Artist Richard Bell's Visit

This week we are enjoying several events featuring the Australian aboriginal artist Richard Bell.

On Sunday he spoke to museum visitors in the galleries, explaining his work.

He also spoke at the Carnegie Center, and on Monday to UK art Students. We are so grateful to him for his long journey and generosity.

Thanks also to the many partners who helped make this happen: the African-American Forum, UK Art Department, Appalachian Center, UK Office for Community Relations and others.

The Eruption of Vesuvius

Drs. Jim and Bonnie Tanner have generously given us their painting of The Eruption of Vesuvius by Pierre-Jacques Volaire. This artist studied with the French artist Vernet, known for his views of ports and landscapes. Volaire traveled to paint in Rome in 1764 and then to Naples in 1769, where he became quite famous for his views of Mount Vesuvius. The artist observed the eruptions and painted them for years, often on commission. A visit to Naples was part of "the Grand Tour" in the eighteenth century.Similar paintings by this artist are in the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago and the Richmond Museum of Art. In all, the fiery eruption is seen at night, in the glow of a silver moon.

This beautiful painting is a treasure for our museum and we are thrilled to have it!

New Front Desk

Due to a change in the electric panel, our front desk got a facelift! Seen here is the new top, and behind it our Gallery Attendants, Judith Brin, Stefanie Fendly and head of security, Justin Parrish. Being a gallery attendant is a particularly challenging job. It's kindof like sailing - periods of nothing alternated by periods of crowds and confusion.Not only are they responsible for the safety and security of art and visitors, but also for general visitor services -- directions, shop sales and the occasional reminder "not to touch the artwork."

It is hard to enforce the rules in a way that visitors can appreciate. No one likes to be warned, cautioned, or reminded. But these three do their best, and most visitors report a wonderful time!

Oops- we have a new painting coming in! Next blog.....

It's Lovely To See!

The exhibition, It's Easy Beading Green is up through June 1st! It is quite an amazing array of recycled beads, make from materials such as paper, yarn, puzzles pieces, medicine bottle, keys, corks, and more. the display is quite elegant, and we hope all the students and families who made the beads will visit and enjoy the exhibition.I know some have already come to see it.

Wildcats!

Just on the day when the Kentucky Wildcats are celebrating their Championship, there is a crew outside installing the new Wildcat Sculpture. It is indeed a regal beast, on Wildcat Alumni Plaza. We are happy that the new sculpture will draw visitors towards the museum and our growing sculpture garden, just beyond the plaza. The sculpture was created by Matthew Palmer of Friday Harbor, Washington.