summer 2016
exhibitions Special Exhibitions Into the Third Dimension: Sculpture from the Collection CHANGING EXHIBITION GALLERIES May 29th – September 18, 2016 This exhibition is designed to acquaint LRMA audiences with the breadth of sculptural work in the museum’s permanent collection. From modernist works by Henry Moore, Victor Vasarely, Vladimir Yoffe, Abraham Rattner, and Esther Gentle to contemporary works by Richard Beckman, Jack King, Charles Parkhill and Lin Emery, the collection demonstrates a wide variety of styles and media.
Vladimir Yoffe (Russian, American, 1911-1997), Genus Terrestris, 1961, Aluminum epoxy, 25 x 13 ½ x 27 in., Gift of the Pasco Arts Council, LRMA 2006.37.24
Esther Gentle (American, 1899-1991), East and West, 1980, Corten-finished welded steel, 13 ½ x 22 ½ x 11 ¾ in., On loan from the SPC Foundation, Inc., LRMA 1997.3.5.17
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Charles Parkhill (American, b. 1950), Portal, 1994, Wood sculpture, 30 ½ x 32 in., LRMA GC1995.017
Special Exhibitions Youth Gone Wild: The History and Art of Pinball CENTRAL GALLERY June 5th – September 18, 2016
Detail of Arcade sign, Courtesy of Replay Amusement Museum
Detail of Fast Draw sign, Courtesy of Replay Amusement Museum
The Museum has teamed up with the Replay Amusement Museum in Tarpon Springs to present the history of pinball through the artists who helped define the game. The display will cover the early history from the prohibition period (1930s-1960s) through to the arcade era (1970s-1990s), weaving together historical narrative with key individuals who defined the game’s aesthetics. For the duration of the exhibition, the museum will feature playable pinball machines in the Interactive Gallery, on loan from the Replay Amusement Museum.
Detail of Old Chicago pinball machine, 1976, Courtesy of Replay Amusement Museum
Changes in the Permanent Galleries 50 Years of Watercolors by Abraham Rattner (2nd installation) RATTNER / GENTLE GALLERIES Through December, 2016 LRMA is pleased to focus on watercolors painted by Rattner over his long career and has recently placed on exhibition a second installation of paintings. 50 Years of Watercolors by Abraham Rattner explores watercolor as an essential expression for Rattner, from en plein air sketches of bathers on the beach to preliminary studies for
larger works to large watercolors created for an exhibition. Rattner was never without artmaking materials, and his watercolors have an immediacy and a luminosity of color that convey a compelling record of time and place.
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exhibitions Works On Paper Gallery School’s Out: Southern Printmakers Through October, 2016
This exhibition highlights work from the permanent collection by Sean Starwars and local printmakers active in the South. Sean Starwars (American, b. 1969), Untitled, 2012, Woodblock print on billboard paper, 29 7/8 x 19 7/8 in., Gift of the artist, LRMA 2012.16
Upcoming Exhibitions Satirical Opera: Abraham Rattner, The Beggar’s Opera, and Jack Levine, The Threepenny Opera CENTRAL GALLERIES & WORKS ON PAPER GALLERY October 2 – December 30, 2016 This exhibition presents Rattner’s print portfolio, The Beggar’s Opera, alongside his contemporary Jack Levine’s portfolio, The Threepenny Opera. The Beggars Opera is a ballad opera written in 1728 by John Gay. A ballad opera is a musical play that includes elements of formal opera, but employs satire to denounce politics, poverty and injustice. For example, The Beggars Opera focuses on the theme of corruption at all levels of society. The Threepenny Opera is an adaptation of The Beggar’s Opera written by Bertolt Brecht in 1928.
Abraham Rattner (American, 1893-1978), Polly from the Beggar’s Opera, 1971, Lithograph on Arches paper, On loan from SPC Foundation, LRMA 1997.1.4.1-.2.
The SPC Art Faculty Exhibition NORTH & SOUTH GALLERIES October 2 – December 30, 2016 Elizabeth Indianos, Leon the Rainbow Child, 2015, Paint on canvas, 12 x 12 in.
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The museum showcases on a two-year cycle current artwork created by St. Petersburg College’s visual arts faculty. This varied show is an opportunity for visitors and SPC students to learn more about the different disciplines within the art department of the college, as well as the artistic achievements of instructors outside the classroom.
