spring 2017 - the newark museum of art

newarkmuseum.org

THE ARTS

OF ASIA:

JAPAN

...Page 2

SPRING 2017 Also in this issue...

WHEN OBJECTS BECOME ART .................08

DOCENT'S CHOICE.......09

CHROMATIC

EXHIBIT............................11

VOLUNTEER

SPOTLIGHT

...Page 5

Prudence Bradley,NMVO President

Like a butterfly unfurling from its cocoon, the Newark Museum is primed to

re-emerge as a better version of itself. Construction to reopen the Washington Street entrance has begun. Wonderful new programs are scheduled and the registration for the summer camp program is well underway. There are so many reasons to be thrilled about all the good things to come.

Plus, there's Plum Benefits™, a new volunteer perk that offers exclusive discounts of up to 50% off tickets and up to 60% off hotels, with access to preferred seating and special offers for top shows, attractions, theme parks, sporting events, movie tickets, and much more. These unique benefits are now offered to you, just for being an active Museum volunteer.

It’s almost Volunteer Recognition time. Please join us on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, 3-5 pm. Come celebrate the NMVO’s achievements, fete the outstanding volunteers of 2016-2017, recognize retiring volunteers and welcome new members. We recently e-mailed you an important survey especially designed to help the NMVO improve your volunteer experience. Your input is critical, so please fill it out and e-mail it to nmvo@

newarkmuseum.org Please let us know if you didn't receive it.

2017 SPRING & SUMMER EVENTS: Second Sundays, May 14 and June 11: Family activities include performances,

artist-led tours, art/maker demos, workshops, lectures and music.

Late Thursdays, 5 PM, May 18 and June 15: These relaxed,

creatively inspired social evenings offer a fresh take on our captivating collections,

with a dynamic mix of music, food, drinks, art, and entertainment.

June 4: Fire MusterWednesdays thru June 7: Lifelong Arts;

Collage Making with Mansa MussaThursdays, July 6 to August 3:

Jazz in the Garden For more info: go to

http://www.newarkmuseum.org

Please volunteer at or attend as many events as you can. You have an open invitation!

—Prudence

MUSICAL ARTS

OF ASIA

...Page 3

2 | VOLUNTEER VISTAS Spring 2017

NEWARK MUSEUM STAFF

Steven KernDirector & Chief Executive Officer

Deborah KasindorfDeputy Director of Institutional Advancement

Shunzyu HaiglerDirector of Membership Services

Leland ByrdMembership Associate

VOLUNTEER OFFICERS

Prudence BradleyPresident

Gwynne McConkeySecretary

Arlene GerencserTreasurer

Brenda JacksonPast President

Hugh Michael Brown Volunteer Vistas Editor

DEADLINE FOR

SUBMISSIONS TO

THE AUTUMN 2017

VOLUNTEER VISTAS

IS FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO:

Hugh Michael Brown,

Volunteer Vistas Editor, at:

[email protected]

The Museum continually displays its Japanese collection in four permanent galleries. It began as over 2,000 objects, purchased at the Museum’s inception in 1909. Now, numbering around 7,000 objects,

the collection includes lacquer, netsuke, ukiyo-e prints, textiles, ceramics, decorative arts, paintings and sculptures—dating from the Heian to Heisei Periods (794 to present day)—with especial concentration on art from the Edo, Meiji and Showa Periods (1615-1989). It is distinguished as one of the major collections of Japanese art in the eastern United States.

Above Left: Incense Box with Rooster and Chrysanthemums, ca. 1893, Japan, Shoami Katsuyoshi, Silver, Gold, 2.5 x DIAM: 2.25 in., Gift of Alice Roff Estey, 1920 20.599A,B Above Right: Sake Container, 19th Century, Japan, Silver, 6.75 x DIAM: 3.75 in., Gift of Herman A. E. Jaehne and Paul C. Jaehne, 1941 41.1380 Below:

Dragon and Crystal Ball, late 19th century. Japan, Koreyoshi Ishiguro, Silver and rock crystal, Bequest of Joseph S. Isidor, 1941 41.236A,B

NMVO MISSION

The primary purpose of the Newark

Museum Volunteer Organization is

to serve, to support and to interpret

the Newark Museum and its goals

through volunteer participation.

