American History in Wood – A Century of Change
Betty & Ralph Sheffer Gallery
January 25 – May 3, 2009
The Art of the Birdhouse
The Little Gallery-On View until May 3rd, 2009
Be among the first to view these unique, never-before-exhibited Folk Art Carvings from the extensive collection of Westporters Bob and Anne Levine. “Our collection of wood carvings of American historical figures, events and icons developed out of interest in American Folk Art, particularly pieces made of wood,” said the Levines. “It has obsessed us since 1988. Learning about these objects from various sources, we gradually accumulated many pieces of historical note and/or artistic merit. The over 800 piece collection encompasses both the folk and academic styles, either painted or unpainted, from the late 18th century through the 20th century, all in wood.”
The Society’s exhibit, subtitled American History in Wood – A Century of Change, will focus on the period from 1909 to 2009. Some of the pieces were executed during the period the person lived or the event occurred – and some created at a later date to commemorate or honor the person or event.
In the folk art tradition, the majority of the 137 carvings that will be on display are by anonymous, usually self-taught artists. If the artist is known, it is not someone of great prominence. While some works may have been commissioned and paid for by a third party, most were created because of the artist’s desire to make a statement about an event or person, rather than for remuneration. The provenance of these carvings varies greatly – from strict documentation, to obviously recognizable figures, to identification by a dealer or previous owner.
Be prepared for a trip down memory lane as each piece brings a moment in American history to life: World Wars I and II, presidents from Wilson through President Elect Obama, events including the meeting of the Big Four at Yalta, John-John Kennedy saluting his late father’s caisson and the raising of the flag at Ground Zero. Among the carvings on view from the Levine Collection will be those of the era’s newsworthy celebrities: Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Charles and Anne Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart; actors James Dean, Bob Hope, John Wayne, Laurel & Hardy, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Barbara Stanwyck; writers Eugene O’Neill and Mark Twain; sports figures Joe Louis, Babe Ruth and Knute Rockne.
Also included is a painted wooden model of the airplane The Red Baron flown by the legendary flying ace, Manfred von Richthofen. Photographs of President Roosevelt’s cabinet in 1935 will also be featured. This wonderful diorama was too large and fragile to move, but is an outstanding example of the best in folk art wood carving. It includes individual carvings of Roosevelt and his ten cabinet members, seated around a semi-circular table, complete with a wood-paneled background and electrified chandelier.
Paintings by Gay Dearborn
The exhibit Paintings by Gay Dearborn showcases an eclectic collection of watercolors, sketches and oils by Gay Dearborn who has been a Westport resident for 46 years. At age 92, she is still a working artist, fascinated by local Westport scenes and what is happening as the seasons bring change to her yard and garden. This exhibit will be on view until March 13, 2009.
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