The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is grateful to the artists and collectors who have donated art to the LRMA permanent collection since January, 2016. The following donations have been approved by the LRMA Collections Committee and Board of Directors in honor of R. Lynn Whitelaw: • One archival inkjet print, (Untitled) Lean by Selina Roman, 2011, gift of Katherine Gibson & Jose R. Gelats • Four prints by Jack Levine: The Prisoner, 1963, aquatint; El Greco, 1966, mezzotint; Self Portrait with Muse, 1966, mezzotint; Venetian Lady, 1964, etching; gifts of Lothar Uhl
news
Recent Acquisitions • One print, Anclote Mangrove by Hal Stowers,1974-75, aquatint, etching on Arches paper, gift of Hal & BJ Stowers (shown below)
Interns at LRMA Eric Clark, an SPC student and Senior Peer Advisor, spent two weeks interning at LRMA in March towards a business class credit requiring 180 hours for the semester. On track to earn his Business-AA degree this spring, he plans to earn his Bachelor’s degree from SPC’s MOL (Business Management, Organization & Leadership) program with a subplan focused on Project Management. Additionally, he is researching MBA programs in Project Management. April Myerscough was born and raised in Palm Harbor, Florida. She currently attends Mercer University in Georgia, studying Media Studies and English. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, and going to museums. This summer she will be interning in the curatorial department assisting with research for an upcoming exhibition and helping to organize the museum’s archives.
Interns at LRMA, Eric Clark and April Myerscough
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happenings summer 2016 June Focus Friday * Focus Friday is on break for the summer and will resume in September.
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29 Wednesday Leap into Art at Leepa-Rattner! 3 p.m. Made in Florida Gallery, free with admission Great for ages 4-8, this program features stories about art read by Palm Harbor Library Youth Services Librarian Marisa Meale and a related hands-on art activity. June’s theme is To Color and Beyond! and the books are The Colour Thief by Gabriel Alborozo, More Than Meets the Eye by Bob Raczka and Chameleon’s Colors by Chisato Tashiro.
Concert and Dance in the Galleries 6-8 p.m., $12 for members, $15 for nonmembers; RSVP to (727) 712-5226 Cellist and recording artist Theresa Villani, will present contemporary music for cello to complement the exhibition Into the Third Dimension. Villani, a Palm Harbor resident, holds a Master of Music degree from Catholic University. She will be accompanied by piano. Dancers from CoMotion Dance Theatre of St. Petersburg College will interpret the musical selections. Light refreshments will be served.
8 Wednesday - July 13 Intro to Charcoal Drawing for Kids 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., $96 for non-members, $78 for members; materials list: yes (no fee) Learn to draw with charcoal with this 8-week class on Wednesdays (ages 11-16). Charcoal is a traditional artists’ drawing technique. Lessons will include drawing from still life and nature. Some classes will be outdoors, weather permitting. Hat and closed toe shoes recommended. Joseph Weinzettle is an artist who has taught students of all ages and abilities. Pre-registration is required.
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July 4 Monday Independence Day Museum Offices Closed
15 Friday ABC (Art, Books & Community) Reading Club 1:30 p.m., LRMA Resource Center, free with admission Palm Harbor Library Director Gene Coppola facilitates this bimonthly program held at the museum. Members select, read and discuss books about modern and contemporary art and enjoy light refreshments. July’s selection is Modern Art Invasion: Picasso, Duchamp, and the 1913 Armory Show That Scandalized America by Elizabeth Lunday.
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Leap into Art at Leepa-Rattner!
Leap into Art at Leepa-Rattner!
3 p.m. Made in Florida Gallery, free with admission
3 p.m. Made in Florida Gallery, free with admission
Great for ages 4-8, this program features stories about art read by Palm Harbor Library Youth Services Librarian Marisa Meale and a related hands-on art activity. July’s theme is The Art Construction Zone and the books are Leonardo and the Flying Boy by Laurence Anholt, Lots of Dots by Craig Frazier and LookAlikes Jr. by Joan Steiner.
Great for ages 4-8, this program features stories about art read by Palm Harbor Library Youth Services Librarian Marisa Meale and a related hands-on art activity. August’s theme is Searching for Art and the books are Alphab’art by Anne Guéry and Olivier Dussutour, Ish by Peter H. Reynolds and Seen Art? by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith.
16 Saturday Pastels for Beginners 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $33 for members, $40 for non-members; materials fee: $10 Karen Baker will introduce beginning adults (16+) to some basic techniques and color exploration, working from simple still life and floral setups. No prior instruction necessary! Bring bag lunch. Materials fee covers everything needed, and is payable to instructor at start of class. Preregistration is required.