In the words of founding director

John Cotton Dana, “A good mu-

seum attracts, entertains, arouses

curiosity, leads to questioning—

and thus promotes learning.”

THE ARTS OF ASIA: JAPAN

Four permanent galleries, North Wing, 3rd Floor

newarkmuseum.org | 3

Album Folio of Women Playing Qin China,

Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)Ink, gold, colors, silk

Gift of Henry H. Wehrhane, 1928 28.1649

MUSICAL ARTS OF ASIA March 8, 2017 to February 25, 2018 Asian Galleries, North Wing, 3rd Floor

Music evokes, enhances and

stirs diverse mental and

emotional states. Thus, it has

become an intrinsic part of every human

interaction—whether building political

power through warfare (battle drums);

accompanying honored rituals (regal or

wedding marches); or celebrating the

physical pleasure of carnal pursuits.

No wonder an extraordinary range of music resonates throughout Asia. Many varieties of string, wind and percussion instruments and unusual ways of expressing the human voice (like throat singing) remain mostly unknown in the West, even though they have serenaded audiences across Asia for more than 12,000 years. This exhibition features actual musical instruments, as well as images of singers, dancers, puppeteers, drummers, strummers, ringers of bells, blowers of horns and other musical modes. All of them represent music made during both the sacred and secular traditions of East, South and Southeast Asia.

◄Gisan, Kim Jun’geun (active ca. 1880s–90s)Two Buddhist Monks Playing Cymbals and DrumKorea, late 19th centuryColors on paperPurchase, 1918 18.50

Yashima Gakutei,► ca. 1786–1868

Woman Representing Benzaiten, Goddess of Wisdom from the series

Allusions to the Seven Lucky Gods (Mitate shichifukujin)

Japan, ca. 1820 Edo Period (1603–1868)Surimono; color

woodblock print Purchase 1909 George T. Rockwell

Collection 9.1895

MUSEUM STAFF PROFILES


Patricia Faison,

Marketing Associate & Newark Black

Film Festival Coordinator

Patricia Faison, Marketing Associate and Newark Black Film Festival (NBFF) Coordinator, joined the Museum in

1971—which means she holds the staff record for longevity. In the early years, she worked in the Programs & Publications Department, creating lectures, films, and other public events for adults and children.

These days, she stays busy working on the Museum’s bi-monthly programs publication, while also assisting on numerous marketing projects and community outreach efforts—all designed to raise the Museum’s visibility in Newark and beyond.

Pat plays a major role in planning the hugely popular NBFF, which opens this summer. Now in its 43rd year, it is the longest running film festival of its kind in the country. Along with the NBFF Committee, she selects speakers and films, and has critically viewed 30 to 40 films each year. Says Pat, “My film work has allowed me to rub elbows with some pretty famous folks. And seeing the constantly changing exhibits and having met so many different types of people at the Museum, has taught me so much about the world of art. Having been part of the Museum family for so long has been truly rewarding.”

Michele Saliola,

Director of Individual Giving

Michele Saliola, who became the Museum’s Director of Individual Giving in July 2016, majored in studio art and art education at

New York University and holds a Masters in Art History from New York’s Institute of Fine Arts.

Previously, she worked at an artist foundation for Donald Judd, a minimalist sculpture designer. There, she started as an administrator and grant writer, and over 11 years, became a right hand to the director and board presidents. Her duties involved everything from archives assessments and documentary film projects, to building a docent and volunteer program from scratch, to project managing the $23M renovation that turned Judd’s home and studio into a public museum.

