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2 art center news jan feb mar 2014 desmoinesartcenter.org 3

new exhibitionFRoM the DiReCtoR

Last October I had the pleasure of attending the Americans for the Arts’ National Arts Awards ceremony in New York. At this event, John and Mary Pappajohn (above) were given the Eli and Edythe Broad Award for Philanthropy in the Arts. this is an especially well deserved accolade. Living a charitable life is a given for john and mary; it is something inherent in their personalities. insistence on quality—one of the defining characteristics of the art center, the national gallery of art, the Walker art center, the Hirshhorn museum and sculpture garden, the University of iowa, and the many other organizations they support—is a part of their dna. they have touched untold thousands with their contributions, and these gifts will continue to change people’s lives for the better for many, many years to come. the board, staff, and the community at large are honored that john and mary are patrons of our museum and school, and we sincerely thank them for their support. Perhaps their most visible contributions to the art center and to the des moines community are the works of art in the john and mary Pappajohn sculpture Park. olafur eliasson’s Panoramic awareness pavilion, 2013, recently installed in the park, is also one of their most significant (see cover). this glowing circle of colored glass panels beckons the viewer’s engagement. Like many of eliasson’s works, this sculpture uses the physical properties of our world, such as light, space, color, and time, to create an immersive experience. With major projects all over the world, the art center and the city of des moines are fortunate to add a work by this internationally-acclaimed danish-born artist to its growing collection of public art. it is the generosity of the Pappajohns that made this possible. jeff fLeming

free admission the art center is proud to continue to offer Free aDMIssIOn to art center galleries, programs, and events unless otherwise noted. Free admission is supported by Principal Financial Group and art center members. thank yOu

new exhibition

jesper just (born 1974, copenhagen) has won international acclaim for his visually beguiling videos. Preferring a cinematic lushness to a low-fi or documentary aesthetic, the artist creates choreographed and grand works of art that are informed, in part, by some of the great filmmakers of the 20th century. His productions make use of mesmerizing elements of grand landscape painting as well as a hypersensitive and acute portrayal of human emotions. exhibition curator carolina corbetta writes that love is a recurring theme in the artist’s production. but what we encounter in his work is first and foremost not a romantic and traditional love, but an enigmatic and emotional tension between the various characters, which the viewer interprets in light of her or his own experiences and emotions. This Is a Landscape of Desire—the U.s. premiere of just’s work—highlights the most significant pieces from the past 10 years of just’s career along with the eponymously titled, This Is a Landscape of Desire, 2013. the exhibition is organized by Heart— the Herning museum of contemporary art, denmark and will be accompanied by a fully illustrated exhibition catalog with contributions by carolina corbetta, and Heart assistant curator michael bank christoffersen. senior curator gilbert Vicario is organizing the des moines art center presentation.

yOGa + Gallery talk

saturday, march 22 8:30 am / Yoga (75 minutes)10 am / gallery talk (20 minutes)reservations required*Limit 50; participants should bring yoga mats

Yoga novices and enthusiasts alike are invited to practice yoga in the lobby of the art center with instructor james miller from 8:30 – 9:45 am. a gallery talk about the exhibition follows at 10 am.

jesPer jUstthIs Is a lanDscaPe OF DesIremarcH 7 – maY 25, 2014

anna K. mereditH gaLLerY / LoWer meier Video gaLLerY

relateD PrOGraMs

cOnversatIOn wIth the artIst tuesday, march 4 / 6:30 pm / Levitt auditoriumreservations required*

join the artist and art center senior curator gilbert Vicario for a conversation about the work in this exhibition.

exhIbItIOn OPenInG thursday, march 6 / 5 pm Live music, cash bar

Gallery talkthursday, march 13 / 6:30 pm

gilbert Vicario will share his insight about just’s work.

lecture contemporary art and technology, Is the Media the Message?Kathleen forde, artistic director at Large of borusan contemporary, istanbul, turkey and independent curatorthursday, april 17 / 6:30 pm / Levitt auditoriumreservations required*

the proliferation of video, new media, and time-based art by contemporary artists continues to grow at a rapid pace. Kathleen forde, an internationally-recognized curator, will discuss the evolution of this exciting genre, its history, and role in the current field of artistic practice, as we look toward the continued merging of digital technology and the museum.

artIst’s chOIce FIlM serIes doUbLe featUre on eacH date

the following films were chosen by the artist and will take place in may. for descriptions of the films, visit desmoinesartcenter.org.

*space is limited for these events. Please make your free reservations at desmoinesartcenter.org by clicking on the eVent reserVations bubble on the left side of the homepage or by phone at 515.271.0313 beginning monday, january 6. Please specify which event(s) you wish to attend (just, Yoga, and/or forde).

buster Keaton on the set of Film

film still from Bassae

film still from Fear of Fear

film graphic from Persona

thursDay, May 1 / 6:30 PM

bassae 1964 jean-daniel Pollet, director 9 minutes

Fear of Fear 1975ranier Werner fassbinder, director88 minutes

sunDay, May 4 / 1:30 PM

Film 1965 samuel beckett, director 20 minutes

Persona 1966ingmar bergman, director83 minutes

support for this exhibition is provided by grand View Universitythe andreasen fund for danish cultural studies

Sirens of Chrome, 2010. 12:38 minutes. red. single channel projected video installation. Photo credit: © jesper just 2010 This Nameless Spectacle, 2011. 13:00 minutes. 2 channel projected video installation. Photo credit: © jesper just 2011