August 20 Saturday Mixed-Media Painting & Collage 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $33 for members, $40 for nonmembers; materials fee: $10 Karen Baker’s workshop is a fun experience for anyone (ages 16+) at any level interested in exploring their innate creativity and imagination. Play with paint and a variety of collage elements, stencils, fabric paint, ink and found objects to make art treasures as keepsakes or give-aways. No prior instruction necessary. Bring bag lunch. Materials fee covers everything needed, and is payable to instructor at start of class. Pre-registration is required.
Join the ABC Reading Club! What is the ABC Reading Club? The ABC (Art, Books & Community) Reading Club is a community partnership between Palm Harbor Library and the LeepaRattner Museum of Art. Facilitated by the library’s Director, Gene Coppola, the club meets bi-monthly in the LRMA Resource Center on the lower level of the museum. In support of the museum’s mission, members select, read and discuss books about 20th century art and beyond, and the meetings are a great way to learn more about what’s on view in the galleries. Each discussion is free for members or included in the price of museum admission ($7 for adults and $6 for seniors) for non-members. Coppola, a book club aficionado, said of the club: “We have been meeting now for five years and have about 15 participants. Just like a regular book club, we read biographies and memoirs of artists, although we have read about collectors and a museum director, non-fiction titles on art movements, groups and periods as well as particular paintings. We have also on occasion picked a particular artist where we will read the book of our choice and then have a general discussion.” At their September meeting, the club will discuss Gail Levin’s Edward Hopper: The Art and the Artist. Levin is a Distinguished Professor of Art History, American Studies, and Women’s Studies at The Graduate Center and Baruch College of the City University of New York and has written a series of books on Hopper. For further information about the ABC Reading Club, please contact Patti Buster, LRMA Education Coordinator, at (727) 712-5226, or Gene Coppola, at (727) 784-3332, Ext. 3001
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focus on education Psychology & Art Connection
Sarah Brzezinski, MA LRMA is not only a public cultural attraction. With its mission to provide opportunities for education, enlightenment, interpretation, and research, it functions as a teaching museum and learning laboratory for St. Petersburg College’s staff and students. This quarter we feature one of our academic partners who collaborates with the museum to enhance students’ learning experiences through the arts. Sara Brzezinski, who holds a Master’s in Arts in Clinical Psychology, instructs classes for the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at St. Petersburg College, Tarpon Springs. She was interviewed to share her innovative teaching approaches at LRMA.
LRMA: Please share with our members how you first began working with LRMA as a collaborative partner and what this experience has been like for you as an educator. SB: I have always used examples of artwork in my lecture about visual perception. However, last fall I decided to improve my method, put more of the learning responsibility on the students, and make use out of this wonderful resource that is available on
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campus. I collaborated with LRMA staff who were very eager to help in designing a scavenger hunt for my classes. We picked out nine pieces that would work for the assignment. I constructed a worksheet with questions pertaining to the concepts in visual perception that corresponded with each piece and numbers were posted of each by LRMA staff. In September 2015 I used this activity with four of my faceto-face General Psychology (PSY1012) classes (approximately forty students in each). It was a success. The students worked in small groups to complete the worksheet using their textbooks, online resources, and collaborating with each other. After forty-five minutes, we met at piece number one as a large group and made our way through the galleries discussing their responses to the questions, allowing me to clarify the concepts while incorporating the artwork into the discussions. The majority of the students enjoyed the activity and some even thanked me for the utilization of the museum in class. I continued the assignment this spring with five of my face-to-face General Psychology (PSY1012) classes. The results were the same. The students enjoyed getting out of the classroom and visiting the museum as they developed their understanding of the course concepts. As an educator, it is very exciting and rewarding to see your idea come to fruition and be a success. To see students engaging with art that have never visited LRMA is a very humbling feeling. The assignment is one that challenges students, since we do not discuss the material before completing the activity. However, when we go over the information as a
large group, they do very well with applying the concepts and discussing them as they relate to the artwork. My hope is that this will encourage them to visit the museum again in the future, and/or other museums. One of the comments that I consistently overhear from students while completing the scavenger hunt is, “I never interpret art correctly,” or “I never see what I’m supposed to see in art.” This allows me the opportunity to remind them that perception is influenced by our experiences, knowledge, expectations, culture, etc. There is not a “correct” interpretation. I think this allows them the opportunity to feel less threatened by the space and activity, but also art in general. This activity also allows me the opportunity to stress how broad the field of psychology is, and how many different facets we are involved in, including art.
