Among the myriad of forms that have appeared in Frank Stella’s (b. 1936) work, the star is the most singular, standing out as a stable and immediately identifiable shape amidst the tangle of abstract, invented forms that the artist has utilized over his long career.
The historical arc of Stella’s use of the star travels from the minimal to the maximal, with the recent star sculptures frequently exhibiting a corruption of the form as well as a wild diversity of materials and fabrication techniques. Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey will be presented both in the galleries and the Museum’s Sculpture Garden. A 150-page hardbound book featuring essays by the exhibition’s curators Richard Klein, Exhibitions Director, and Amy Smith-Stewart, Senior Curator, will be co-published by Gregory R. Miller & Co.
Curated by Richard Klein, Exhibitions Director, and Amy Smith-Stewart, Senior Curator.
Through the Eye of a Needle is the first major solo museum exhibition of New York-based artist Genesis Belanger (b. 1978), whose practice spans sculptures and tableaux, primarily composed out of porcelain, stoneware, and upholstery. Anthropomorphizing common household objects–lipsticks with wagging tongues, lamps with ladies’ pearls, and tins with doey-eyed sardines–Belanger’s methodology blends Surrealism and Pop art with a self-possessed feminism informed by a career inside the fashion and advertising industries. Debuting an entirely new body of work specially conceived for The Aldrich, Belanger will create her largest and most elaborate mise-en-scène to date: dozens of animated objects arranged on ghostly furnishings that suggest narratives about our anxiety afflicted present. The artist’s first museum publication, featuring an essay by the exhibition’s curator, Amy Smith-Stewart, will accompany the show.
2020 has been historic year and the work being created by the artists now reflects their lived experience through a landmark election year, a global pandemic, and a national reckoning with systemic racial injustice and police brutality. The exhibition asks the question can a ‘slow’ museum exhibition actively participate in democracy amidst the cacophony of Tweets and abbreviated news app headlines via a medium that moves no faster that the speed of a human hand pushing a pencil?
Artists participating in the exhibition include Marti Cormand (Brooklyn, NY), Oasa DuVerney (Brooklyn, NY), Judith Eisler (Vienna, Austria and Warren, CT), Andy Mister (Beacon, NY), William Powhida (Brooklyn, NY), Gil Scullion (Middletown, CT), and Diana Shpungin (Brooklyn, NY).
One of the first tourism trails in the State — The Connecticut Art Trail — is celebrating 25 years of guiding art aficionados across the state on a journey that includes 22 world-class museums and historic sites. Originally launched in 1995 as the Connecticut Impressionist Art Trail, encompassing 10 museums, today the Trail includes more than double that number, plus a growing range of affiliate members including galleries and art-based environments.
“When the founding museums first gathered, over two decades ago, I’m not sure that anyone imagined that this trail would not only continue to thrive but grow in reach and reputation, across the country,” shares Carey Weber, volunteer President of the Connecticut Art Trail and Executive Director of the Fairfield University Art Museum. “When considering how to celebrate 25 years of collaboration, the answer was clear — curating and opening a collaborative exhibition comprised of works from all of our member museums, hosted by a member.”
The resulting “Made in Connecticut” collaborative exhibition will open to the public on Thursday, October 15, 2020, and run through Sunday, February 7, 2021 at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford.
James Prosek, American artist, writer, naturalist, and current Artist-in-Residence at the Yale University Art Gallery will be the independent curator for the exhibition. “This exhibition is made possible thanks to the tremendous collaboration of the partner museums, and the generosity of our guest curator James Prosek. We are excited about building on this energy for our next 25 years,” continues Ms. Weber. “In addition to paintings, drawings, prints and other traditional works of art, this exhibition will feature a number of decorative and industrial art objects including a rubber desk, an early typewriter, a selection of historic buttons and much more.”
“The member museums and historic sites of the Connecticut Art Trail are spread statewide,” shared Mr. Prosek. “Their combined collections number over half a million objects and are filled with astonishing works. It is an honor to be working with the museums to showcase the diversity of objects that have impacted Connecticut’s rich cultural landscape over the centuries.”
The “Made in Connecticut” exhibition is the highlight of this milestone year for the Trail, which will also include educational programming and unique anniversary exhibits among individual members. This will also be the final year that the popular Connecticut Art Trail passport, which provides no-cost admission to all 22 member sites,” will be available for its original, $25.
Entrance to the Wadsworth and the “Made in Connecticut” exhibition are included with the purchase of the Passport which can be done online at ctarttrail.org or at any member location. “The proceeds of passports purchased directly at a member location results in a $25 donation directly to that museum,” concludes Ms. Weber. “Not everyone realizes that the Trail currently does not receive any state or federal funding and that we strictly operate from members dues and the sales of passports. Therefore the sales of the passports have a direct impact on the ability of the museums to promote their great work.” Docent- led tours of the Made in Connecticut exhibition will be on Sundays at 11 am from November 1, 2020 to February 7, 2020. Advanced registration is required via thewadsworth.org
In addition to celebrating our 25th anniversary with the “Made In Connecticut” exhibition, the Wadsworth will be hosting several virtual related programs. For a current listing, check thewadsworth.org.
