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Groundbreaking Works by American Modernist Focus of Special Exhibition Seeing the World Within: Charles Seliger in the 1940s October 21 through January 20
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orks by American modernist Charles Seliger (1926-2009), created during the groundbreaking first decade of his career, are the focus of the special exhibition, Seeing the World Within: Charles Seliger in the 1940s, which will be on view in the Museum of Art October 21 through January 20, 2013. A special preview of the show for the Institute’s members and special guests will take place on Saturday evening, October 20. Seeing The World Within is the first exhibition to focus on the paintings and drawings Seliger created early in his career. Seliger was a precocious talent who became a professional artist when he was still in his teens. He was especially influenced by the fantastic imagery, inventive processes, and the creative freedom of Surrealism. Although his work was rooted in the same basic principles and ideas explored by a group of his peers who came to be known as the Abstract Expressionists—many with whom he exhibited during the 1940s—Seliger sought a distinctly personal voice and artistic vocabulary and, typically, made more intimate pictures than many of his colleagues. Charles Seliger (American, 1926-2009), Organic Form: Air, Sea, Land Enveloped, 1948. Tempera on Masonite, 9 x 11 7/8 in. Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, Edward Wales His first solo exhibition took place at Peggy Guggenheim’s Root Bequest, 57.229 Art of This Century gallery in New York City in 1945, when Seliger was just 19. For pictures in that show Seliger employed the anniversary commemoration of Root’s gift. Root met Seliger during Surrealist technique of automatism to paint, scrape away and layer the late 1940s when the young artist was receiving favorable critical opaque and transparent abstract shapes, colors, and lines that were attention and developing his mature style. Root, then in his mid-60s, intended to reveal the hidden structures and networks that exist had recently become aware of a group of young American abstract beneath the surface of the visible world. For several years Seliger artists who, in his words, were making “a serious effort to develop further honed this technique and the small, visually dense and spanew modes of expression.” tially complex pictures he was making at this time came to define his The exhibition was organized by Jonathan Stuhlman, Curator of work until his death in 2009. American Art at The Mint Museum in Charlotte, N.C., where it preThe show is the first museum-organized exhibition of Seliger’s work miered before being shown at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in in 30 years. It brings together approximately 35 of his best works Venice, Italy, last summer. A fully illustrated catalog, with essays from the 1940s, borrowed from the artist’s estate, as well as from about Seliger’s artistic development in the 1940s, and the rich artis17 private and public collections in the United States, including the tic milieu that characterized that decade, authored by Jonathan Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Stuhlman and Michelle Dubois, is available for sale in the Museum’s Gift Gallery for $35. Regular Museum visitors will recall seeing displayed in the galleries from time to time one or more of the eight small paintings and drawExhibition admission is free to MWPAI Members. General admission ings from the mid-20th century by Seliger that were part of a large is $5. collection of modern American art the pioneering collector Edward Combination admission packages for Shadow of the Sphinx: Ancient Wales Root bequeathed to the Museum in 1957. Seliger’s affectionEgypt and Its Influence and Seeing the World Within: Charles Seliger ate recollection of Root’s personality and his conscientiousness as a in the 1940s are available for $13; students $7. collector was one of the highlights of the Museum’s recent 50th
Museum Open Columbus Day Come for Mummies and Milkshakes Monday, October 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events free with Shadow of the Sphinx exhibition admission. Milkshakes sold separately at the Terrace Café. • Visit the “tomb” in the Shadow of the Sphinx exhibition and learn how ancient Egyptians mummified bodies. • Choose your favorite flavor milkshake to sip while watching the classic mummy movie Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy. • See the hilarious Three Stooges 15-minute film, We Want Our Mummy and the cartoon short Superman: The Mummy Strikes, screened continuously in the auditorium, and make a tomb-related craft. • Films and mummy activities are scheduled throughout the day; visit mwpai.org for the full schedule.
