Arts council presents Picasso at the Bendheim

Tuesday, 01 December 2009 10:04

The Greenwich Arts Council will hold an opening reception for “Picasso: Original Prints, Ceramics and Vintage Posters” Thursday, Dec. 3, from 6 to 8 at the Bendheim Gallery The exhibition encompasses Pablo Picasso’s astounding creative vigor in several mediums that will be available for purchase at the Bendheim Gallery. The well-selected show curated by Dorianne Hutton will have its opening reception in conjunction with a gallery talk given by Paul Master-Karnik, an expert on 20th Century art and director of the Greenwich Arts Council. The opening celebrates one of the most recognized figures and innovators of 20th Century art.

“Give me a museum and I will fill it,” Picasso frequently declared. The show seeks to introduce people to the magnitude and the variety of the artist’s production and achievements. Picasso, not solely a painter but also a print maker, ceramicist and sculptor, was entirely involved in the production of his prints, ceramics and posters. In addition, he was an essential contributor to the documentation and meticulous record keeping about his work throughout several catalogues. With this exhibit, the Greenwich Arts Council (GAC) intends to provide well-documented Picassos available for sale to the Greenwich community. The GAC offers accessibility to fine art for those who are interested in that something special for the holiday season. A percentage of the tax deductible purchase will be contributed to the council.

One of the works in the show, for example, an original print, “Mere et Enfants,” exemplifies the cubist influence within his art. This revolutionary style of expressing geometric forms and shapes was founded by Picasso. Among the ceramics, a beautifully executed turned pitcher titled “The Heads” is composed of white earthenware clay with white enamel decoration. The work was conceptualized, made and painted by Picasso on the French Riviera at Maudora Pottery where he took up with lover Jacqueline Roque, whom he later married. Overall, this is an opportunity to expose the community to a large range of works dating from 1903 to 1972, and offer pieces for sale.

“Picasso” will run through Jan. 17.

For more information, call 203-862-6750 or visit Greenwicharts.org. The Greenwich Arts Council promotes the arts by nurturing artists and building audiences, bringing the arts to the community and the community to the arts.