Catherine Chalmers, "Pop Beetles", 2004
Internationally known artist and photographer Catherine Chalmers explores the life of this most maligned of insects by imaginatively constructing vignettes seen both from behind the lens of the camera and from the perspective of the insect itself. Open April 18 through September 12, 2010, "Catherine Chalmers: American Cockroach" http://www.ramart.org/
This mid-career survey of large-scale color photographic images includes three bodies of the artist's work and a number of her recent videos. In her large works, Chalmers documents roaches living in an insect-sized dollhouse and roaches that have been painted and placed on flower petals that camouflage their bodies. In another series, insects that have died a natural death are staged in mock executions, hanging in gallows and sitting in small electric chairs. The artist creates these images to humanize these insects and call out attention to the preciousness of life.
On Friday, May 7, 2010 at 6:30 pm, Catherine Chalmers will guide visitors through a behind-the-scenes tour of "American Cockroach" with RAM Executive Director and Curator of Collections, Bruce W. Pepich. Chalmers will do a booksigning immediately following the tour at 7:30 pm.
This event takes place during downtown Racine's Free First Friday in May. Enjoy free RAM admission and extended hours from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to participate in a free family hands-on art event from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. In addition, don't miss RAM's Awesome Art Sale from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase original, museum-quality artwork by well-known artists at affordable prices. Featuring many never-seen one-of-a-kind works of art, this biannual sale is a great place to add to an art collection or start one now.
All the Buzz: Insects Invade RAM
This summer, the Racine Art Museum will be invaded by insects - as depicted by contemporary artists http://www.ramart.org/
Visitors are invited to marvel at the unexpected natural beauty created by a life-long Milwaukee resident. "The Insectopedia of JoAnna Poehlmann" features graphics and artists' books unified by both the subject matter of insects and her clever use of visual and verbal puns.
"Insects and Invaders in RAM's Collection" presents artworks from RAM's significant permanent collection that depict insects, their view of the natural environment, and their predators in the cycle of life. Works in a variety of craft media such as ceramics, metals and wood will be included. "Eccentric Insects" features installations of small-scale works by mid-career contemporary artists, working in fibers, glass and metal, who have created imaginative works depicting insects and insect imagery specifically for RAM's smaller Ruffo and Schumann Galleries.
The presentation of this exhibition at the Racine Art Museum was made possible by: Presenting Sponsors - Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd, RAM Society Members, The Hearst Foundation, Inc., and Windgate Charitable Foundation; Gold Sponsors - Racine United Arts Fund, The Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation, and Wisconsin Arts Board; Silver Sponsors - Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation and Real Racine; Bronze Sponsors - E. C. Styberg Foundation, Inc., In Sink Erator, Midwest Contemporary Glass Art Group, and Target
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