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sInGle-channel 4: adel abidin / Symphony 1, 2012

janUarY 10 – febrUarY 23, 2014 / LoWer meier Video gaLLerY

in adel abidin’s Symphony I, 2012, abidin pays homage to iraqi teenagers stoned to death by religious extremists in baghdad. the figures in the video are immortalized as statues, icons, and even sacred figures with threads connecting each body by its mouth to the leg of a dove. the viewer is left to watch the stillness of death against the frantically flapping wings of the birds. abidin was born in baghdad in 1973 and currently lives and works in Helsinki, finland. He has exhibited in group and solo exhibitions at the Helsinki museum of contemporary art (Kiasma); the centre of contemporary art, salamanca; the 10th sharjah biennale; the 17th sydney biennale; and the 52nd and 54th Venice biennials.

aboVe adel abidin (iraqi, born 1973) Symphony I, 2012 one channel video/sound installation duration: 00’01’44 minutes (seamless loop) courtesy of the artist

relateD PrOGraMs

FIlM screenInG + tanDeM Gallery talk thursday, january 30* / Levitt auditorium

6 pm / FIlM Fold, Crumple, Crush: The Art of El Anatsui, 2011 susan Vogel, director / courtesy icarus films 53 minutes

Fold, Crumple, Crush is a powerful portrait of africa’s most famous contemporary artist, el anatsui. film director susan Vogel presents an insider’s view of his practice, and the ingenious steps and thousands of hours of labor that transform recycled bottle caps into huge, opulent wall hangings. anatsui himself explains how his artworks have become a new kind of painting and sculpture.

7 pm / Gallery talk senior curator gilbert Vicario with edward decarbo

senior curator gilbert Vicario will share his thoughts about the work of el anatsui in conversation with edward decarbo, adjunct associate professor at Pratt institute in new York city. decarbo has two degrees in international relations and two in anthropology and african studies. His field research is in West africa with a focus on aesthetics, the place and practice of the arts in everyday life.

*this date has changed. it was noted as january 16 in the october/november/december 2013 issue of the neWs.

Continuing exhibitions

weekenD DrOP-In tOursfree, 30-minute drop-in tours are offered every saturday at 1:30 pm and 2 pm, meeting in the lobby of the museum through february 8, 2014.

GRAVITY AND GRACE: Monumental Works by El Anatsui is organized by the akron art museum and made possible by a major grant from the john s. and james L. Knight foundation.

support for the des moines art center’s presentation of this exhibition is provided by Wells fargo, marty gross, faegre baker daniels, and the robert Lehman foundation. media support provided by mediacom.

For full descriptions of continuing exhibitions, visit desmoinesartcenter.org.

GravIty anD Grace: MOnuMental wOrks by el anatsuI

tHroUgH febrUarY 9, 2014 / anna K. mereditH gaLLerY

Don’t miss this magnificent exhibition on view throughout the museum!

a visitor inspects el anatsui’s Red Block, 2010 (detail),

in the i. m. Pei building during the exhibition preview party.

sInGle-channel 4: GravItas

richard t. walker let this be us 2012

tHroUgH janUarY 5, 2014 LoWer meier Video gaLLerY

wIlD kInGDOM Prints of britain tHroUgH janUarY 12, 2014 joHn bradY Print gaLLerY

support for this exhibition provided by the des moines art center Print club. pRint Club

uneartheD

PHotograPHed LandscaPes from tHe des moines art center’s Permanent coLLection

febrUarY 14 – jUne 1, 2014 bLanK one gaLLerY

the concept of landscape, whether depicted in straightforward documentation or manipulated and altered into unrecognizability, is something nearly every artist has considered throughout time. for some, their natural surroundings serve only as inspiration, while others eventually take landscape as their great subject. Unearthed presents a selection of works that demonstrate the many ways 20th- and 21st-century artists portray and redefine the notion of landscape, capturing rural vistas, urban jungles, and sometimes marking the earth with their own bodies. artists include Harry callahan, olafur eliasson, ana mendieta, and alec soth, among others.

relateD PrOGraM

Gallery talkthursday, march 20 / 6:30 pmblank one gallery

join assistant curator Laura burkhalter for a discussion of this exhibition.

new exhibitions

Working as an artistic duo, contemporary british artists and brothers jake and dinos chapman attack human depravity and cruelty with some of the most gory but witty art of our time. intentionally adopting a strategy of “tastelessness” in order to shock viewers with their outrage, they nevertheless manage to amuse. this exhibition presents the chapmans’ portfolio of 31 heliogravure etchings, “etchasketchathon,” 2005, recently acquired by the des moines art center. the chapmans’ macabre imagery frequently draws deeply on art history as well as modern popular culture. the artists blatantly steal and repurpose images from artists of the past to comment on such themes as nazi atrocities and on the making of art in the midst of horror. for “etchasketchathon,” they appropriated images from two children’s coloring books of happy animals and children painting to recreate some of the most terrifying images from francisco goya’s “Los desastros de la guerra” series of aquatint etchings (1812–20). in addition to the chapmans’ etchings, the exhibition includes four prints from the “desastros” series loaned by grinnell college, and two from the art center’s permanent collections. amy n. Worthen, curator of prints and drawings, organized the exhibition. the exhibition is supported with funds from the des moines art center Print club.

relateD PrOGraM

Gallery talksunday, february 2 / 2 pm john brady Print gallery

join amy n. Worthen for a discussion of this exhibition.