M U S E U M E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M S Lecture
Art Tartare: Lunch & Conversation
Former Ambassador to Egypt and Israel, Edward S. Walker
$20 MWPAI Members; $25 General Admission Tickets 315-797-0055 or online at mwpai.org
The New? Middle East: The Egyptian Case Tuesday, October 2, 5:30 p.m. $5 MWPAI Members; $10 General Admission Tickets sold at the door. Reception follows. This talk by former Ambassador Edward S. Walker will examine the events in Egypt since the collapse of the Mubarak regime and explore whether this is an example of popular democracy rising, the substitution of one authoritarian regime for another, or the death knell of secular governance in Egypt. What does it mean for the United States and our interests in the region? What happens to the Egyptian - Israeli peace treaty in the case of an increasingly Islamist Egyptian government? Educators: To receive a certificate of attendance for a program that may qualify for professional development credit, please notify the museum education department in advance by contacting Meg Gianetti at 797-0000, ext. 2146 or mgianetti@mwpai.org
Second Friday Shorts Gallery Talk Paper Visions Exhibition Friday, October 12, 1:10 p.m. Paul Schweizer, Ph.D., Director Emeritus, Museum of Art Free and Open to the Public
Opening Lecture Seeing the World Within: Charles Seliger in the 1940s Francisco Goya (Spanish, Saturday, October 20, 4 p.m. 1746-1828), The Sleep of A Mirror of the Moment: Charles Seliger’s Reason Produces Monsters. Artistic Evolution in the 1940s in Context Plate 43 of the series, “Los Caprichos,” 1797-99. Jonathan Stuhlman, Curator of Etching, 7-1/8 x 4-3/4 in. American Art, Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, N.C. Free MWPAI Members; $10 General Admission
Art and Yoga For Mind, Body and Spirit Saturdays, October 6, 13, 27, 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Fee per class: $10 MWPAI members; $15 general public All levels of ability are welcome; you do not need to be flexible to begin. Bring your own yoga mat.
This new program includes lunch on the Terrace Café followed by a 1 p.m. gallery talk. At 12 p.m. show your program ticket at the Café for a choice of salad or sandwich, chips and beverage. Meet in the Edward Wales Root Sculpture Court by 1 p.m. for a 45-minute curator-led gallery discussion. Space is limited to 15.
Tuesday, October 30, 1 p.m.
40 Things About the ’40s Mary E. Murray, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Mary Murray will talk about the 1940s and the work of Charles Seliger and his peers such as Jackson Pollock, David Smith, and Mark Rothko.
November Book Group Selection Sistine Secrets, Michelangelo’s Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican by Benjamin Blech and Roy Doliner Discussion Date Thursday, November 15, 6 to 8 p.m. Suggested Donation $3 A fascinating study of the Sistine Chapel with contemporary parallels. A limited number of copies are available for purchase at the MWPAI Gift Gallery. Registration is not required, but appreciated. Please contact the Museum Education Department at 315-797-0000, ext. 2158 to register.
Campus Store Fall Flurry Sale Monday, October 1 through Friday, October 12
PrattMWP Beanies, Sweatpants Sweatshirts and Long Sleeved Shirts 25% OFF (no additional discounts apply)
Campus Store Hours Monday - Friday 11 to 4:30 p.m. Campus Store is located in the Student Center 1216 State Street, Utica • 315-797-0000 ext. 2227
LunchArt Video Suggested Donation $3 Bring your lunch; refreshments served. Wednesday, October 17
Sol LeWitt: 4 Decades (58 min.) Sol LeWitt, one of our most influential Sol LeWitt (1928-2007), Wall Piece #2, Cube Structure contemporary artists, never liked the idea of being filmed or photographed. He Based on Nine Modules, 1976, always felt he was best represented only white painted wood, by his work. After 20 years of urging him 43 ¼ x 43 ¼ x 43 ¼ in. On loan to make an exception, he finally consent- from the Feibes and Schmitt Collection. ed on the occasion of a major retrospective exhibition in 2000. This video is a unique document, an opportunity to accompany one of the great artists of our time on a tour of his work, from his formative years to the present. Lewitt died in 2007. A talk follows on the LeWitt Wall Piece #2, on view in the Museum of Art.