Says Michele, “As Director of Individual Giving, I support our great members of Founder’s Society—a unique program that interweaves philanthropy, connoisseurship and community. I am happy to put manpower behind our critical Annual Fundraiser, the Luncheon; to request support for core programs throughout the year; and to raise awareness about planned giving: how people can make a gift laterto a museum they enjoy today.”

Michele concludes, “Fundraising isn’t about convincing people to give money. At best, it’s about reminding people how this Museum enriches their lives. If we can do that, we will raise the money needed and people will feel great doing it.”

volunteer spotlight


Barbara Kaplan grew up in Republic,

Ohio, a rural village in the

northwestern corner of the state.

She graduated from New Jersey’s Ramapo

College, with a BA in Human Environment.

As a young child, Barbara never forgot

the experience of being entranced by the

intensity of an El Greco painting. So, upon

retiring from Prudential in 2006, she chose

to volunteer in the Newark Museum’s

library.

Says Barbara, “I find working in the midst of both books and art very appealing! The library holds more than 50,000 volumes. It includes rare books; a special Tibetan collection; and the Dana collection: comprised of books authored by curators, reference materials and folio editions of art books. Its archives is a repository of the Museum’s historical records, dating from 1909 to the present.”

Barbara continues, “I enjoy working on a variety of projects, such as using my computer skills to update archived documents and catalogue art books, distributing magazines, shelving books, and most recently archiving NMVO documents. For me, seeing all the volunteers, staff, scholars, authors and teachers seek information here and to help on special projects with Librarian Dr. Peniston’s guidance, makes for a lively atmosphere. So I have happily stayed “on the job” throughout

the years.”

Anita Walls resides in Maplewood,

NJ, today. However, she was born in

Newark, NJ, where her grandfather

and his three sons ran a Barber and Beauty

Supply store for over 50 years. After retiring

from a fulfilling career as a preschool teacher four years ago, Anita knew that

accomplishing something positive and

creative everyday would be important. Her

initial volunteer assignment: assisting Carol

Blunda in the Special Events department, fit the bill. Says Anita, “Carol is a true Museum

treasure. No matter what project we tackle,

she makes me feel appreciated and useful.

The one or two days I work with her are a

blessing."

Anita continues, “I enjoy cooking, so helping the Tea Committee decide on a caterer and menu is a great fit for me. This is also my first year as an NMVO Board member. Volunteering at the Museum affords me innumerable benefits. Not least of which is being able to associate with knowledgeable staff and fellow volunteers who are dedicated, friendly and so generous with their time and talent."

She adds, "As my volunteer experience continues, I hope to take on more and more responsibility. Last year, I was proud to have made over 300 decorative votives for the Annual

Gala. This year, my most recent project was cleaning out the attic of the Ballantine House. Those forgotten treasures became part of a

Museum-wide auction, held in March 2017."


VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

A February 2017 NMVO Board meeting in progress.

A partial group of NMVO Board members posed in the Trustee Room of the Ballantine House.

NMVO President Prudence Bradley and NMVO Board Program Chair Sue Smith.


VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

Library volunteers Barbara Kaplan and recently retired Anne Cummings examine old photographs.

The Education and Enrichment Commit-tee uses Powerpoint™ presentations to inform new and veteran volunteers about key aspects of the Newark Museum and the Newark Museum Volunteer Organization.

Back row: Current committee members: Judith Robinson, Robert Stackoff, Marge Marciano-Vere. Front row: Former commit-tee members: Linda Peoples Thomas and Audrey Haimowitz, who were instrumental in getting the project off the ground.

To find out more about joining the Education and Enrichment Committee,

please contact:

[email protected]

Annual Tea committee members Hugh Michael Brown, Mary Courtien, Gwynne McConkey and Tea Commit-tee Chair Arlene Gerencser.


