awareness of contemporary art in Walsenburg and the region.
“In the last 100 years of international art making, we have moved away from depicting the world in the style of realism moving towards contemporary expression which is multi-dimensional,” Curator Maria Cocchiarelli-Berger said. “The abstract works featured in both new exhibits attest to the distinctive possibilities of three different artists’ interpretations of their expression.”
Brendt Berger is a painter/printmaker with roots in Hawaii who refers to the imagery of his heritage in his more recent work. In “Monumental Paintings,” he relies on his formal training as a painter using color, form and composition to express his creativity as his life unfolded in the 1980’s while living in New York. “Dilworth’s Rib,” “Hawaiian Heart,” “Umbrella,” “John Lennon, and ” Ricardo Meets Death at Kuster King” refer to real events in the artist’ life. The largest work, “Dilworth’s Rib” is a memorial to Berger’s dear friend and poet Dilworth Faber, a New York street poet also known as the Penny Man. This would need more space to see it in its entirety, but due to the height of the gallery ceilings one panel had to be omitted. On view is a reproduction which accurately portrays the whole work measuring 15 feet by 50 feet.
In common with Linda Fleming’s Wood Sculptures from 1988 to 1992, both Berger and she used recycled materials before it was in fashion. Fleming’s wood remnants were taken from construction sites and found in neighborhoods in which she has lived.
These components contain the history of what they had been as they are transformed into new forms. Interested in the demonstration of scientific theory, Fleming found a parallel between these materials and the particles out of which all matter is comprised. Each has taken on numerous forms and she constructed her sculptures with the intent to express this in 3 dimensions. “Flask,” the largest of these works, is 130 inches high by 96 inches wide and 48 inches deep. Created in 1990, it defies logic, seeming to stay balanced while suggesting it may tumble at the same time. “Green Ring”, considerably smaller with a wonderful patina of green, is intricately formed in such a manner that the viewer is continually drawn in to understand its construction.
Upstairs, in the permanent galleries of MOF, is a special exhibition of Peggy Zehring in process. Beginning with the entrance hall and moving throughout the space are more than forty mixed-media works and a complete wall recreation from her studio. The “in process wall” displays the objects which become incorporated into her completed mixed-media three-dimensional bas reliefs. Zehring’s expression is dependent on her search for inner truth.
“For 30 years now, I have been using my art to explore my Truth - mentally, physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually,” Zehring said. “I began by painting and drawing it. In the mid-80’s, after a trip to Mexico, my work started becoming more three-dimensional. I became interested in experimenting with materials such as sand, marble dust, chalk dust, sawdust, ashes, joint compound, plaster, string, Spackle, cardboard, found metal objects, leather, sticks, wasp nests, birds’ nests and acrylic mediums, among others. I especially seek materials which have been softened and aged by the earth.”
In conjunction with the new exhibitions and the museum’s interest in developing the downtown area, public programs have been designed to encourage downtown walking traffic, shopping and dining.
Upcoming public programs:
New Artists Series: Artists Talk on Art
Thursday evenings at 5:30 in the new Main Street location.
August 19,
Terri Madigan, Area Director for Friends of the Over the River, will give a presentation on Over The River project to answer questions and inform supporters of how they can be involved. Over The River is a two-week temporary work of art created by world-renowned artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. The artists plan to suspend 5.9 miles of silvery, luminous fabric panels high above the water of the Arkansas River at eight separate areas between Salida and Canon City.
September 30
Peggy Zehring, Multi-Media artist with an exhibition on the 2nd Floor of MOF, will discuss her work, process and teaching philosophy.
October 14,
Brendt Berger, Painter, Printmaker with an exhibition on the 1st Floor of MOF, will discuss the formation of the Museum of Friends in relation to his Paintings on view.
October 28,
Kenny Schneider will present his film “Peggy Zehring – in process” at the Fox Theater
A documentary filmed in the artist studio that explores who she is as an artist.
Date and time to be announced:
Dennis Oppenheim, internationally acclaimed public artist with work in the permanent collection of the Museum of Friends, will present images of his new public sculpture, Light Chamber, in the Denver Justice Center.
Community Outreach
Yoga for Mind, Body, Soul
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor Arleen Feiccabrino leads a class for adults every Tuesday from noon to 1:30 pm. Please bring a yoga mat or towels. Fee $5.00 per class.
