Clay Center creative services manager Bridgett Turley helped prepare the center's art gallery for its upcoming exhibit "The Curious World of Patent Models" by painting murals of historic inventions on the walls. Here she's painting the patent blueprint of a washing machine. Photo courtesy of the Clay Center.
Clay Center exhibits
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Two new exhibits opened Saturday and run through July 1 at the Clay Center.
"The Curious World of Patent Models," organized by Smith Kramer and the Rothschild Patent Model Collection, offers a nostalgic trip back in time. Visitors can see the start of many early American dreams and inventions, from model cars, toys and washing machines to the first patented rocking chair, fold-out bed and burglar alarm.
From the time the U.S. Patent Office was formed in 1790 and throughout the industrial revolution, inventors were required to submit a working scale model of their invention when applying for a patent. The Rothschild Collection is the world's largest gathering of viewable U.S. Patent Models. These original antiques range from intricately crafted miniature weaving looms, motors and bridges to common household items such as washing machines, vehicles, mechanical toys, caskets, swing sets and even the checker. Only one model exists for each invention, complete with its original handwritten tag.
This interdisciplinary exhibition includes 50 patent models of household, agricultural, medical, toys, musical instruments, tools and more dating from 1809 to 1902.
Also now showing is "Desire for Magic: Patrick Nagatani 1978-2008," curated by Michele M. Penhall and organized by the University of New Mexico Art Museum, runs through July 29. This exhibit includes photographs, collages and multimedia pieces that span the artist's 30-year career. Elements of fact and fiction merge and span a range of themes including politics, the post-nuclear world and our changing environment.
Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, One Clay Square, Charleston; www.theclaycenter.org, 304-561-3570. "Smart Pass" (includes galleries, film and planetarium) $14.50 adults and $12 children, teachers and senior citizens; galleries only $7.50 adults and $6 children, teachers and seniors. Members get free unlimited access to galleries and planetarium shows, as well as discounts on films.
Works by George Snyder
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia artist George Snyder will show more than 40 works never before seen at The Art Store in his "Tailor Made" exhibition opening April 28. There will be an artist talk at 5:30 p.m. with a reception following until 7:30 p.m. The exhibition is Snyder's first solo show at The Art Store and will continue through June 1.
A South Charleston native, Snyder has been creating artwork since the early 1970s, exploring aspects of color, design, materials and techniques. He has had more than 50 solo exhibitions of paintings and sculptures in cities stretching from Boston to Los Angeles and from Chicago to Miami.
His art hangs in the permanent collections of General Electric, Federal Express and Upjohn Corp., as well as in the private collections of Peter Nero, Andre Agassi, Jack Palance and Dennis Rodman. His work is in the permanent collections of numerous museums including New Orleans Museum of Art and the Vero Beach (Fla.) Center for the Arts. Local collections with his work include the Huntington Museum of Art and Marshall University College of Graduate Studies in Charleston.
The Art Store, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1013 Bridge Road, Charleston; 304-345-1038. Visit the "Tailor Made" exhibition online at www.theartstorewv.com.
'Cirque des Artistes'
INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- "Cirque des Artistes," the West Virginia State University Senior Exhibition, opens with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and runs through May 13 at the Della Brown Taylor Hardman Art Gallery. Admission is free.
Exhibiting artists include Leslie Bragg, Jessica Fisher, Charles Smith, Patrick Shea Black and Chris Rodgers.
Della Brown Taylor Gallery, Davis Fine Arts Building, West Virginia State University, Institute. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 304-766-3196 or dbt-gall...@wvstateu.edu.
Art Expo and Sale
Clay Center exhibits
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Two new exhibits opened Saturday and run through July 1 at the Clay Center.
"The Curious World of Patent Models," organized by Smith Kramer and the Rothschild Patent Model Collection, offers a nostalgic trip back in time. Visitors can see the start of many early American dreams and inventions, from model cars, toys and washing machines to the first patented rocking chair, fold-out bed and burglar alarm.
From the time the U.S. Patent Office was formed in 1790 and throughout the industrial revolution, inventors were required to submit a working scale model of their invention when applying for a patent. The Rothschild Collection is the world's largest gathering of viewable U.S. Patent Models. These original antiques range from intricately crafted miniature weaving looms, motors and bridges to common household items such as washing machines, vehicles, mechanical toys, caskets, swing sets and even the checker. Only one model exists for each invention, complete with its original handwritten tag.
This interdisciplinary exhibition includes 50 patent models of household, agricultural, medical, toys, musical instruments, tools and more dating from 1809 to 1902.
Also now showing is "Desire for Magic: Patrick Nagatani 1978-2008," curated by Michele M. Penhall and organized by the University of New Mexico Art Museum, runs through July 29. This exhibit includes photographs, collages and multimedia pieces that span the artist's 30-year career. Elements of fact and fiction merge and span a range of themes including politics, the post-nuclear world and our changing environment.
Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, One Clay Square, Charleston; www.theclaycenter.org, 304-561-3570. "Smart Pass" (includes galleries, film and planetarium) $14.50 adults and $12 children, teachers and senior citizens; galleries only $7.50 adults and $6 children, teachers and seniors. Members get free unlimited access to galleries and planetarium shows, as well as discounts on films.