etchasketchathonjanUarY 17 – maY 5, 2014 joHn bradY Print gaLLerY

pRint Club

rigHt jake chapman (english, born 1966) dinos chapman (english, born 1962) Untitled, plate 24, from “etchasketchathon,” 2005 etching on paper sheet: 22 1/2 × 20 3/4 inches Plate: 9 1/4 × 9 3/4 inches des moines art center Permanent collections; Purchased with funds from the david Kruidenier, jr. estate, and elizabeth s. Kruidenier 2002 revocable trust by exchange and partial gift of charles booth-clibborn, 2013.30.24

olafur eliasson (danish, born 1967)Iceland Series, 2007c-print, 23 1/4 x 35 1/8 inchesdes moines art center Permanent collections; Purchased with funds from rose f. rosenfield and the Younker Purchase fund by exchange, 2008.36

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peRMAnent ColleCtions

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PhyllIDa barlOw since the 1960s, Phyllida barlow has produced a unique and dynamic body of work focused on the investigation into materiality, form, and process in the wake of the minimalist and post-minimalist art movement of the 60s and 70s. counter to the reductive, hard edged, and industrially-manufactured works of artists such as donald judd, sol LeWitt, frank stella, and dan flavin, barlow works in a material expansiveness that creates massive organic shapes and accumulations that directly relate to the urban environment. following the largest U.s. presentation of her work to date, Phyllida Barlow: Scree at the des moines art center, we were fortunate to acquire untitled: balcony, 2012, with

funds from the coffin fine arts trust; and untitled: sadmonumentblack, 2013, which was given as a gift by the artist at the close of the exhibition in honor of this institution’s dedication and hard work in realizing her one person show. these two works address barlow’s current interest in sculpture as it relates to both architecture and to traditional notions of the commemorative monument. balcony was inspired by traditional associations with power and ceremony that this architectural appendage invokes along with a purposeful shift in scale and functionality; while the humorous sadmonumentblack triggers associations with constantin brancusi’s Endless Column, while referencing the “historic monument,” which in this case ironically commemorates neither a powerful individual nor an important historic event.

On vIew

FreDerIck haMMersley mid-twentieth century american abstractionist frederick Hammersley first

gained critical attention in 1959 for his bold hard-edge paintings with their unmodulated geometric forms defined by sharply delineated edges. Working at the same time as artists of the minimalist movement, many of his compositions were based on the square and grid, yet he did not necessarily share minimalism’s more conceptual aims. born in Utah, Hammersley studied and taught in california before settling in albuquerque, new mexico. there, he began making prints at the tamarind lithography workshop. the art center is pleased to have received a recent gift of three color lithographs from the frederick Hammersley foundation: Square Off, 1977, and almost, 1973, are both color trial proofs; and Light Switch, 1988, is from an edition of 20. Hammersley’s work has been rediscovered in recent years, and he is now recognized as a master classicist of abstraction.

On vIew

FIschlI & weIss the art center recently purchased Forest, 2007, by fischli & Weiss using

funds from the coffin fine arts trust. these two swiss artists began working collaboratively in 1979; Weiss died in 2012. they worked in a variety of media, including sculpture, photography, video, and film, often with great humor. their subject matter ranged from the banality of everyday life to

recent accessIOns tO the cOllectIOn

frederick Hammersley (american, 1919 – 2009) light switch, 1988 color lithograph (color sequence: white, green, black) sheet: 16 × 12 inches / image: 9 × 9 inchesdes moines art center Permanent collections; gift of frederick Hammersley foundation, 2013.37

important events in world history. Forest, a sculpture of unfired clay, comes from their major series of works entitled “suddenly this overview.” begun in 1981 and enlarged again in 2006 and onward, this work depicts a forest floor with mushrooms, leaves, and an earthworm making its way through the debris. seemingly insignificant, mushrooms and elements from the forest are repeated subjects in their art, referencing their love of the mountains of their native switzerland. an installation of works from the “suddenly this overview” series was recently on view at the 2013 Venice biennale. in addition, they received the golden Lion prize at the 2003 biennale. tate modern, the solomon r. guggenheim museum, the Walker art center, the Kunsthaus Zurich, and the Hamburger bahnhof, among other museums worldwide, hold works in their collections. the guggenheim museum will present a major retrospective of fischli & Weiss artwork in 2016.

anDy warhOl the acquisitions committee and the board of trustees of the des moines art center recently accepted with gratitude a gift of andy Warhol’s Little Red Book portfolio of 20 Polaroid images featuring neke carson from the andy Warhol foundation for the Visual arts, inc. Warhol used Polaroid images throughout his career, both as studies for paintings and prints as well as singular works of art. Using a camera called “big shot,” Warhol created flat and artificially-lit images that helped to transform the way celebrity and identity were created in the postmodern world. the art center has extensive holdings of artwork by Warhol, but it did not own examples of his Polaroid images. this gift remedies this deficit in an extraordinary fashion.

