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Inside the sculptor’s studio at SV Museum

Posted on November 18, 2010 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Kids have playrooms. Fletcher Benton has a studio.

“Most of my life is motivated by childishness,” admits Benton, the world-renowned sculptor whose childlike wonder and worldly-wise vision will be on display at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. “Fletcher Benton: The Artist’s Studio,” curated by the Museum’s Executive Director Kate Eilertsen, opens this weekend.
A special members preview will be held on Friday, Nov. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.

“This exhibition will feature several larger works, but the focus is really on a recreation of Fletcher’s studio and his creative process,” Eilertsen said. “It will feature not only a recreated work table complete with the tools he uses, but also many of the maquettes he has used to design larger pieces.”

Conceived by Benton himself, the exhibition juxtaposes sculptures and maquettes, large-scale photographs of the work environment, a soundtrack created in-studio, and a fascinating representation of his worktable.

The show explores the unique attitudes and methods that Benton, an internationally-esteemed modern sculptor, applies to his work. Eilersten said the experiential and interactive exhibition examines the inspirations, processes, toys and tools that the artist uses to create his magic.

“It’s a rare opportunity to see the typically private artist’s studio through the artist’s eyes,” she said.
Fletcher’s studio is the perfect vehicle for inspiring curiosity, Eilersten said. “Our hope is that the Museum is a magnet of creative energy and cultural inspiration. Our goal is to engage the community in the art and ideas of our time, encouraging curiosity and innovation.

In conjunction with the Fletcher Benton exhibition, collaborative artists Kurt Kemp and Mark Perlman, will create “Living Walls: A Collaborative Installation.” Both professors of art at Sonoma State University, Kemp and Perlman will construct two walls comprised of sixty 12” by 12” works on paper. The collaboration consists of works created in the studio as well as in the Museum during the course of the exhibition.

“Fletcher Benton: The Artist’s Studio” will be on view at the museum, 551 Broadway through February 6. Museum hours are Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Find out more at svma.org or 939.7862.




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