Film Series Titles Available Online and By Phone Titles will be announced as they become available on our website at mwpai.org/films, Facebook (fb.mwpai.org) or by phone 315-7970055, option 3. Become a part of our Film Series email list to receive the latest updates by contacting rfrable@mwpai.org. Advertisements will also appear on the last Monday of each month in the Observer-Dispatch. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however, this helps ensure that you are presented with only the latest and finest films. Films are shown on Wednesdays and Fridays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Docent Guided Tours Shadow of the Sphinx Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 p.m. Sunday, October 14 at 2 p.m. Meet in the Edward Wales Root Sculpture Court Free with exhibition admission. For more information about a program, you may contact the museum education public program coordinator at 315-797-0000, ext. 2158.
All films are shown in 35mm format, with a state-of-the-art Dolby surround sound system. Comfortable seats give every patron an unobstructed view of our large screen. Admission for Matinee screenings is $7 general admission and $5 for MWPAI Members. Admission for Evening screenings is $8 general admission and $6 for MWPAI Members. Admission for students with valid identification is $4 at all screenings. Tickets are on sale 30 minutes prior to each screening. State of the Arts Film Passbooks for discounted admission to 10 screenings are available for MWPAI members for $45 and General Admission for $60. For information call the MWPAI Performing Arts Ticket Office, 797-0055, 800-754-0797. NYSCA This series is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
The Midtown Men Bring the Sounds of the 60s to the Great Artists Series
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uthentic 60s Rock and Pop sounds from four stars known as The Midtown Men, from the Original Cast of Jersey Boys will thrill the Great Artists Series audience in a special co-presentation with the Broadway Theatre League of Utica 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 13 at the Stanley Theatre. While bringing the sound and story of The Four Seasons to life in over a thousand performances of Jersey Boys, Christian, Michael, Daniel, and Bobby started applying their signature sound to other iconic groups of the 1960s. What followed was a public demand for this inspired collaboration and the evolution from Jersey Boys into The Midtown Men. So at ease with one another on stage, their energy, both individually and together, is second to none. The Midtown Men is a one-of-a-kind concert experience, celebrating the sounds of the 1960s, from the Beach Boys to the Beatles, from The Four Seasons to Motown and more! *Not a performance of, nor affiliated with the show Jersey Boys. Tickets for this Special Event range from $31.50 to $76.50 with student ticket prices ranging from $16.50 to $24.50. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the MWPAI Performing Arts Ticket Office, on the phone at 797-0055 or 800-754-0797, or online at www.mwpai.org. Tickets may also be purchased one hour prior to the performance time at the Stanley Theatre.
Funny Clever Songs For Kids and Families
Gift Gallery Highlights Two New Creative Talents
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tican Christopher Costanza has released a double CD of the Cello Suites of J.S. Bach. For two decades Mr. Costanza has enjoyed a varied and exciting career as a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. Since 2003, he has performed with the St. Lawrence String Quartet and he is an artist in residence at Stanford University, where he teaches cello and chamber music. It has been a lifelong dream of his to record Bach in an idyllic setting and present it to the world in an inviting context.
rammy Nominated Kid-Rock Royalty, Justin Roberts brings his Not Ready for Naptime Players to the For Kids and Families Series 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, October 27 in the Museum of Art Auditorium.
Roberts' vocal style has been compared to James Taylor, Elvis Costello, and even Green Day! Singing clever, funny songs dealing with important issues a young child might face like the horrors of school picture day and making friends with the monster under the bed, Roberts' lyrics are rich with sharp, comedic insight. With numerous national awards and a devoted fan base, Justin and The Not Ready for Naptime Players dish out unexpectedly intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents. "The Paul McCartney of kids' music.” — USA Today Admission to this concert is $8 for MWPAI Members and $10 for General admission. Tickets may be purchased in advance or one hour prior to the performance time at the MWPAI Performing Arts Ticket Office, 797-0055 or 800-754-0797. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.mwpai.org.