JasPer JOhns anastasia Polydoran has given jasper johns’ Savarin 2 (Line and Wash), one of five black-and-white and color lithographs and additional monotypes of his iconic coffee can and brushes that the artist made in 1978 at Universal Limited art editions, his longtime printers and publishers. this group of prints revisits an important theme that first appeared in johns’ art in 1960 when he made Painted Bronze, a sculpture representing a savarin brand coffee can with paint brushes in turpentine. since then, johns has occasionally returned to explore the theme in his paintings and prints. the artist said that he was fascinated by the idea of a can made for one purpose serving another function. some writers have interpreted the image as standing for the working artist—johns himself. although johns undoubtedly enjoyed this play on words, the subtitle “Line and Wash” refers to the tusche lithograph technique he used, rather than to laundry. this is the tenth work by the artist to enter the permanent collections. among these is Paint Brushes, 1967– 69, johns’ first etching on the savarin can theme.

jasper johns (american, born 1930) Savarin 2 (Line and Wash), 1978 Lithograph on paper printed from two aluminum plates sheet: 25 7/8 × 19 7/8 inches image: 18 5/8 × 13 inchesdes moines art center; Paul and anastasia Polydoran collection, 2013.41

Peter fischli (swiss, born 1952) david Weiss (swiss, 1946 – 2012) Forest, from the series “suddenly this overview,” 2007 reinforced clay (unfired) overall: 7 1/2 × 14 × 8 1/2 inches Purchased with funds from the coffin fine arts trust; nathan emory coffin collection of the des moines art center, 2013.39

Left Phyllida barlow (british, born 1944)untitled: sadmonumentblack, 2013Polystyrene, paper, polyurethane foam, cement, scrim, paint, PVa, steel armatureoverall: 275 9/16 × 35 × 35 inchesdes moines art center Permanent collections; gift of the artist and Hauser & Wirth, 2013.38.a-.c

26Print club ProgramPaul shao on chinese Woodblock Prints Page 14

27 28 29 30Film + tandem Gallery talkFold, Crumple, Crush: The Art of El Anatsuigilbert Vicario with edward decarbo Page 5

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19Film (snow date)Sign Painters MoviePage 12

20 21art noir annual MeetingPage 14

22 23 24 25radio art center 99.1 fm weekend Drop-in tours Gravity and GracePage 5 curator’s choice Page 14

13 14 15 16 17 18weekend Drop-in tours Gravity and GracePage 5

5exhibition closes Single Channel 4: Richard T. Walker, let this be us Page 5

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8baby & Me Gallery talkPage 11

10exhibition opens Single Channel 4: Adel Abidin: Symphony 1 Page 4

1new year’s Daymuseum and offices closed

2 3 4 weekend Drop-in tours Gravity and GracePage 5

sun MOn tues weD thurs FrI sat sun MOn tues weD thurs FrI sat sun MOn tues weD thurs FrI sat

1weekend Drop-in tours Gravity and GracePage 5

2Gallery talkamy n. Worthen Page 4

3 4 5 6Film oscar® shorts documentary Program Page 12

art noirrendezvousPage 14

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10 11 12baby & Me Gallery talkPage 11

13Filmoscar® shorts animation Program Page 12

16Print club studio sessionPage 14

Filmoscar® shorts animation Program (repeat) Page 12

17 18 19 20Filmoscar® shorts Live-action Program Page 12

21 22radio art center 99.1 fm

Member Orientation Page 14

23Filmoscar® shorts Live-action Program (repeat) Page 12 exhibition closesadel abidin Symphony 1 Page 4

24 25 26 27Film(snow date) oscar® shorts Page 12

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3 4 conversation with the artistgilbert Vicario with jesper just Page 2

5 6exhibition Preview PartyJesper Just: This Is a Landscape of DesirePage 2

$ (free members)

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exhibition opensJesper Just: This Is a Landscape of Desire Page 2

art noir hue $ Page 14

10 11 13 Gallery talk gilbert VicarioPage 2

30FilmScatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s Page 13

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janUarY febrUarY

Free admission

unless noted $

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FilmSign Painters Movie Page 12

exhibition opensEtcha- sketchathon Page 4

Impact of art Page 10

14exhibition opensUnearthed Page 5

15 14black Maria Film FestivalPage 12

23FilmThe September Issue Page 13 Mindful Museum Page 11

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2Print club tripPage 14 Film(snow date) oscar® shorts Page 12

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12exhibition closesWild Kingdom: Prints of Britain Page 5

Members’ book clubPage 14

11radio art center 99.1 fm

weekend Drop-in tours Gravity and GracePage 5

8radio art center 99.1 fm

weekend Drop-in tours Gravity and GracePage 5

8radio art center 99.1 fm

9 Members’ book club Page 14

exhibition closesGravity and Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui Page 2

Film oscar® shorts documentary Program (repeat) Page 12

9Members’ book clubPage 14

FilmBill Cunningham New York Page 13

15black Maria Film FestivalPage 12

Make It a nIGht tO reMeMber.

reserve the art center nOw FOr that very sPecIal event. the art center is the perfect venue for wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, anniversary parties, any occasion you want to be memorable.

reserve yOur Date tODay! contact debra Kurtz, director of events at 515.271.0336 or dkurtz@desmoinesartcenter.org.

baru at the art center

OPen

Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday / Saturday / Sunday full menu / 11 am (noon sunday) – 2 pm gourmet Plates / 11 am (noon sunday) served until 3 pm

Thursday full menu and gourmet Plates / 11 am – 7 pm First Thursdaysfull menu until 2 pm only gourmet Plates until 5 pm special Prix fixe dinner menu / 5 – 7 pm

515.271.0332

FInD GIFts FOr every OccasIOn In the MuseuM shOP(don’t forget YoUr VaLentine!) new arrIvals DaIly

open during normal museum hoursand open until 4:30 pm tuesdays and fridays.

