AUBURN 鈥 Auburn decorative artist Jesse Kline is curating an exhibition of works from the Schweinfurth Art Center鈥檚 collection, as well as creating a new installation featuring colorful apparel in response to the works, in an exhibition titled 鈥淲orth Mentioning.鈥 The exhibit will be on view May 15 to 26.
The Schweinfurth will host an opening reception 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16. Kline will serve as disc jockey for the free event and will bring hats and other accessories for attendees to wear. She encourages people to dress in their favorite fun outfits; the dress code is extravagant.
鈥淛esse's collaboration has been so fun,鈥 said Program Director Davana Robedee. 鈥淪he is really great at pulling together these objects in a way that reflects her own artistic style and blends folk art, pop art, kitsch and fashion.鈥
The art center is not a collecting institution and has no formal 鈥渃ollection,鈥 as many museums do. However, over the years many objects have come into the Schweinfurth鈥檚 possession. The center鈥檚 mission is primarily to feature the work of living artists; however, these objects were worth keeping and are absolutely 鈥淲orth Mentioning.鈥
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Several paintings being featured are by George Shatzel, a Rochester native, decorated World War II veteran and sales representative for McCurdy & Co., a Rochester-based department store. Shatzel鈥檚 paintings feature scenes of daily life in a distinctive folk art style.
鈥淭he work created by folk artists have always appealed to my aesthetic sensibilities,鈥 Kline said. 鈥淧articularly, the honest, graphic depictions of everyday life emit a raw energy that excites me, and brings into question, what is (fine) art, and who are we to judge?鈥
Other works included are by Fred Yehl, a Skaneateles native whose tempura paintings and illustrations feature stylized landscapes, houses and still lifes. He is known for his use of pattern, stark outlines and brilliant color. Kline selected works from Yehl鈥檚 鈥淎esop鈥檚 Fables鈥 and 鈥淎lice in Wonderland鈥 series.
鈥淲ho can resist being drawn to cute animals with big eyes?鈥 she said. 鈥淭hen add in Yehl鈥檚 artistic language of intricate detail, gorgeous patterns and sophisticated colors 鈥 I feel he is a master. The juxtaposition of these two artists viewed together makes for an interesting conversation and lively backdrop and inspiration for more creative endeavor.鈥
Kline has assembled unique outfits, complete with shoes and hats in some cases, that reflect the color and style inspiration of the artworks. Much of the clothing is from her collection, but she also includes pieces from the Schweinfurth.
鈥淔ashion always presents a fun opportunity to express yourself. Yet some unique clothing pieces are works of art in their own right,鈥 she said.
鈥淭he clothing and jewelry bequeathed to the art center by textile artist Priscilla Kibbee, who made these wearable art coats, fits that bill. Once again, the lush patterns, colors and skillful embroidery drive me wild! Shop the second floor pop-up so you too can make a fashion statement, and support the Schweinfurth.鈥
Maria Welych is marketing director for the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn, a multi-arts center that opened in 1981 thanks to a bequest from Auburn-born architect Julius Schweinfurth. The center's programs include more than a dozen exhibitions each year and educational programs for children and adults, which feature local, national and international artists. For more information, call (315) 255-1553 or visit .