LRMA: The development of critical thinking skills is considered an essential component of a complete education. How does the museum experience contribute to the development of these skills? SB: I do not discuss the concepts of visual perception in class before the students complete this in-class activity. Therefore, the students must take the information from their textbooks or online resources and apply it to the artwork. This is a challenging task for most of the students, because they most likely have never been exposed to the concepts and theories of visual perception in their previous studies. Many students have very basic exposure to art as well; therefore, they may not have much previous knowledge in this area either, to influence their abilities to respond to the questions on the worksheet. This
LRMA: Have any specific museum exhibitions or the architectural space particularly engaged, inspired, or enlightened your students? If so, how? SB: Not necessarily. I made sure to choose pieces that were part of the permanent exhibit or in the archives, so that we would not have to create a new scavenger hunt each semester based on the changing pieces. LRMA: Is there anything else you would like to share about the Museum as a learning environment? SB: This is a wonderful space that I think could be utilized by more faculty in various disciplines. I challenge my colleagues to consider how they might be able to utilize this resource in their curriculum and classes.
Visitor Newszinski In January, the museum hosted over 80 second graders from Mittye P. Locke Elementary School in New Port Richey. The school visited the SPC Tarpon Springs campus for a field trip that included tours of the campus, LRMA tours and art activity, lunch, and a “graduation” ceremony. The school’s Assistant Principal, Cynthia Bauman, followed up with appreciation: “Thank you so much for a great experience visiting SPC Tarpon. Our students had a wonderful time. Keeping over 80 2nd graders engaged (on a rainy day) is not an easy task, but the combination of making art and learning about art and college really made it fun (plus eating where all the college kids were). The ‘Graduation’ really put it over the top! The collaboration of all your staff from the student guides and docents to the Provost really made a great impression.”
education
activity forces them to thoroughly think about the concepts and try to apply them to the nine different pieces of art. Some are more challenging than others, but it allows them the chance to process the information at a deeper level while also discussing the concepts and artwork with each other. The small group and large group discussions help to clarify the information, but also, increase the likelihood of comprehending and remembering the concepts. This is not a graded assignment, so students do not have any external pressure or incentive from me to come to the correct conclusions. This allows for a stress free environment, which helps to improve comprehension as well. Activities like this challenge students to step outside of the rote memorization of information as a learning process and move into the more difficult task of critical thinking, which is vitally important as they continue with their academics and enter the workforce.
LRMA docent, Sandy Taylor, escorted a group of ladies from her Trinity Heritage Springs community for lunch at Johnny Grits followed by a visit to the museum in March. Docent and artist, Nancy Krauss, led a collage art activity for the group that produced a variety of mixed media creations.
LRMA: Thank you, Sara!
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giving
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
LRMA is proud to acknowledge the following friends whose contributions to the Art in Action Annual Fund helped support our programmatic efforts through the fiscal year ending March 31, 2016: ABOVE AND BEYOND Mary Mitchell Avery & James G. Avery PATRONS’ CIRCLE Sharon & Gary Bressen Elizabeth A. Nace SunTrust Foundation LEADERS’ CIRCLE Arthur D. Cohen Gary & Carol Zino Dr. David & Maria Edmonds Dr. Leonard & Marleen P.I. Gravitz James & Ann Larsen Ralph B. Melick Hoffman Architects Bill & Jane Schumacher Sally F. Schatz
Dr. Jonathan & Bea Steele John T. & Jean North Lyn C. Tebrugge R. Lynn Whitelaw Dr. Thomas & Candice Hennessy Anna Billiris Cristina McCormack OTHER H. Dotson Hunt Sonia Linke, Ph.D. Stephen Wilson Marie Everleth James F. Thorpe Margo & James Knighton Josephine A. Voigt Ellen L. Scheible Claudia L. Sodaro Linda S. Roberson Dr. Carolyn Root
Mary Mitchell Avery & James G. Avery
To learn more about leaving a legacy at LRMA through a bequest or charitable trust, contact Connor Davis at 727-302-6758.
IN MEMORIAM Bea Donis February 20, 1919April 13, 2016
LYNN WHITELAW FUND A Message of Thanks from Lynn Whitelaw To all those who contributed to The Lynn Whitelaw Fund, you have honored me and the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art through your donation. I am humbled by the monies raised, but more importantly I am blessed by the number of people who took the time out of their daily lives to value and support this effort. In January, 2002, when the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art opened to the public it was during unsettling times. The events of 9-11, and the subsequent scares in the months just prior to the grand opening resulted in a challenged beginning—the Museum had mailed out opening announcements at the height of an Anthrax scare, and hundreds never received their notifications. I believe in the power of art. I believe it can nurture our soul, explore our creative spirit, teach us about who we are, and define the essence of what it is to be human. Over the years, through LRMA’s excellent programming, education, and exhibition efforts, the community at large has embraced the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art as a welcome addition to the cultural landscape of the west coast of Florida—and beyond. That is not something I did, nor the College did in creating the Museum, nor the Museum staff through all their hard work; it is something each of you did by valuing what an art museum can contribute to quality of life. Again, I cannot thank each of you enough for your generosity, thoughtfulness, and friendship over the years, and I look forward, now in retirement, to seeing you in the galleries and being a part of the cultural community that values and supports the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art which enriches all of our lives.