School Tour Program
K-12 Curriculum-based programs offered Tuesday through Fridays, $3.00 per student
*The Museum of Friends is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon until 5 pm. Admission is free with suggested donation of $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child and senior citizen. MOF is supported in part by Colorado Creative Industries, the Faris Land and Cattle, Volunteers for Change, the Huerfano World Journal, and numerous individuals.
August 11, 2010, 8:20 am
MOF welcomes the Colorado Art Ranch Artists in Residence
Join us as the Museum of Friends welcomes the Colorado Art Ranch Artists in Residence. Saturday, April 25, 2009 5:30-8 pm Museum of Friends 109 East 6th Street Walsenberg (719)738-2858 www.museumof friends.org • Music By Gavin Maurer • Poetry By Marj Hahne • A sneak preview of the Colorado Art Ranch Artposium • Meet the Colorado Art Ranch Artists in Residence • Hors d’oeuvres • Conversation • Preview the new Eddie Dominguez exhibit • A chance to support Colorado Art Ranch Please RSVP to Museum of Friends info@museumo riends.org (719)738-2858
April 21, 2009, 2:12 pm
Tierra Culture (Cultural Landscapes): The Art of Eddie Dominquez
The Museum of Friends, located in Walsenburg, Colorado is pleased to announce the opening of Tierra Culture (Cultural Landscapes): The Art of Eddie Dominquez. An afternoon celebration on May 5 from 2 to 5:30 pm will include tours through the exhibition at two locations. In collaboration with the Huerfano County Commissioners, this exhibition may be viewed at both the Huerfano County Courthouse and the Museum of Friends. Cultural Landscapes will be on view from April 25 through July 31, 2009.
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Huerfano County Commissioners & MOF Satellite Exhibition of 2008
The Third, Satellite Exhibition of 2008 November 14th through March, 2009 Many of the artists included in our inaugural exhibition at the Courthouse, March to June 08, are currently represented in The New Show. You will be pleased to see paintings, sculptures, and fabric works, not previously viewed in this space.
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Diorbhail Cameron exhibit - September 26, 2008
This year, the MOF has elected to broaden the celebration of Celtic culture by presenting “Celtic Reflections (Smaoin NaGaidheil Na H-Albann The Light Boxes of Diorbhail Cameron,” an exhibition of a Celtic Mystic Artist. The museum will also host an art performance by Cameron and her daughter Mairi Cameron Gearey at the Museum on Sept. 27 at 5 pm.
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Inaugural Exhibition of Huerfano County Artists - June 30, 2008
The inaugural exhibition will open on Friday evening March 14th at 3 pm at the Court House, in Walsenburg. The public is invited to attend. This first exhibition will remain on display until June 30, 2008.
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Inaugural Exhibition of Huerfano County Artists
Presented by the Huerfano County Commissioners andThe Museum of Friends (MOF)
The Museum of Friends also known as MOF, in collaboration with the Huerfano County Courthouse and County Commissioners is planning to present a series of art exhibitions. The inaugural exhibition will open on Friday evening March 14th at 3 pm at the Court House, in Walsenburg. The public is invited to attend. This first exhibition will remain on display until June 30, 2008.The artists included in this first show have roots in our community and an association with the newly established Museum of Friends (MOF). MOF opened to the public on October 19, 2007 with the intention of sharing its outstanding collection of Contemporary Art with Walsenburg and visitors to the area. Newly established as a not-for-profit educational facility - plans are in process to present programming that fits the needs of our community. Brendt Berger, Co-founder of MOF,originally came to the Huerfano County to visit fellow-artist Dean Fleming. Fleming was one of the originating members of the artist community called Libre close to Gardner. Both were friends in New York and shared similar aspirations for art and community. Dean Fleming, a painter has contributed years of art making and showing his work in the area while gaining national appeal.The Bergers’ intention by founding MOF is to support the incredible lineage of great artists who have passed through and still live in this county while continuing to leave their indelible mark. Two such artists featured in this exhibition are Bill Thach and Jeannette Faris Thach both have remarkable histories in this area and Jeannette’s goes back many generations. The town of Farisita is named after her. In 1944, the couple was in the ranching and real estate business and founded the Southern Colorado Land and Livestock Company (now owned by John Stroh). They are the parents of our current Mayor Edi Sheldon who has lent the work. Dave Roberts, a sculptor, printmaker and environmental activist has been instrumental in creating