Angela M. Wilson is a native of central New York who draws life from the beauty of the region she grew up in. Her beautiful watercolor paintings are reproduced and available in the shop as single and packaged blank notecards. Growing up, she found herself striving to capture and express her inspiration on film, paper and canvas. Occasionally she admits the outcome may stray from what she originally envisioned, however, she has always enjoyed the journey and the end result. She says, “The key is to nurture the creative spirit that lies within you, and the rest will follow."
Gift Gallery Hours Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Sponsored by GREATER NEW YORK GROUP — UTICA
Coming in November Claude Debussy: Claire de Lune, Fireworks and Beyond! Keyboard Conversations Saturday, November 3 8 p.m., Museum Auditorium
Galumpha: Movement Magic For Kids and Families Series Saturday, November 17 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Museum Auditorium
Shaolin Warriors: Voices of the Masters Great Artists Series Saturday, November 24, 7:30 p.m. Stanley Theatre
ART after 5 Join T he Next Party! November 8
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS (and renewing members providing additional support at higher levels)
Affiliate
Colleague
Brodock • Barb & Craig Brodock • Steve Frank • Robert J. Hausle McQuade & Bannigan • Michael Bannigan • Robert Bannigan • Thomas Sebastian Pacemaker Millar Group • F. Eugene Romano • Joanne Croop
Utica School of Commerce • John L. Crossley • Philip M. Williams
Fountain Elms Society
Family/Household
Mr. & Mrs. Henry F. Coupe Mr. & Mrs. G. Leiter Doolittle David & Sharon Goldenson Dr. & Mrs. Theodore C. Max Mr. and Mrs. Michael Parsons Mr. & Mrs. Barton Rasmus James & Elizabeth Ring Martha & Richard Widdicombe
Wade & Marie Abraham George & Joann M. Adler Justin & Tina Allen Daphne Berle and Armand Marotta Grace & Douglas Coddington Sherry Cooperman David & Kristen Dowd Jim & Barbara Farr Herbert & Jo Ann Krant Geller Larry Good & Dianne Markwardt Bonnie Hensel & Daniel Austin Tatyana & Robert Knight Diana & Bill Loveric James & Maureen Maher Ruth & Zygmunt Malowicki Steven M. Max Moon Nimon Ellen O'Connor & Renee Beckman Laura S. Ruberto & Rich Thompson Thea Sierak Karen Storsberg & Elizabeth Bamford Peter & Michelle Yarosz
President’s Circle Dr. & Mrs. Anthony Mandour
Patron Mr. & Mrs. E. Burrell Fisher Francesca & Faith Zambello
Contributor Barbara & Francis Bennett Kenneth & Loretta Boyer James A. & Mary D. Fewlass Greg Forbes Maureen and Andrew Ho Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ide Mr. & Mrs. James C. Kernan, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Andrew H. Kernan Dr. John S. & Susan B. Kowalczyk Family of Jean & Thomas Morris Dr. & Mrs. Norman Neslin Carrie L. Nichols Patricia O'Neill Mr. & Mrs. Philip Pearle Deborah F. Pokinski Beverly Quist Jane S. Spellman Venezio Family Dr. & Mrs. Donald Washburn Matthew & Elizabeth Worth Raymond & Carole Zyla
310 Genesee Street Utica, New York 13502
Individual Karen McKeon Diane Berry Marilyn K. Brown Margaret Bueche Alison Carbone Maria Carucci Cassandra Chetwynd John Crowell Dale DeMauro Lee Ann Harris Paul H. Kempkes Kevin Morrisroe Ashanti Robinson Joan N. Salerno Allyson B. Sklar Ann Stefanini
Stay Up-to-Date on All MWPAI Happenings
Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute Information and Hours Museum Hours (including Fountain Elms): Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Performing Arts Ticket Office Hours: Mon.Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., one hour before performances and 30 minutes before films. Phone: 797-0055 or 1-800-754-0797 Art Odyssey: Interactive Gallery Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m., School of Art Gallery Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. Library: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. For information, call (315) 797-0000 (Voice and TDD) General program support for the Museum of Art, performing arts and film presentations is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.
