This weekend is sure to be far from typical at the Akron Art Museum. Artist Tony Feher’s unique style of manipulating everyday objects is the focus of his 25-year retrospective.
Covering 25 years of Feher’s art, the exhibition will feature the range of everyday materials Feher employs, from bottles filled with colored water to marbles and pennies, Styrofoam blocks, soft drink crates, plastic bags, paper cups and various packing materials. Although Feher’s materials can be seen as banal—even throwaway—they are chosen specifically for their distinct visual and structural qualities as well as for their connection to people.
The artwork is not just limited to the interior of the building. Three 54-inch tall red marine buoys are now hanging from the cantilevers that reach out from the roof of the museum. Feher also is transforming one of the museum’s passageways into a luminous cavern by embellishing its window wall with patterns of blue painter’s tape. Arcs of hand-torn tape mimicking European paving stone patterns fan out from astral forms defined by the milled edges of the tape.Below are some of the Museum’s events this weekend surrounding the exhibit:
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Opening Party
Friday, April 11 Members Preview, 6 to 8 p.m., with artist talk at 6:15 p.m.
FREE Public Opening, 8-9 pm
Educator Workshop: Beautiful Stuff
Saturday, April 12, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cathy Weisman Topal will present the ideas and concepts behind her fascinating book Beautiful Stuff. Learn how this process can develop critical thinking skills and creativity in your students. Then, try the process yourself as you sort, arrange, match and discover the power of materials.
Cost is $25 per person. Includes a lecture, light refreshments and a hands-on workshop, as well as admission to the museum’s galleries.
Kids Studio Class : Thrift Shop Studio
Saturday, April 12, 1- to 3 p.m. Studio classes at the museum venture far beyond your standard classroom offerings.Cost per class is $10 member child, $15 nonmember child. Parents are welcome but not required to stay.
Art on the Rocks: Bloody Marys with Tony Feher
Sunday, April 13, 11:30 a.m. Chat with artist Tony Feher about how he looks for artistic possibilities in random objects. Learn to mix an excellent Bloody Mary and create something.
Cost is $25 members, $30 nonmembers. Registration required.
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