Davies - Staffel Exhibit

“It is amazing to realize that this exhibit only represents one man’s work,” exclaimed an art patron. “It is most provocative.! “ “What a prolific artist and he worked in so many different media and styles.” This was the general feeling of those attending seeing the works of John Davies at the opening, Sunday October 14, of the Davies—Staffel Exhibit at the Jordan River Art Center, 302 Main St., East Jordan. Sales were brisk as many art patrons were eager to have work by such a renowned Michigan artist.

Over 200 from the 1930’s to 1965 in intaglio and serigraph print methods, oil and watercolor painting comprise the exhibit in both the upper and lower galleries. Other works are unframed and can be examined. Still others are used to demonstrate his unique style of serigraph. His grandson, John Hubbard was in attendance and he exclaimed, “There are more!” The curators, Jane Diller and John Stevens are now in the process of preparing more works for exhibition. The curators were astounded that such a body of work had been preserved by the family and that many of the prints exhibited are also in museums throughout Michigan and the midwest. He exhibited in many one man and group shows throughout the U.S., including art fairs, even in Charlevoix, won many prizes, and taught art classes throughout his life. Stephen Davidek, an Flint artist and friend of Davies related in an interview that Davies was an experimenter and a motivator for other artists. John Davies died in 1965.

To compliment Davies’ work, is the pottery by well known Charlevoix artist, Bonnie Staffel. Approximately 60 examples of her work date from the the 1950’s to the present. Most impressive are the large pit fired pots, the birds of different clay bodies, and the wide variety of shapes and different glazes she has used in her lifetime. Most are are on loan from personal collections. Bonnie attended the opening visiting with her many friends and art patrons. Davies and Staffel exhibited together at the Left Bank Gallery, Flint, MI in 1964.

The exhibit is open daily from 1-4 pm and runs through Nov. 11. A listing of all works is available to use when viewing the exhibit. Other times can be arranged or further information can be obtained by calling Nancy Carey, 231 536 7812 or check the web site: www.jordanriverarts.com.