“Wonder” Exhibit at the Renwick – Plexus A1 by Gabriel Dawe
I took a break from shows last weekend and visited the newly renovated Renwick Museum in Washington, DC with some friends.
The new exhibit is called “Wonder” and it’s certainly aptly named. All of the art is made from ordinary materials–thread, tires, index cards, willow branches, marbles, even bugs. The image at left is by Gabriel Dawe–it’s made of thread to evoke the skies in the Southwest.
Click on the link above to see more of the art from the exhibit.
It was almost as amazing to watch the people at the exhibit as it was to see the art. My museum companions noticed that so many people seemed to be smiling–especially in the room that had several Patrick Doughtery architectural sculptures made from woven willow branches. Both kids and adults enjoyed going in and out of the structures–almost like finding a secret hiding place.
The Renwick has been closed for renovation for the last several years and it was great to be back there. It houses the Smithsonian’s collection of contemporary craft and decorative art–and it was fun to see the work of some artists I know from the show circuit in the gift shop.
I’m always glad when I take time to enjoy the wonderful museums near me–it helps me to think “outside the box.” What’s your favorite way to get inspiration?
I’m back on the road this weekend at the Atlanta Craft Show put on by the American Craft Council. The show runs Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 13 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. More about the show tomorrow!