The Gallery Committee at Kendal at Granville

This blog begins where my last blog left off with the promise to continue the story of the Gallery Committee.  The mission of this committee was and remains to assume the responsibility for managing the Art b Gallery as Jane Heller had been doings since it opened in 2005.

One of the first tasks taken on by the committee was to obtain a museum quality hanging system to replace the hammer and nails being used.  This would free the maintenance department from continually having to repair the nail holes and repaint the walls.  The committee also was able to get the Woodworking Committee members to make a locked display cabinet with adjustable glass shelves to accommodate three dimensional art objects.  Considering the work involved in maintaining exhibits in two areas the committee decided to extend the time span for each exhibit to two months with alternating opening dates

Planning meetings are held once a month.  In between meetings members are engaged in a variety of tasks such as contacting artists, getting agreements with artists signed, putting up and taking down displays, arranging for and hosting receptions for show openings, sending thank you notes, etc.  Beyond a doubt this is one of our most active groups.

Since its inception the committee has hung twenty-nine gallery shows and set up twenty-seven cabinet displays.  All of this has been possible because of the number of artists and art enthusiasts who live here.  Four of the gallery shows consisted entirely of the works of Kendal artists.  When the subject matter of one of these shows was flowers the committee used the opening reception to not only recognize the artists but three individuals who created flower art in their own special way. One was a resident who has become known as the “flower lady” because she gives so many of us miniature bouquets of fresh flowers on birthdays and anniversaries.  The other two were a couple who created and maintained a lovely  “oval garden” where any one of us could pick flowers.

A call for art posters brought considerably diverse responses from twelve persons. There were posters from Alaska to Florida, from Delaware to California, with some from here in Ohio including one from Granville.  Some came from well known art museums while others came from lesser known venues.  Each reflected a bit about their owners. 

The response of residents and staff to a similar call for photographs demonstrated that we have some skilled photographers in our community.  One of blue birds by a staff member brought several requests for copies.  At the present time we are planning an informal presentation of photographs mounted simply on foam board. .

Believing that young artists should be encouraged we have had nine gallery shows featuring the work of students from nine area schools ranging from kindergarten to post-secondary levels of education.

 

Currently we have a display of Heisey glass in our display cabinet made up of items on loan from twelve residents. In July and August it will be replaced by a show of half boat models with sea shells. That will be followed by what we have come to call our “Olio Shows,” i.e.  Small groups of items from more than one artist.

Our current gallery exhibit is made up of pieces of art from the personal collections of fifteen residents.  Plans underway for future gallery shows include photographs, mandalas, student art, and fiber arts.  There is no quiet time for the members of this committee as they work to assure our community of a new show each month.

I personally find working with this committee fulfilling and challenging.  It helps to give purpose to my life.  Along the way I find that I discover kindred spirits among my fellow residents.  I believe that this is one of the reasons that we enjoy visiting and revisiting art galleries and art museums. Another benefit for me and our Kendal community is that the nature of the work of the committee keeps us focused on the future.