Virtual Gallery Talk
James Prosek
Friday, October 16; 5pm
Artist James Prosek guides us through the landscape of the rich creative history of artists working in Connecticut on tour of the Connecticut Art Trail’s 25th anniversary exhibition, Made in Connecticut, which he curated. Free. Access link available via thewadsworth.org.
Virtual Discussion
An Evening with Mark Dion
Wednesday, October 21; 6pm
Artist Mark Dion draws on the early modern tradition of assembling artifacts and objects into theatrical dioramas that make statements about contemporary collecting habits, our relationship to history, and the future of the environment. In a conversation with curator Patricia Hickson, Dion discusses his artistic practices and his local New England roots. In conjunction with the exhibition Made in Connecticut. Free. Co-sponsored with the Hartford Art School. Access link available via thewadsworth.org.
Virtual Performance
An Evening with James Prosek
Friday, November 6; 5pm
James Prosek is not only a prolific artist, curator, author, and naturalist, but he also charts the landscape through music. A founding member of the group Troutband, Prosek will perform a concert from the Wadsworth that you can watch virtually from your own home. Free. Access link available via thewadsworth.org.
Virtual Second Saturdays for Families
Connecticut Connections
Saturday, November 14
Explore the exhibition Made in Connecticut and get inspired by art objects collected from all over the state. Design an artwork that presents your unique view of The Constitution State. What artist, story, or town would you like to highlight? Free.
Second Saturdays for Families digital activity packs include art-making demonstrations, visual scavenger hunts, close looking prompts, and story time in English and Spanish. Available on the second Saturday of the month and afterwards via thewadsworth.org.
The Connecticut Art Trail Passport is officially sponsored by the Greenwich Hospitality Group – a luxury hotelier with properties that includes DELAMAR, The Goodwin, and Hotel Zero Degrees. For timely updates about the Trail visits ctarttrail.org or follow the Trail on social media.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.
All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.
November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.
November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.
November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.
December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.
December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.
All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.
November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.
November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.
November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.
December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.
December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.
All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.
November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.
November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.
November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.
December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.
December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.
All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.
November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.
November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.
November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.
December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.
December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.
Join us for a virtual lecture with Fiona Garland as she discusses the work of artist Artemisia Gentileschi.
As the most celebrated female artist of the seventeenth century, the extraordinary events of Artemisia Gentileschi’s life and her very gender itself are never far from the surface of her canvases. Join Fiona on Tuesday, December 1st at 11 a.m. for a free virtual talk exploring the life and work of this remarkable woman as we wander virtually through the halls of the National Gallery in London’s first blockbuster exhibition dedicated to Artemisia!
Register on Eventbrite and a link for the Zoom lecture will be sent shortly!
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the popular series “Getting” Contemporary Art this fall exploring a new roster of exhibitions and artist ideas. This 5-session virtual course provides a roadmap to central themes and ideas that have influenced artistic practice since the 1960s. Designed to be intimate, dynamic, and thought-provoking, participants will build skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss contemporary art while looking closely at the Museum’s current exhibitions. This course includes a unique behind the scenes opportunity to meet with exhibiting artist Judith Eisler virtually and explore her studio and practice on December 2. “Getting” Contemporary Art is led by Danielle Ogden, M.A., Ed.M., Adjunct Professor at Fairfield University and Museum Specialist, Adult Learning at The Aldrich.
All sessions will be recorded with lecture materials emailed after each class.
November 4: Re-writing the Rules: Learn new approaches to art history and looking at contemporary art. In this class we will survey a diverse range of issues that motivate artists and uncover the various ways they consider and comment on the world we live in.
November 11: “We are All Made of Stars”: This class will explore contemporary art as an interdisciplinary practice and dive into the star motif exhibited in Frank Stella’s Stars, A Survey and art inspired by the sky, astronomy, geometry, and more.
November 18: The Art of Reflection: What is the relationship between art and healing? Can works of art be transcendent? In this class we will investigate how artists such as Mark Rothko, James Turrell, and exhibiting artist Rudy Shepherd have used art as a vehicle for deep reflection, healing, and transformation.
December 2: Virtual Studio Visit: Join us for a behind-the-scenes visit with Twenty Twenty artist Judith Eisler in her studio in Vienna, Austria and a discussion on her work on view at the Museum, including portraits of women captured by media in profound public appearances such as Nancy Pelosi captured during President Trump’s 2020 State of the Union address and an essential health care worker wearing a double layer of mask and visor during the pandemic.
December 9: Absurdity, Surrealism and Pop Art: This class will use the themes, techniques, and processes in Dada and Surrealism as a lens to explore Genesis Belanger’s exhibition, Through the Eye of a Needle.