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16FilmDiana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel Page 13

17 18 19 20Gallery talk Laura burkhalterPage 5

21 22 Just yoga + Gallery talk Page 2

radio art center 99.1 fm

12baby & Me Gallery talkPage 11

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Get the InsIDe scOOP On what’s GOInG On at the art center! Hosted by director of marketing and Public relations christine doolittle, radio art center airs on Kfmg 99.1 fm or kfmg991.org every other saturday at 11 am. Log onto the art center’s website for the program schedule or listen to past programs online at desmoinesartcenter.org.

raDIO art

center

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save the Date thursDay, May 8 / 6:30 PM

Fingerman lecture 2014: sIMOn schaMaword and Image in the Jewish tradition: a Marriage Made in heaven?

free / reservations required* / Levitt auditorium

simon schama is university professor of art history and history at columbia University in new York. His award-winning books include The American Future: A History; Rough Crossings; The Power of Art; The Embarrassment of Riches: An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age; Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution; Dead Certainties (Unwarranted Speculations); Landscape and Memory; Rembrandt’s Eyes; and the History of Britain trilogy. He has written and presented 40 television documentary films for the bbc, Pbs, and the History channel—including the emmy award-winning Power of Art—on subjects that range from john donne to tolstoy. this lecture is the 25th in the series made possible through generous gifts by Louis and Lois fingerman.

*space is limited. Please make your free reservations at desmoinesartcenter.org by clicking on the eVent reserVations bubble on the homepage or by phone at 515.271.0313 beginning tuesday, april 1. Please specify the event you wish to attend (schama).

10 art center news jan feb mar 2014 desmoinesartcenter.org 11

stuDio eDuCAtion MuseuM eDuCAtion

IMPact OF art xxIvthursday, january 23 / 6:30 – 8 pm Levitt auditorium

this event celebrates the accomplishments of the visual arts students and art center scholarship recipients from all 14 West des moines community schools. Parents, students, and friends are invited to an exhibition of student artwork in the adrienne and charles Herbert galleries. guests can see a student-designed PowerPoint presentation in Levitt auditorium, hear music performed by Valley High school students, and enjoy refreshments. the exhibition is open to the public from 8 am – 5 pm, monday – friday, january 2 – 25.

chIlDren & FaMIlIes OF IOwa (cFI)the youth from cfi have been exploring their world, their future, and their selves through the process of making art focused on journaling, self-expression, and discovery. students were asked what it meant to “wire the world” using poetry, short story or visual representation, which they did by identifying a positive source of energy and creating an illustrated self-portrait of their world. the students from cfi visit the art center weekly as part of their curriculum through the des moines Public schools.

achIevInG MaxIMuM POtentIal (aMP)

reGGIe’s sleeP Outafter spending the last several months working on their entry for the boxed-in design contest at reggie’s sleep out with art center outreach staff, the youth from amP and local artist rachel buse brought home “best in show” for their cardboard car fueled by memories. the youth were instantly faced with the challenge of redesigning their car due to the gusty wind and damp field. this provided them the opportunity to think twice about the elements, one of the many difficulties homeless youth are confronted with daily. they were also forced to be resourceful, inventive, and accepting of change. spending the evening working with the teens and young adults is not only remindful of the challenges youth in the system face as they reach adulthood, but shows the positive impact the community can have when it comes together to raise awareness for such a powerful and oftentimes overlooked cause.

the youth from aMP and local artist rachel buse brought home “best In show” for their cardboard car fueled by memories (below). this outreach project offered the youth the opportunity to consider the difficulties that homeless youth are confronted with daily. (right)

outReACh highlights MuseuM eDuCAtion news

art center Partners wIth Des MOInes PublIc schOOls GIFteD anD talenteD PrOGraMstudents from the des moines Public schools gifted and talented Program attended a two-day ofrenda workshop (an ofrenda is a traditional mexican altar used to honor deceased loved ones as part of the day of the dead celebrations). after choosing an important person to pay tribute to, the students studied the museum’s collection to learn how artists convey feeling and emotion. in the studio they created individual ofrendas, which incorporated personal photos, mementos, and found objects, in hopes of attracting and welcoming the spirit of a loved one, as is customary in mexico.

baby & Me Gallery talksjanuary 8 / february 12 / march 12 11 am – nooneach session is uniquedrop-in / meet in the lobby stroller accessible entrance located on the south side of the parking lot by the doors marked education. new parents are encouraged to bring their infants (pre-walkers) to an informal gallery talk led by director of education jill featherstone. While conversation is geared for adults, babies are captivated by the visual stimulation of the artwork. (note: strollers and front-carrying baby carriers are permitted.)

sPrInG reGIstratIOn Is OPen

enjoy the experience of making art first hand at the Des Moines art center. we have more than 100 classes available for all ages with a variety of classes beginning January through april. check out the new and exciting classes! the complete class listing is available at desmoinesartcenter.org/education.

ofrenda reflects a remembrance of a student’s grandmother.

