The Arlington Museum of Art's summer exhibition will bridge two continents by featuring the work of three Arlington artists and four German artists. The work ranges from traditional watercolors and paintings to installations and wood turned vessels. This diverse group is united by their individual reputations as accomplished artists, their participation in a public monument project celebrating international peace and understanding, and over 50 years of friendship between Arlington, Texas and Bad Königshofen, Germany. Their collaboration began in 2001 with the construction of a monument in Germany and continues this summer with the construction of a monument in Gene Allen Park located adjacent to the AMA in downtown Arlington, Texas.
Curator Rachel Bounds traveled to Germany last summer to select the works from the German artists. "I was so impressed with the quality of work from such a small community," says Bounds, "Our local artists are frequently exhibited in the area but this is perhaps the only opportunity to see the work of the German artists. This exhibition will juxtapose the individual works of each artist with the collaborative efforts taking place adjacent to the museum."
AMA Director Anne Allen adds, "The museum is excited to be able to showcase the work of these outstanding artists from Arlington and Bad Königshofen. It highlights the personal relationships that these individual artists have developed with one another over the last 3 years despite the distance of miles and cultures and of course makes the exhibition international in scope. We invite the entire community to come out and experience this one-time-only exhibition."
Benito Huerta, Arlington, Texas has recently been called the busiest artist in Texas. He's co-founder and vice-president of Texas art magazine Artlies and director of the Gallery at the University of Texas at Arlington where he is also a professor. A painter and printmaker, he is currently in exhibitions at galleries throughout the state including William Campbell Contemporary Art Gallery, Fort Worth, TX and d berman Gallery, Austin, TX and is working on public art projects for Dallas/Fort Worth Airport's International Terminal and the Mexican-American cultural Center in Austin.
Eva Luna Warmuth, Bad Königshofen, Germany, is a sculptor, professor and installation artist. Her recent efforts include building the first straw bale house in Germany on the farm where she lives with her family. She teaches a marble-carving workshop in Italy each summer. She will be sending five bronze sculptures at the museum in addition to installing a straw bale throne.
Celia Munoz, Arlington, Texas, is a conceptual multi-media Texas artist who is known for her diverse works that include writing, artist books, photography, painting, installations and public art. A recent retrospective of her work is currently touring Texas. Her work in the exhibition will be a piece that has not previously been shown at the museum. The piece consists of large blocks on a wood tray with culturally significant and charged words.
Peter Picciani, Bad Königshofen, Germany is a sculptor and master wood carver and turner. His public commissions include a city fountain and the Crucifixion overlooking Bad Königshofen. His contemporary works that will be displayed are a series called Genomproject and focuses on genetics research. Also on display will be 13 wood turned vessels made for this exhibition. He is also accomplished in many materials including stone and bronze work.
Fritz Toennieshen, Bad Königshofen, Germany, is a master water colorist and painter who began painting in the mid 1940's after serving as a soldier in World War II. He is best known in the area for depictions of the local landscape and seasonal changes. In addition, he works on small abstracts for his personal enjoyment.
Christine Wehe-Bamberger, Bad Königshofen, Germany, is a conceptual and installation artist whose work often incorporates fibers and textiles. Innovative educator, active in many international artists exchanges and trained as an architect, Wehe-bamberger was the driving force behind the Bad Königshofen monument. She may be the busiest artist in Germany.
Nicholas Wood, Arlington, Texas, associate professor at University of Texas at Arlington, has been exhibiting his artwork for over 28 years in a number of media including clay sculpture, drawing, mixed media, photography, and site-specific multi-media installations. He participates in a number of exhibitions each year on regional, national, and international levels. He is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant in sculpture and has received the Hawn Foundation Millennium award, Connemara conservancy Foundation Artist Grant in sculpture, and the Grumbacher Gold Medallion award in Drawing.
A Collaborative Sculpture Project:
International Peace and Friendship Monument for Arlington
Site: Gene Allen Park, Arlington, Texas (at Main Street and Center Street)
The monument will be constructed on site over a two-week period.
Dates: June 30 through July 13, 2003
Dedication Ceremony: July 12, 10 am
Staging and planning activities will take place in the Arlington Museum of Art.
A public area will be set up to view the ongoing concept and design processes.
IMAGE:
Celia Alvarez Munoz
Mind Games,
Etched Glass Block Installation, 1995
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