media release - Mingei International Museum

MEDIA RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
CLAIRE MCKEE
(619) 704-7517
cmckee@mingei.org
San Diego, CA – CARVED AND WHITTLED SCULPTURE will open at Mingei International Museum in San
Diego on July 25, 2015. Between the mid-nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries, American folk artists
created thousands of carved and painted wood sculptures in the form of utilitarian walking sticks. This
exhibition of folk sculpture will provide a unique lens through which to view a complex overlay of both
creativity and culture. The sticks functioned as useful tools, but were created as art by mostly unknown
makers. The technique of whittling played an important role in the production of the pieces, yet they
can be seen as a more serious form of sculpture. Each one, beginning as a simple branch or piece of
milled lumber, has been imaginatively transformed into an artwork that reveals a glimpse of cultural
history along with the distinct personality of its user.
Over 100 sculptural sticks from 29 states will be exhibited throughout the Museum’s Plaza Level
Gallery. Some of these contain patriotic, religious or fraternal signs. Others demonstrate the maker’s
distinct sense of humor and clues to their identities and values, articulated through a vocabulary of
symbols, images and figures. Masterfully crafted, these works of folk art are visually engaging and
range from the more simple and austere to richly ornate. While looking at the walking sticks, one can’t
help but wonder about the people who sported these accessories, dressed to impress and to reveal a
bit of themselves through the piece of folk art in their hand.
CARVED AND WHITTLED SCULPTURE will be the seventh exhibition in Mingei International Museum’s
18-month exhibition theme AMERICAN ICONS – Celebrating Folk Art, Craft and Design from Coast to
Coast. Just as the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park celebrated the connection of the
country’s east and west coasts through the opening of the Panama Canal, beginning in June 2014
and throughout 2015 Mingei International Museum will mount a series of exhibitions to celebrate the
imagination, inspiration and innovation of Americans who have for more than three centuries created
stunning works of folk art, craft and design – our shared American Icons.
AMERICAN ICONS is generously sponsored by Just Folk.
Learn more at mingei.org/americanicons
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Michael D. Hall divides his time between his sculpture studio in Michigan and the Columbus Museum
of Art, Ohio, where he serves as Adjunct Curator of American Folk Art. He is an artist, educator, author
and curator; with interests in politics, folk art, cultural anthropology, American Regionalist painting and
Native American totem poles. His own sculpture has been shown at the Whitney Museum of American
Art, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Walker Art Center, The Detroit Institute of Arts, the Los Angeles
Institute of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of Windsor, Ontario. From 1970-90, Hall directed the
graduate sculpture program at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan.
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS
LUNCHTIME LECTURE
FOLK ART WALKING STICKS
Friday, July 24, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Learn about the new exhibition CARVED AND WHITTLED SCULPTURE with a lecture and preview
with Mingei’s Director of Exhibitions Christine Knoke and collectors Pam and Tim Hill of Birmingham,
Michigan. As longtime admirers of both modern and folk art, the Hills bring a sophisticated point of
view to their appreciation of works by self-taught artists. They remain amazed by the whittlers and
carvers “who can transform a three-foot stick into a unique work of sculpture.”
Free with Museum Admission
THE ART OF WOODCARVING
Saturday, September 5, 1:00-4:00pm
The exhibition CARVED AND WHITTLED SCULPTURE will serve as the backdrop for an afternoon of fun
and learning around the art of wood carving. Designed for all ages, this drop-in program will include
gallery tours, wood carving demonstrations and discussions with local craftsmen/women about the
wood carving process, tools and techniques. Specific presenters and program timeline will be available
on Mingei’s website as the date approaches.
Free with Museum Admission
Additional programs related to the exhibition are in development and will be announced soon on our
website, mingei.org/calendar.
HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES
Available upon request.
ABOUT MINGEI INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM
Located in San Diego’s Balboa Park, Mingei International Museum collects, preserves and exhibits
“art of the world, art of the people,” including folk art, craft and design from all eras and cultures of
the world. A non-profit institution funded by admission and membership, individuals, and community
support, the Museum offers inspiring exhibitions and diverse educational programs to more than
100,000 visitors a year. Institutional support for Mingei International Museum is provided in part by the
City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.
mingei.org
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