MInDFul MuseuM: thOuGhtFul cOnversatIOns abOut art, IDeas, anD Issuessunday, march 23 / 1:30 – 3:30 pmtopic will be announcedProgram begins in the lobby

these gallery talks are developed with an art-initiated audience in mind. the aim is to participate in explorative conversations with people who are invested in cultivating a dynamic and evolving relationship with the permanent collections, enjoy delving more deeply into special exhibitions, and discussing issues presented by the art of our time.

simon schama at satanov, Ukraine, from his documentary series The Story of the Jews on the lost world of the shtetl, jewish towns and villages in eastern europe that were part of a unique culture. Photo: bbc/oxford film and television/tim Kirby

cfi students focused on journaling, self-expression, and discovery.

students painted square ceiling tiles depicting the months of the year.

aFter-schOOl artIst: brODy MIDDle schOOlinspired by the colors found in the des moines art center’s permanent collection, students in the after-school artist program from brody middle school painted ceiling tiles for the offices at des moines orthopedic surgeons. each student chose a month from the calendar year as their subject matter, and then explored works of art throughout the museum in order to find a color which reminded them of that particular time of year. after four weeks of planning and painting, their combined efforts resulted in a kaleidoscopic landscape for visitors to enjoy.

thanks to Margie brennan, the art center has been able to offer this program for the past 15 years and is expanding it to reach middle schools in the community.

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sIGn PaInters MOvIe 2013faythe Levine and sam macon, directors80 minutes / not ratedthursDay, January 16 7 PM (snow date sunday, january 19 2 pm)Levitt auditorium

there was a time, as recently as the 1980s, when storefronts, murals, banners, barn signs, billboards, and even street signs were all hand-lettered with brush and paint. but, like many skilled trades, the sign industry has been overrun by the techno-fueled promise of quicker and cheaper. the resulting proliferation of computer-designed, die-cut vinyl lettering and inkjet printers has ushered a creeping sameness into our landscape. fortunately, there is a growing trend to seek out traditional sign painters and a renaissance in the trade.

this film is presented in partnership with aiga iowa, the professional association for design, and adai, art directors association of iowa.

Levitt auditorium reservations required*

oscar® nominations are announced january 16, 2014, so line-ups won’t be known until then, but mark your calendars now to see the best of 2013’s short films. Visit desmoinesartcenter after january 16 for details about the award-nominated films.

thursDay, February 6 6:30 PMDOcuMentary PrOGraM

sunDay, February 9 1:30 PMDOcuMentary PrOGraM (repeat of 2/6/14 films)

thursDay, February 13 6:30 PManIMatIOn PrOGraM

sunDay, February 16 1:30 PManIMatIOn PrOGraM (repeat of 2/13/14 films)

thursDay, February 20 6:30 PMlIve-actIOn PrOGraM

sunDay, February 23 1:30 PMlIve-actIOn PrOGraM (repeat of 2/20/14 films)

(snow dates for any of the above programs) thursday, february 27 / 6:30 pm and sunday, march 2 / 1:30 pm academy awards® are hosted by ellen degeneres on sunday, march 2, 2014 / 7:30 pm.

*space is limited. Please make your free reservations at desmoinesartcenter.org by clicking on the eVent reserVations bubble on the homepage or by phone at 515.271.0313 beginning monday, january 6. Please specify which event(s) you wish to attend.

black MarIa FIlM + vIDeO FestIval Independent Films for Independent Minds

FrIDay, March 14 6:30 PM saturDay, March 15 1:30 PM (nOt a rePeat OF March 14 PrOGraM) Levitt auditorium all films were selected with an adult audience in mind.

the art center continues to bring cutting-edge, independent films to the region by hosting the black maria international film and Video festival. the annual festival draws hundreds of entries from around the world in the categories of documentary, experimental, animation, and narrative works. fifty award-winning films are named and included in the festival’s annual tour. traveling to more than 60 host institutions across the country and abroad, each program is tailor-selected for each venue.

In anticipation of art Meets FashIOn

in september 2014, the art center will present a

film each sunday in March in conjunction with this week-long celebration

of art and fashion.

(see back cover for more information.)

Films at 1:30 pm levitt auditorium

sunDay, March 9 bIll cunnInGhaM new yOrk 2010 richard Press, director 84 minutes / not rated

riding around new York city on his bicycle, 80-year-old photojournalist bill cunningham, who does not consider himself a photographer, has been a columnist for The New York Times for more than 30 years, his photographic columns covering the new York social scene at night and fashion trends on the streets by day. His greatest interests in fashion are spotting fashion trends before they are officially categorized as such, as well as documenting the interesting and unconventional subject. He will do whatever it takes to get the shot he wants. cunningham also has little interest in the celebrity of his subjects (if they are indeed celebrities), as he wants to document the creative side of people and what they can do regardless of money or access to wardrobe consultants. cunningham has been linked to garbo in that he is intensely private, with an aversion to any kind of recognition. the film also features anna Wintour and michael Kors.

“we all get dressed for bill.” anna WintoUr / VOGUE editor-in-cHief

sunDay, March 16 DIana vreelanD: the eye has tO travel 2012 Lisa immordino Vreeland, director 92 minutes / rated Pg-13

Paris-born diana Vreeland didn’t begin her career until her mid-30s when she began working at Harper’s Bazaar, hitting her stride in the 1960s as editor of Vogue, filling its pages with fantastical photographs and fashion’s up-and-comers. after she put her indelible stamp on that magazine and was subsequently fired at age 70, she went to work transforming the metropolitan museum of art’s costume institute from an under-the-radar exhibit space to a venue fit for the annual met ball, a magnet for everyone who’s anyone in fashion. the film, written and directed by Vreeland’s granddaughter-in-law, features numerous high-profile interview subjects, including angelica Huston and photographer richard avedon.

sunDay, March 23 the sePteMber Issue 2009 r.j. cutler, director90 minutes / rated Pg-13

the september 2007 issue of Vogue was and remains the biggest ever, weighing over four pounds, selling thirteen million copies, and impacting the $300-billion global fashion industry more than any other single publication. in this documentary, director r.j. cutler takes us behind the scenes at fashion Week, to europe, on shoots and re-shoots, and into closed-door staff meetings, bearing witness to an arduous, entertaining, and sometimes emotionally demanding process. at the eye of this annual fashion hurricane is the two-decade relationship

sunDay, March 30scatter My ashes at berGDOrF’s 2013matthew miele, director93 minutes / rated Pg-13 it’s the most mythic of all american emporiums — and the scene of many an ultimate fashion fantasy. in this documentary on the manhattan department store, audiences get a rarified chance to peek behind the backroom doors and into the reality of the fascinating inner workings and fabulous untold stories from bergdorf goodman’s iconic history. With interviews from an array of fashion designers, style icons, and celebrities, the film features rachel Zoe, candace bergen, and ashley olsen, among others.

