Gari Melchers Home and Studio is hosting the exhibition “Artists in Their Studios: Images from the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art” from Saturday, September 13 through Sunday, November 23.
“Artists in Their Studios” features 55 vintage photographs of American artists in their studios. From the sumptuously furnished studios of the late 19th century to the austere workrooms of the present day, studio spaces have played a dynamic role in the history of American art – not simply reflecting aesthetic visions, but informing them.
This look at artists in their studios, through photographs and documents from the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art, offers a behind-the-scenes view into the life of American artists – their methods and materials, aesthetic influences, artistic personae, and social worlds.
“‘Artists in their Studios’ gives viewers an intimate look at the places where some of America’s best known artists created their masterpieces,” said David Berreth, director of Gari Melchers Home and Studio. “These photographs have an even greater impact when you can walk directly from the exhibition into Gari Melchers’ own private studio and experience first-hand the dramatic light and organized clutter forever common to the creative environment.”
Educational events during the exhibition include a talk by Dr. Liza Kirwin, curator of manuscripts at the Archives of American Art, on Sunday, September 28 at 2 p.m.; a concert by the Fredericksburg Chamber Chorale on Sunday, October 5 at 3 p.m.; Family Day on Sunday, October 12 from 1 to 4 p.m.; and Sunday film festivals on October 26 and November 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. All related programming, except the concert, is included in the regular cost of admission. This special exhibition is included with the regular price of admission. Local support for “Artists in Their Studios” is provided by the Melchers Advisory Council Exhibition fund.
Gari Melchers Home and Studio is a 28-acre estate and former residence of the artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne. The property, which is operated by the University of Mary Washington, is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Located at 224 Washington St. in Falmouth, Va., a quarter mile west of the intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 17, it is open daily with an admission charge. The museum also serves as the official Stafford County Visitor Center.
For directions, a complete listing of dates, film titles, and activity descriptions and other information, call (540) 654-1015 or visit the museum Web site at www.GariMelchers.org.