re-use centers throughout the state and incorporates recycled materials into his sculptures. Roberts has received awards from various national and state agencies over the last decades. Ken Schneider, a resident of La Veta and for many years, Gardner has contributed his talents both to the public art arena and to education for well over twenty years while continuing to create innovative mixedmedia works and sculptures. Kenny Martinez artist in residence at the Darkwood Studio-Gallery in Walsenburg is known for his delicate jewelry creations and views of Huerfano in pencil andpaint. He has collaborated with Dean Fleming and Jason Crum on murals in Walsenburg. Kenny Martinez has been a staunch supporter of new artists moving into the community and continues to support those already established. Peggy Zehring founder of the La Veta School of the Arts has contributed her energies and experience to creating something very unique not far from Walsenburg. She is known for her vibrant and thought provoking abstract paintings that combinesimple shapes to infer deep universal truths researched from study and travel. Joan Hanley creator of La Veta Fine Arts Gallery has exhibited her work nationally receiving many accolades and commissions. She has lived in the area for over 14 years. Ben Morea Eagle an early Walsenburg artist came here 35 years ago. Successful in the writing arena Ben Morea Eagle continues to create paintings while running a successful beading design business in town called la Chipitas. Reba Lee Savangeau an established artist well known in Denver as well as locally, reflects her love of this place in poetic landscapes and city views of Walsenburg. Jim Fowler noted sculptor and painter also early founder of Libre continues to create art and teach – inspiring a new generation of artists. Jim Robieson established designer and builder was originally from Minnesota and settled here over 35 years ago, to concentrate on creating art. Robieson is known for his paintings and sculptures. Painter Jason Crum, a friend to both Fleming and Berger, co-founded, City Walls in 1967, whose mission was to take art out of the gallery and present it directly to the people in the form of giant wall murals on buildings though out the city. Jason Crum painted the “Welcome To Walsenburg” sign that you see when entering the city. Kathy W. Hill, President of the Spanish Peaks Arts Council, shows her work in many venues throughout this area, and offers classes in her La Veta Studio Gallery. Hill’s landscapes offer the viewer a delicate appreciation of beauty.Some recent arrivals to the area are Maria Cocchiarelli-Berger, also Co-Founder of MOF, visual artist and public artist. The works on view in the Court House are two artists’ proofs from a public art project in the Bronx, “World Atlas, Banners” called “Sites - Public Art for Public Schools”. The originals (6 in total) hang in Public School ECC1, since, 1993 and communicate the need for the acceptance of differences in the school setting. Beth Harper, multi-media artist and photographer has been a member of the energetic staff of the Spanish Peaks Library System since 2004. Currently, she works with Brendt and Maria Berger as the first MOF college intern aining undergraduate credit for her work through Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. Paul Alhadef, a member of the Walsenburg City Council is a noted photographer and instructor of graphic arts at Trinidad Junior College. His studio is in Pueblo where he offers professional photography services.The talent represented in this first Huerfano County Courthouse exhibition communicates hope for our community. Establishing positive activities for our youth and community to participate in will open doors previously kept closed. Art in its best form can facilitate the viewer to discover the wonder and beauty hidden in our untold potential. Through this collaboration between the Huerfano County Court House and the Museum of Friends it is our hope to bring enjoyment, andthought-provoking exhibitions that highlight all that is unique in this special part of the world. Brendt Berger, curator of this exhibition has included “Liberty,” an acrylic painting on canvas, states that “ the Court House project is an extension of the educational mission of the Museum of Friends - it is my intent that this inaugural exhibition presents a window to some of the exceptional talent in our community, past and present while highlighting the extraordinary relationship possible between the Huerfano County Governmental agencies and the new Contemporary Art Museum in Walsenburg – MOF.”This collaboration is made possible by the support of the County Commissioners: Roger Cain, Art Bobian, Scott King, and of course – the generous support of the artists involved without whom this exhibition would not be possible. We would also like to thank Mayor Edi Sheldon, Angus Crum and Peggy Zehring for their generous loans to this exhibition.Thanks again to Tammy Alhadef and the Pueblo Chieftain for a great review!