Monday, March 22, 2010

Appleton Museum

Back from our Roadtrex (motor home) rally in Silver Springs.  When is the Florida Sunshine going to return!!!! After a cold rainy day touring the springs, my husband and I veered off on our own and visited the Appleton Museum of Art of Central Florida Community College.  What a gem of a museum!  Their current exhibition was entitled "The New Reality; The Frontier of Realism in the 21st Century".  It was sponsored by the International Guild of Realism.  It was a fascinating exhibit!!  To quote this is " the first of this century to not only look at the state of Realism painting around the world, but to also compare those artworks with their historic predecessors". Each artist was asked to identify an historical painting that could be used to compare and contrast today's work with  the pioneers of this art technique.  A photo of the historic painting was included next to the actual painting by today's artist. I was delighted to see two of my favorite artists. I have always loved seeing Grace Kim's work.  Her Still Lifes' are exquisitely beautiful.  When we go to Sante Fe next month I will again steep myself in her works.  Jane Jones was also part of the exhibit.  I did my first still life from one of her DVDs.  It taught me a lot. If you get a chance to visit Ocala, Fl. take a moment to visit this wonderful museum.  Unfortunately the current exhibit will be replaced soon.

2 comments:

Janice said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful time!!! I love seeing all of the different styles and original works by the different artists. We have a small gallery in town that displays art from local artists. You have all styles, mediums and sculptures. It's down by the historic Mississippi River which only adds to it's charm :)

Celeste Bergin said...

I love to see inspiring work--we are lucky that we have good museums and galleries here and I can see a boatload of gorgeous work anytime I'd like. It's so rewarding to spend time with other artists even when they are long dead or physically located somewhere else. It's mandatory for our art education. Can't wait to see what you paint next..and hope the sun returns to Florida!