WHEN OBJECTS

BECOME ARTLong-term Installation,

The Walter Scott Lenox Pavilion, North Wing, 1st Floor

Afounding premise of the Newark Museum

is that "art" should not be confined to works produced in paint, canvas, bronze or

stone. Everyday objects, whether useful or simply

ornamental, are full of the artistic intention of their

designer or maker—which transforms them into works

of art.

Thus, this installation celebrates the Museum’s century-old commitment to collecting and displaying modern ceramics and glass as fine art. It spotlights art ceramics purchased between 1911 and 1926, along with three examples of art glass from the 1920s. In 1910, the Museum mounted an exhibition called Modern American Pottery, thereby founding its decorative arts collection. In 1912, the Museum began buying modern glass. And, in the 1920s, with the completion of its new building, the Museum added numerous major examples of modern ceramics. These were purchased from a 1929 Bamberger Department Store exhibition called International Ceramics and Glass.

Some objects on display express the idea that a pot can be a blank "canvas" for painting. Mores of the time deemed decorating ceramics to be a respectable way for educated women to earn a living. Yet, even though women played a crucial role in American art pottery, men still controlled much of what was produced. Other pots on display demonstrate how a pot could be a piece of sculpture. Also included is an exquisite work in glass by Victor Durand, a South Jersey resident. In 1924, Durand, who ran his father's commercial glass factory, introduced a line of hand-made glass that updated traditional

glass-making techniques in a modern way.

Top: Ernest Bussière for Mougin Frères Jug of organic form,

ca. 1903 Stoneware with matte glazes 13 in. x 6.5 in. Gift of Eric Streiner, 2009 Collection of the Newark Museum 2009.9.2

Middle: Ruth Erickson for Grueby Pottery CompanyVase with scrolled handles, ca. 1900-1909 Earthenware with applied decoration 10 ½ in. x 5 7/8 in. Purchase 1911 Collection of the Newark Museum 11.487

Bottom: Victor Durand for Vineland Flint Glass WorksVase, 1924-1931 Glass, 8.5 in. high Purchase 1981 Sophronia Anderson Bequest Fund Collection of the Newark Museum 81.29


Jeffrey Gibson's COME ALIVE! (I FEEL LOVE)by Mary Courtien

docent's choice

The American Galleries

(situated on the first and

second floors of the Museum’s

North Wing) have been reinterpreted

and rejuvenated! Also of note:

the name of the galleries has been

changed from Picturing America

to Seeing America. To herald the

reinstallation of our Native American

galleries, Curator of American

Art, Tricia Laughlin Bloom, has

commissioned an incredible work of

art, just for this space.

Come Alive! (I Feel Love), 2016 is a stuffed sculpture/statue that will reside in the atrium at the beginning of the Seeing America gallery. Inspired by contemporary artist Jeffrey Gibson’s Cherokee/Choctaw heritage, it is covered in felt and rawhide; and adorned with such assorted decorative Native American materials as beads, stone arrowheads, steel wires, brass studs and conical tin and copper jingles.

The multi-colored pony beads recall the excellently crafted Native American objects that are on view in the adjacent gallery. The conical multi-colored jingles directly reference the jingle dances typically performed during Native American celebrations.

Because it is constructed of traditional Native American materials, and due to its bold colors and anthropomorphic shape, the figure is an amalgam that aptly represents both the Contemporary and Native American galleries.

There is a duality about this piece. Its stiff countenance and jagged edges, give it a stoic air. Yet I also find it playful. I find it to be as appealing as a fuzzy, stuffed animal, inviting a tremendous hug. Perhaps, too, its androgynous nature is why it’s been so well received. Is it male? Is it female? Exactly what about it compels you to feel its love?

Please experience this wondrous creation first

hand...and be smitten, as I was!

Come Alive! (I Feel Love), 2016

Jeffrey Gibson, Born 1972, Cherokee, Choctaw,

Colorado. Multi-media: Acrylic felt, rawhide,

wood, glass beads, stone arrowheads, steel wire,

assorted beads, tin and copper jingles, artificial sinew, acrylic paint, druzy quartz crystal, steel

and brass studs. 78 x 35 x 22" © Jeffrey Gibson.

