|
The Jordan River Arts Center is fortunate to be able to exhibit the works of the late John Davies, Flint,MI and Bonnie Staffel, Charlevoix, MI. Davies and Staffel exhibited together in l964( shortly before Davies death) at the Left Bank Gallery in Flint, MI. This retrospective exhibit will have examples of their lifetime works.
Davies’ work begins during the depression with his first one man show in 1929. During the depression, Davies taught painting under the auspices of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, a forerunner of the Works Progress Administration. He also taught at the Flint Institute of Art, for the Mott Foundation,and the University of Michigan Extension Service in Flint. He was one of the charter members of the Flint Sculpture Associate/Left Bank Gallery cooperative.
He was a prolific painter and printmaker who developed a unique technique of serigraphs without using the traditional cut screen. He was well known for landscapes and city scenes, receiving many awards. The exhibit features over 70 works of art many of which will be for sale. Especially notable are the intaglio prints from the 30’s, the watercolors, and the series of limited edition portfolio serigraphs.
His work is represented in many museums including the Detroit Institute of Art, Flint Institute of Art, Albion College, Saginaw Museum and the Weisman Art Museum Minneapolis, MN. His work can also be found in many private collections. Davies is the grandfather of John Hubbard of Boyne City and Steve Hubbard of Ellsworth
Staffel is a well known potter now living in Charlevoix. She became acquainted with Davies when living in Maumee, Ohio. She has a long list of credits and is represented in many museums and private collections. She with Bill Staffel established Staffel Pottery in 1965, now the Cycling Salamander, south of Charlevoix. In 1985, they closed the studio doors and Bonnie ventured to North Carolina to work in the John C. Campbell Folk School and became Program Director. She also taught in Denmark and Guatemala, Mississippi, and for Elder Hostel. She also traveled in the Orient visiting China, Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong.
She has produced functional pottery as well as one of a kind stoneware and porcelain sculptures. One signature item are her birds. In her later years she has thrown beautiful large vessels which have been pit fired. Some of her pottery will be for sale. Staffel has received many awards, participated in numerous shows and exhibits since 1949, and is represented in several museums and private collections. She is a member of JRAC and exhibits at the Center frequently.
Bonnie was one of the curators for the Masters in Clay exhibit at JRAC and now along with Bill Staffel has curated the Davies’ Exhibit. The exhibit opens October 14 and runs through November 11, 2007. The Art Center is located at 301 Main St., East Jordan and will be open daily from 1-4 pm.
|
enlarge
Carved wood motorcycle, 6" length, Patrick M. Bell, Fife Lake.
enlarge
“Knucklehead”, 42” x 30”, wax and oil on burlap, Doug Melvin, Petoskey.
enlarge
Harley, life size, painted cardboard, Mike Lucas, East Jordan
|