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The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art gratefully welcomes its newest, renewing and upgrading members as we go to press. Eleanor & Gil Evans
SUSTAINER ($1,000)
FAMILY ($75)
Mary Mitchell & James G. Avery Sharon & Gary Bressen Helen Gilbert
Jerald & Betty Blizin Caroline Denjoy Guy & Christine Drexinger Lorraine Golomb Ernest Upmeyer
CONTRIBUTOR ($250)
DUAL ($60)
ADVOCATE ($500)
members
Thank You to All Our Members!
Michael & Elizabeth Coachman Beverly DeFabio Dr. Thomas & Candy Hennessy MaryAnn McCoy
Bernaded Guilhot Ronald & Patricia Haddad George & Carol Krause Joan C. Lawler Drs. Robert & Nadine Nickeson Judith Overcash FRIEND ($125) Susan & Terry Parcheta Patrice S. Platteis William & Marilyn Brady Drs. Conferlete & Angela Carney John & Laura Wilhelm Burt & Marj Golub INDIVIDUAL ($40) Jack & Kaki King Helen Collins Evelyn A. McElwain Jerry Leaders Alan Friedman Alexis Rivera Joe Pervall Jose Gelats Rivera, Alexis John T. & Jean North Kathleen Haven Dr. Vahak Sarkis Sally Schatz Nancy Hensel Ellen Scheible Joan Van Tilburg Sylvia Hicks Jeanette Sixbury STUDENT Janice Hrubsa Dr. Jonathan Steele Wanda Kimsey Jim Sweeney Lacy Downing Blanche Levine Lyn Tebrugge Ann E. Oot
Sales at Isabelle’s! Isabelle’s is the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone! There are big sales in progress so come in and take advantage of all the savings! Member discounts apply on top of the sale prices. • All books, wrapping paper and tags are 35% off • Rattner wine glasses are $4.95 each or 4 for $18.00
• Postcards are 5 for $1.00
Proud member of the Museum Store Association 11
On The Cover: Jack King (American, born 1948), No Fixed Plan for Arriving, 2008-12, Wood, epoxy, fiberglass, Plexiglas, oil and acrylic, 56 x 56 x 92 in., LRMA 2013.10.1
Summer 2016 JUNE | JULY | AUGUST
Public Hours
Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Friday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday: 1- 5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays.
Location
Tarpon Springs Campus of St. Petersburg College 600 Klosterman Road Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Admission
VISITOR COMMENTS “This is one of my most favorite museums. I’ve been to museums all over the world, and the Leepa-Rattner museum remains one of my most favorite. The architecture, the lay-out of the flow of walking and gallery design and presentations can’t be beat. It’s a small museum, but well worth the visit: I made a two-hour detour from my visit to Florida for the sole purpose of returning to this museum and visiting its new exhibits. Additionally, they have an incredible interactive space for kids of all ages from 0-100. And don’t miss the life-size lighted Guernica (Picasso) reproduction that lights up as it explains the famous work step by step. Don’t miss this museum!” “A sanctuary of art, expression, and deliverance. As a student, I feel as if I have just discovered a small hideaway to think and observe. Thank you for this wonderful museum.” “I didn’t know what to expect, but I really enjoyed this museum. Very interesting art and some of the descriptions gave me lots of food for thought. A beautiful and well done museum. I also enjoyed the size which is not huge, but more intimate. Some of the works are strong and the smaller size helps keep things in perspective and not over stimulated.” “This hidden beauty in Tarpon Springs will blow you away. This is a true treasure and once you come, you will be back many times. The variety of art they have at this place is comparable to the finest in the nation.”
Adults – $7 Seniors – $6 Free for members, college students with ID, children 17 and under, and active duty military. Thursday evenings – Individual admission is by donation Docent tours every Sunday at 2 p.m. (included with admission).
Carol E. Martin & The EllMar Foundation, Inc.
Jim & Mary Avery
Kinder-Morgan Foundation
Amy Lockhart Bill & Jane Schumacher
Ed & Barbara Hoffman, Jr.
Dr. Tony & Patti Leisner