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Photojournalist bill cunningham in the streets of new York in a film still from Bill Cunningham New York

diana Vreeland with marisa berenson from Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

Vogue editor-in-chief anna Wintour in a film still from The September Issue.

exterior view of bergdorf goodman in new York city from Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s. © 2013 / entertainment one films Us

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august 2013: colossal media’s sky High crew at work on the corner of metropolitan & driggs in brooklyn, new York.

Sign Painters, the first anecdotal history of the craft, features the stories of more than two dozen sign painters working in cities throughout the united states.signpaintermovie.com

FIlM serIes

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Make it dinner (or lunch) and a movie!

Baru at the Art Center is open:

ThurSdAyS unTil 7 pm: Full menu

FirST ThurSdAyS 5–7 pm: prix Fixe menu Only

SundAyS nOOn – 3 pm: Full menu

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between iconic editor-in-chief anna Wintour and grace coddington, incomparable creative director and fashion genius. Perfectly matched for the age-old conflict between creator and curator, we see close-up the delicate creative chemistry it takes to remain at the top of the ever-changing fashion field. the film features anna Wintour, Hamish bowles, and sarah brown.

fall 2014

MeMber events & PrOGraMs

art noir is a dynamic member group for adults, primarily ages 21 to 40, engaged in planning exciting art center social, educational, and special events.

tuesDay, January 21

art nOIr annual MeetInG5:30 pm / art center Lobby enjoy complimentary light bites, networking with other members, and offer suggestions for future programs at the art noir annual meeting. also participate in a tour of the art center’s recent acquisitions, led by director jeff fleming.

thursDay, February 6

renDezvOus chocolate, champagne and Chocolat, 2000 Lasse Hallström, director 6 pm / art center lobby 7 pm / film in Levitt auditoriumreservations required

FrIDay, March 7

hue: a colorful evening of art and cocktails 6 pm / art center lobby $15 admission ($10 members)

In MeMOry PeGGy PatrIck (1923 – 2013) the art center mourns the the passing of our longtime friend Peggy Patrick. Peggy moved to des moines in 1948, just three months after the opening of the des moines art center. sensing that this was where she belonged, she immediately began volunteering, and beginning in 1950, worked in the education department teaching art classes for children and adults. she introduced generations of children to art. Her puppetry class was legendary. in 1965, she was named assistant director of education. in 1971, director jim demetrion appointed her to the position of assistant director, a role in which she served until 1985. throughout her career, Peggy was involved behind the scenes organizing exhibitions and caring for the permanent collections; she wrote and designed art center exhibition catalogues and bulletins, and other publications; she helped create the junior art museum exhibits; she taught the docents and did public relations. thanks to her work on the art center’s landmark Giorgio Morandi retrospective exhibition (premiering in des moines, traveling to san francisco, and new York in 1981–82), the italian government invited her to spend three months as a visiting museum professional at milan’s Pinocateca di brera museum. beloved by des moines arts supporters and the statewide arts community, and perceived as the public face of the art center, she coordinated members council, art in the Park, exhibition openings, trips, the annual Holiday open House, concerts, and development events including galas and arts and ends. many of the young people she introduced to art grew up to be artists, architects, appreciators, and supporters of the arts. a friend and mentor for many of iowa’s artists and community activists, she maintained a wide range of friendships in the art world. an architect by training, Peggy oversaw the construction of the new richard meier-designed wing of the art center, which opened in 1985. she served as interim director in 1985–86, and retired in may 1986. Peggy Patrick was the first former staff member named an Honorary trustee of the edmundson art foundation. Peggy was a constant resource for art center history, recounting stories of artists and art, and always there to support the staff and volunteers. the art center is grateful to have her as part of our legacy and all of us will miss her immensely.

FRienDs oF the ARt CenteR

desmoinesartcenter.org 15

pRint Club

saturDay, February 22

MeMber OrIentatIOn: MaterIals & MeanInG 11 am / meet in art center Lobby Learn more about the materials and meaning behind pieces in the des moines art center permanent collection. arrive early to view the exhibitions and enjoy complimentary coffee. free to members, reservation required.

MeMbers’ bOOk club2 – 3:30 pm / art center conference room

sunDay, January 12the $12 Million stuffed shark don thompson, 2008

sunDay, February 9 Des Moines art center collects 2013

sunDay, March 9My love affair with Modern art Katharine Kuh, 2006

Print club encourages the study and appreciation of fine prints and supports the print activities and collections of the Des Moines art center.

sunDay, January 26

Paul shaO talk On chInese wOODblOck PrInts 1 – 3 pm / Levitt auditorium

sunDay, February 16

stuDIO sessIOn1 – 3 pm / studio 5

sunDay, March 2

PrInt club trIP tO aMes

Art Noir saturDay, January 25

curatOr’s chOIce 11 am / art center Lobby join us for a new series of tours focused on favorite pieces from the des moines art center’s permanent collection chosen by the curators themselves! the first tour will feature selections from amy n. Worthen, curator of prints and drawings.

hOnOrary & MeMOrIal GIFts

these gifts were received between september 1 and november 30, 2013.