Works by George Snyder
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia artist George Snyder will show more than 40 works never before seen at The Art Store in his "Tailor Made" exhibition opening April 28. There will be an artist talk at 5:30 p.m. with a reception following until 7:30 p.m. The exhibition is Snyder's first solo show at The Art Store and will continue through June 1.
A South Charleston native, Snyder has been creating artwork since the early 1970s, exploring aspects of color, design, materials and techniques. He has had more than 50 solo exhibitions of paintings and sculptures in cities stretching from Boston to Los Angeles and from Chicago to Miami.
His art hangs in the permanent collections of General Electric, Federal Express and Upjohn Corp., as well as in the private collections of Peter Nero, Andre Agassi, Jack Palance and Dennis Rodman. His work is in the permanent collections of numerous museums including New Orleans Museum of Art and the Vero Beach (Fla.) Center for the Arts. Local collections with his work include the Huntington Museum of Art and Marshall University College of Graduate Studies in Charleston.
The Art Store, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1013 Bridge Road, Charleston; 304-345-1038. Visit the "Tailor Made" exhibition online at www.theartstorewv.com.
'Cirque des Artistes'
INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- "Cirque des Artistes," the West Virginia State University Senior Exhibition, opens with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and runs through May 13 at the Della Brown Taylor Hardman Art Gallery. Admission is free.
Exhibiting artists include Leslie Bragg, Jessica Fisher, Charles Smith, Patrick Shea Black and Chris Rodgers.
Della Brown Taylor Gallery, Davis Fine Arts Building, West Virginia State University, Institute. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 304-766-3196 or dbt-gall...@wvstateu.edu.
Art Expo and Sale
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The fifth annual Art Expo and Sale will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29 at B'nai Jacob Synagogue, 1599 Virginia St. E., and hosted by the Ladies' Auxiliary.
Exhibitors and authors include the Koenig Art Emporium and artist Traci Higginbotham; artists Don Ashworth, Jo Anne Jacobs, Debbie Sisson and Jeanne K. Cochran; photographers, Attish Baidya, Laura Maul and Sheila Caim; artist and jewelry designer Damienne Dibble; jewelry designers Charlotte Pritt and Lori Saas; woodturning by Stan Cook; woodworking by Andy Sheetz; pottery artist Randy Selbe; and jewelry designer and doll makers Jo Brewer and Kathy Petrella. Fabric artist and weaver Valerie Asbury from Lexington, Ky., will present a weaving project for children.
Authors include Aila Accad, Lynn Clark, Harry Peck, Ruth Kirk and others. Cookbooks will be available from both Ladies' Auxiliary, "Still Cooking at One-Hundred," and Temple Israel's newly published addendum to a previously published edition.
A lunch menu of soup, wraps, chips, fruits and drinks will be available through the Shape Shop of Charleston. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the event for artwork and books from specific exhibitors. Winners do not have to be present to win.
Donation at the door: adults $2 (includes a raffle ticket); children $1. Visit www.artexpo2012.com. Email ArtExpo2...@aol.com or call Linda Toborowsky, 304-343-3547 or 304-549-4541, Danita Nellhaus, 304-549-3095, or Nancy Morton at B'nai Jacob, 304-346-4722.
W.Va. History Bowl
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Sixteen teams of eighth-graders from across West Virginia will compete Tuesday for the chance to turn their knowledge of state history, culture and heritage into a championship title during the third annual West Virginia History Bowl at the Culture Center.
The double-elimination tournament that includes a lightning round and a team round features questions about state and county history, culture, heritage and tourism prepared by the staff of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History's Archives and History Section.
Regional competitions held in February and March involved more than 100 four-member teams from 40 counties. The teams that will take part in the state competition include two teams from Cameron High, Chapmanville Middle, Edison Middle, Fairview Middle, Frankfort Middle, Horace Mann Middle, Jackson Middle, Moorefield Middle, Nuttall Middle, two teams from Shady Spring Middle, Sissonville Middle, Summersville Middle, Suncrest Middle and Williamson Middle.
Each member of the team earning first place at the state competition will receive $500, second-place winners will receive $250 apiece, third-place winners $125, and fourth-place winners $50. The Division also awards prizes for the tourney MVP and all-tournament team.
Visit www.wvculture.org/history/historybowl.html or contact Bryan Ward, at bryan.e.w...@wv.gov or 304-558-0230.
Free caricatures
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Renaissance Art Gallery artist Bruce Bowersock will draw free caricatures at Renaissance Art Gallery from 1 to 4 p.m. today and April 29.
Also, through May 26, Bowersock will lead the spring session of figure drawing at the Renaissance Art Gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturdays. The fees for the class are $128.30 per six-week class including tax. These fees are payable at the first class. The model fees are split among the students and do not amount to more than a few dollars a session.
Class size is limited. To register, call Bruce or Lillia
e Bowersock 304-633-6035.
Renaissance Art Gallery, 900 Eighth St., Suite 20, Huntington. 304-525-3235 or 304-453-3187 or galler...@yahoo.com; www.orgsites.com/wv/renaissance; http://renaissancegalleryart.blogspot.com. Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Studio hours 10 a.m. to noon Monday, 1 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.
To have your announcement included in Arts Notes, email sara.bu...@wvgazette.com or send it to Arts Notes, The Charleston Gazette, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301. Artwork can be submitted electronically or by mail. Deadline for inclusion in the Sunday Gazette-Mail is the Tuesday before Sunday publication.
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