Museum Exhibits Impressive Art Collection
The Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art shows works from 29 artists from 1980-2000 in an exhibition, “Impulse and Connoisseurship: Selections from the Forde Collection,” Dec. 3-Feb. 1. There will be a free, public opening reception on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 4-6 p.m.
The exhibition features the collection of Westmont alumna Marie (May) and Arnold Forde, who began collecting contemporary art with the help of legendary art curator Paul Schimmel. The show includes a selection of works by John Baldessari, Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, Chris Burden, Jenny Holzer and many others.
“This is an exciting exhibition not only because it features so many incredible and respected contemporary artists, but because of the close connection to our Westmont alumni,” says Judy L. Larson, Askew professor of art history and director of the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. “It is wonderful to see where Westmont alumni go and what they do after they graduate, and Mrs. Forde is no exception. She and Mr. Forde are both incredibly knowledgeable about art from this era, and it is exciting to see this within the Westmont community.”
“This impressive collection is visually and conceptually interesting,” says Alisha Paulsen, museum outreach and education coordinator. “Many of them exemplify the minimalist and conceptual realms of the art world during this time.”
The museum is also preparing for the American Family Folk Festival on Saturday, March 22, 2014. The festival will be a day of free activities, crafts, music, dance, storytelling and food, celebrating the vibrant American culture. The festival, held in conjunction with the exhibition “Walking in the Spirit: American Visionary Artists” (Feb. 20- March 29), will be located in and around the museum. The exhibition showcases work from folk artists from all over the United States.
The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed Sundays and college holidays. For more information, please visit www.westmontmuseum.org or contact the museum at (805) 565-6162.