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Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute is a fine arts center serving diverse audiences through three program divisions— Museum of Art, Performing Arts, and School of Art. The Institute also offers art reference and music libraries, an active membership program, a Gift Gallery, and outstanding rental facilities ideal for public programs and private events. Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute 310 Genesee Street Utica, New York 13502 Telephone (315) 797-0000 Fax (315) 797-5608 www.mwpai.org Free Parking
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OCTOBER EVENTS 2 Tuesday
8 Monday
17 Wednesday
24 Wednesday
Lecture The New? Middle East: The Egyptian Case 5:30 p.m., Auditorium.
Museum Open 10 to 5 Columbus Day Holiday Event Mummies and Milkshakes 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Museum of Art.
LunchArt Video Sol LeWitt: 4 Decades noon, Easton Priblble Room.
Film Series Phone 797-0055 or visit mwpai.org 2 and 7:30 p.m., Auditorium.
10 Wednesday
Film Series Phone 797-0055 or visit mwpai.org 2 and 7:30 p.m., Auditorium.
Film Series Phone 797-0055 or visit mwpai.org 2 and 7:30 p.m., Auditorium.
Film Series Phone 797-0055 or visit mwpai.org 2 and 7:30 p.m., Auditorium.
26 Friday
3 Wednesday
5 Friday
12 Friday
Exhibition Opening PrattMWP Alumni Exhibition School of Art.
Second Friday Shorts: Gallery Talk Paper Visions 1:10 p.m., Museum of Art.
Film Series Phone 797-0055 or visit mwpai.org 2 and 7:30 p.m., Auditorium.
Film Series Phone 797-0055 or visit mwpai.org 2 and 7:30 p.m., Auditorium.
6 Saturday
13 Saturday
Art and Yoga 10:30 a.m., Museum Galleries.
Art and Yoga 10:30 a.m., Museum Galleries. Great Artists Series Midtown Men 7:30 p.m., Stanley Theatre.
14 Sunday Second Sunday Guided Tour Shadow of the Sphinx 3:30 p.m., Museum of Art.
19 Friday
Film Series Phone 797-0055 or visit mwpai.org 2 and 7:30 p.m., Auditorium.
Film Series Phone 797-0055 or visit mwpai.org 2 and 7:30 p.m., Auditorium.
27 Saturday
20 Saturday
For Kids and Families Justin Roberts Not Ready for Naptime Players 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Auditorium.
Lecture: Seeing the World Within: Charles Seliger in the 1940s 4 p.m., Auditorium. Members’ Preview Seeing the World Within: Charles Seliger in the 1940s on view through January 20, 5 p.m., Museum of Art.
21 Sunday Exhibition Opening Seeing the World Within: Charles Seliger in the 1940s on view through January 20.
Art and Yoga 10:30 a.m., Museum Galleries.
30 Tuesday Art Tartare: 40 Things About the ’40s noon, Lunch, Terrace Cafe; 1 p.m., Conversation, Museum Galleries.
Docent Guided Tours Shadow of the Sphinx Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1 p.m. Sunday, October 14 at 2 p.m. Meet in the Edward Wales Root Sculpture Court Free with exhibition admission.
The following areas are accessible to the physically challenged: Museum of Art galleries, Auditorium and Sculpture Court, Art Odyssey: Interactive Gallery, Gift Gallery, Art Reference and Music Libraries, Performing Arts Office, School of Art Gallery, Studio D, Pottery Studio, the Academic Center and Student Center.