Purchase 2016 Helen McMahon Brady Cutting

Fund Collection of the Newark Museum, 2016.29

Note: Artist Gibson resides in upstate Hudson,

NY, where he and numerous assistants work

collaboratively in a renovated schoolhouse to

complete his projects.


JEWELRY FROM PEARLS TO PLATINUM TO PLASTICS

NEWARK BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

43 YEARS OF DEFINING THE INDEPENDENT FILM EXPERIENCE

JUNE 28 TO AUGUST 2, 2017 FREE ADMISSION

To learn more, go to www.newarkmuseum.org

Presents

Lore Ross Jewelry Gallery, Ballantine House, 2nd Floor

Whether it is made of natural miracles or marvels of human invention and skill, jewelry has adorned the human body

since prehistoric times. The Newark Museum has been collecting jewelry since 1911, and has one of the most comprehensive holdings in the country.

The Lore Ross Jewelry Gallery, newly redesigned and reinstalled, showcases jewelry across seven centuries. The focus of the new installation is the wide array of materials, both noble and humble, that have been used over the centuries to create things of beauty for personal adornment.

Above: Marcus & Co. New York The Rehan Jewel, ca. 1900 Enamel, gold Purchase 2013 Helen McMahon Brady Cutting Fund 2013.2

Below: Ford/Forlano (Steven Ford and David Forlano, with Maryanne Petrus) United States Full Pillow Necklace #11, 2009 Polymer clay, oxidized silver Gift of Dr. Francis A. Wood in memory of Rosetta A. Miller, 2012 2012.6


This exhibition presents

highlights from the Newark

Museum’s collection of

late modern abstraction. It brings

together works by major figures and innovators who are experimenting

with color and light, including Mark

Rothko, Josef Albers, Donald Judd,

Richard Anuszkiewicz, Alma Thomas

and others.

CHROMATIC: Minimalism and Color Field Experiments

Long-Term Installation Seeing America Contemporary Gallery, 2nd Floor

Minimalism and Color Field painting emerged in the 1950s and flourished throughout the 1960s and 70s. Favoring simplified geometric shapes and machine-made materials, such as steel, plastic, and fluorescent light, these artists created works that feature sleek, streamlined surfaces and bold inventive approaches to color.

Sam Gilliam Untitled, 1968 Watercolor on Paper, 17 ½ x 13 7/8 inches© Sam Gilliam Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Herzman, 1980

Wojciech Fangor M35, 1968 Oil on canvas, 80 ¼ x 68 inches © Wojciech Fangor Purchase 1969 The Members’ Fund Collection of the Newark Museum, 69.159

VOLUNTEER VISTAS Spring 2017

TO BRING MORE PEOPLE TO THE NEWARK MUSEUM

NEEDED: SPEAKERS BUREAU PRESENTERS

T he Newark Museum is one of the nat ion’s most inf luent ial

inst i tut ions. I t ’s located r ight here in our own backyard, yet surprisingly, far too many people don’t know about i t . That ’s where the Speakers Bureau steps in.

Using v isual ly r ich PowerPoint™ presentat ions, Speakers Bureau Presenters t ravel to he lp more people d iscover just how in format ive and enter ta in ing learn ing about the Museum’s wor ld-c lass ar t co l lect ions can be.

The Speakers Bureau Presenters br ing the Newark Museum r ight to the doorsteps of organizat ions l ike l ibrar ies, women’s c lubs, a lumni c lubs and adul t l iv ing communi t ies. Won’ t you jo in them? To f ind out more about becoming a Speakers Bureau Presenter, or to suggest the name of someone who might l ike to become one, p lease contact [email protected] or ca l l 973-596-6337 .

Hugh Michael

Brown, Volunteer

Vistas Editor

49 washington street

newark, nj 07102-3176

spring 2017 - the newark museum of art

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