Curator's Corner

Curator's Corner

Black History Month: Hughie Lee-Smith

Monday, February 15, 2021 | Karl Cole

For my ongoing celebration of African American History month, let’s honor the life and work of Hughie Lee-Smith. He was one of many artists who matured during the Harlem Renaissance (1918– ...

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month: Nick Cave

Monday, February 8, 2021 | Karl Cole

February 4th was artist Nick Cave’s birthday, so let’s celebrate his art for African American History Month. ...

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Curator's Corner

Black History Month: David Butler

Monday, February 1, 2021 | Karl Cole

Let’s begin honoring African American History Month this year with the work of vernacular artist David Butler. His art reflects the long tradition of African-Caribbean influence in the art of ma ...

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Curator's Corner

Gem of the Month: Guanyin

Monday, January 25, 2021 | Karl Cole

Seated in the “position of royal ease” (rajalilasana in Hindu), this portrayal of the bodhisattva Guanyin mirrors hundreds of other versions of the subject in Chinese art. The pose was inf ...

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Curator's Corner

Art for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Elizabeth Catlett

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 | Karl Cole

In commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am recognizing an African American artist who was as committed to equality—especially for African American women—as MLK and expressed it ...

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Curator's Corner

A Pioneer Abstract Sculptor: Barbara Hepworth

Monday, January 11, 2021 | Karl Cole

January 10th was the birthday of one of the great pioneer abstract sculptors of the late 1900s, Barbara Hepworth. Her sculpture has always been a tribute to the materials in which she worked. She ...

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Curator's Corner

Auspicious Friend for the New Year: Kanō Isen'in Naganobu

Monday, January 4, 2021 | Karl Cole

Pine trees are one of the three “auspicious friends”—plants (along with bamboo and plum blossom) that help welcome the New Year in Japan. Pines are auspicious because they survive an ...

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Curator's Corner

National Pear Month: Luis Meléndez

Monday, December 21, 2020 | Karl Cole

In 2004, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared December as “National Pear Month.” I did not realize that pears have as much potassium as bananas. And they are certainly interesting a ...

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Curator's Corner

Winter's Almost Here: Ruth Cyril

Monday, December 14, 2020 | Karl Cole

Winter is near. Although I’m often drawn to brilliant color palettes in landscapes, I find this winter example just as enticing to walk into. Remember the common wisdom established by Song ...

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Curator's Corner

National Illinois Day

Monday, December 7, 2020 | Karl Cole

Being an art historian originally from Illinois, you just know that I have to celebrate National Illinois Day with some art. I chose two fascinating artists from Chicago. ...

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