In memory of Pat coadyLewis and Helen dickersongael and jane ebertscott and teresa graugrace mericalLinda and Wendell muilenburgrobert and Wilma scieszinski

In honor of Mary holtze’s 60th birthdayjames and allison fleming

In memory of robert lubetkinKent brakenjames and barbara demetrionstephen dyerjoseph sears school faculty fund

In memory of Peggy Patrickbehrendt familysarah boernerrobert and gloria burnettjames and margaret clarkjames and barbara demetrionPatricia donhoweKaren and arnold engmanLois and Louis fingermangibson, dunn & crutcher LLPmr. and mrs. douglas H. Heindr. and mrs. john m. Hicksflorence g. Hoffmannellen and jim Hubbelldr. William m. jagiellodavid and gerrianne jordantracy Levinejeanne and richard Levittjoan mannheimermr. and mrs. raymond a. micheljohn and mary Pappajohntravis Parkerdean and diann Peytonanastasia Polydorantimothy and toni Urbanmary Williamsdennis and diane Young

In honor of John and Mary Pappajohn’s philanthropy awardtimothy and toni Urban

In honor of tom stephenson’s 80th birthdayjoan mannheimer

In memory of Patricia van cleavesharyl and edgar smith

In memory of Janice zuckertellen and jim HubbellPat mcfarland and jim carneymr. and mrs. raymond a. michelanastasia Polydoransharon simmonstimothy and toni Urban Willa Wenzl

14 art center news jan feb mar 2014

worthen will discuss some of her favorite pieces in the collection including: aboVemax ernst (french, born germany, 1891 – 1976)une semaine de bonté, où les sept éléments capitaux. roman (a week of kindness, or the seven Deadly elements. a novel.) Paris, Jeanne bucher 1934

art noir members have the opportunity to particapate in activities like this silk screen workshop with Iowa artists tim Dooley and aaron wilson.

More information on art center membership,

events, and affiliate groups can be found at desmoinesartcenter.org.

In MeMOry lOIs brIGht (1911–2013)

Lois bright, a long-standing supporter of the art center, passed away recently in her home at the age of 102. Lois and her husband dale established the bright foundation in 1957 to support efforts in the des moines community to enhance the lives of young people. for many years, the bright foundation provided funds to the art center in support of its outreach programs for at-risk youth. multiple programs, from activities with children and families of iowa to Yess to mentor iowa, have benefited from the bright’s generosity. Lois would often visit the studios to see firsthand the success of the foundation’s efforts, and the young people would eagerly anticipate her visits. the staff and board, along with the hundreds of individuals she and the foundation touched over the years mourn her passing and acknowledge her love and interest in their lives.

the late Lois bright, with one of the many things her foundation generously supports, the art center van, which is used to transport students.

thank yOu

Wearing one of her many art center hats, Peggy Patrick, an architect by training, oversaw the construction of the richard meier wing of the art center, which opened in 1985.Photo: THE DES MOINES REGISTER

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Des MOInes art center General InFOrMatIOn

Free admission

Museum hourstuesday, Wednesday, friday 11 am – 4 pm thursday 11 am – 9 pm saturday 10 am – 4 pmsunday noon – 4 pm closed monday

Museum shop open during normal museum hoursand open until 4:30 pm tuesdays and fridays.members receive discounts every day.

classesstudio art classes and workshops are available for students of all ages. members receive a 20% discount on classes and workshops. join today!

More information atdesmoinesartcenter.org

coVer

The neWeST AddiTiOn TO The pAppAjOhn SCulpTure pArk

olafur eliasson (danish, born 1967)Panoramic awareness pavilion, 2013glass, metal, lightoverall: 9 × 31 feetProposed gfit fo john and mary Pappajohn to the des moines art center Photo: rich sanders

Inspired by the fabulous fall 2014 exhibition of Des Moines-born fashion designer halston and Pop artist andy warhol, halstOn & warhOl: sIlver & sueDe, the art center is setting the stage for art Meets FashIOn — an art and fashion extravaganza benefiting the art center’s Free admission, education, and Outreach Programs.

watch for these art Meets FashIOn events!

haute cOuture auctIOncontributions of des moines-area haute couture will be auctioned at chicago’s Leslie Hindman auction house.

FashIOn-theMeD art DIsPlay wInDOws des moines’ east Village will showcase fashion-themedart window displays designed by local artists. Windows can be viewed leading up to and following the week of events, and during a fashion’s night out window crawl through the village.

Paws FOr PaParazzI: a Pet FashIOn shOwa “pets and their people” parade.

POP-uP bOutIQue, luncheOn, anD exhIbItIOn PrevIew Partya week packed with something for every art lover and fashionista. black-tIe Galathis is the party not to be missed — held at the World food PrizeHall of Laureates.

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september

2014

andy Warhol (american, 1928–1987)Shoes, 1980screen print with diamond dust on d’arches Watercolor (cold Press) paperframe: 42 3/4 × 62 1/2 × 1 1/2 inches / sheet: 40 3/8 × 59 5/8 inchesdes moines art center Permanent collections; gift of roy Halston frowick, 1986.50