The Akron Art Museum will host a panel discussion featuring three local artists currently on view at the museum on February 2 at 6:30 pm.

Bruce Checefsky, Michelle Droll and Barry Underwood will discuss how light, environmental issues and the tradition of landscape painting apply to their work in a panel discussion moderated by Interim Chief Curator Ellen Rudolph.

Regional artist Michelle Droll, creator of Landslide: Between a Rock and a Place, builds environmentally friendly landscapes out of recycled materials. She uses scraps from her studio, Styrofoam and other recycled man-made material to create these scenes. Intrigued by the “building” of landscape with junk, she has created a vibrant sculpture that references present-day environmental concerns.

Cleveland photographers Bruce Checefsky and Barry Underwood use atmospheric and applied light to capture ephemeral moments in nature. All of these artists have illustrated nature and landscapes in different ways but all have unified viewers under one topic.

How do contemporary artists work in the tradition of landscape painters on view in Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism? How have contemporary concerns such as environmentalism and technology altered the tradition? How does the local terrain inspire Northeast Ohio artists? Join us for the answers to these questions and more at this inspiring look at the art of contemporary landscape.

Beginning in the 19^thcentury, artists left their studios and ventured out into the wild to document the great outdoors. From creating art depicting the sea to the sky, artists have been trying to replicate the wonders that surround us. Nature and landscapes have always been captivating elements because we cannot completely describe their magnificence. However, artists can open our minds to different interpretations of landscapes. Though concerns and views about landscapes may have changed since the impressionist era, the land remains a profound source of inspiration for artists.

Bruce Checefsky in front of his photographs in "SuperNatural: Landscapes by Bruce Checefsky and Barry Underwood"

Barry Underwood and Sarah Kabot at the opening of "SuperNatural: Landscapes by Bruce Checefsky and Barry Underwood"

Michelle Droll in front of "Landscrape" from her exhibition titled "Michelle Droll: Landslide/Between a Rock and a Place"

With the snow blanketing your gardens, escape the cold and stroll through the lush, colorful landscapes on view in the Akron Art Museum galleries. Don’t miss Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism, which includes influential works by impressionist precursors Courbet, Daubigny and Boudin as well as exquisite canvases by Monet, Caillebotte, Pissarro and Americans John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam and others. This may be the first exhibition to present the well-known French impressionists with both their American colleagues and the earlier artists who set the example of taking canvases outdoors and working en plein air. Standard museum hours and gallery admission apply.

The Private Lives of the Impressionists
By Sue Roe

From Art theft to the scandalous lives of artists, the museum’s book club is never boring. January’s book club selection will transport readers to the studios, salons and rowdy riverside bars of Paris as readers discuss The Private Lives of the Impressionists by Sue Roe. Filled with maps and illustrations, Roe’s book is a lively biographical take on the key artists of the impressionist movement. Book club will also include a guided tour of Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism.

The Museum’s Book Club is free but requires registration.  Additional charges may apply for non-members for some events.

Please call 330.376.9186 x 230 to register.

Review of The Private Lives of the Impressionists in Publishers Weekly:

From Monet and Pissarro’s first meeting in Paris in 1860 to art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel’s influential 1886 Impressionist exhibition in New York City, the group known as the Impressionists—Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Cézanne, Renoir, Degas, Sisley, Morisot and Cassatt—struggled to build their reputations, support themselves financially and create meaningful personal lives. In this meticulously researched and vividly written book, British writer Roe (Gwen John) argues that their drive for success was the strongest unifying factor among this diverse group of artists, including the antisocial, celibate Degas, the socialist Pissarro and the chronically depressed Sisley, who resented the Impressionists’ meager public appreciation until the very end of his life. Roe’s nuanced portraits of these artists include personal details both small—the American Cassatt’s booming voice and “atrocious” French accent—and significant—Manet’s illegitimate son and his upper-middle-class family’s elaborate efforts to conceal the child’s existence. The result is a comprehensive and revealing group portrait, superbly contextualized within the period’s volatile political, socioeconomic and artistic shifts. Roe’s book will be of great interest to both art and social historians as well as to the general reader.

The book is available for purchase in the Museum Store and through Amazon and Barnes &Noble.

Open Monday, December 26 & Tuesday, December 27

Although normally closed on Monday and Tuesday, the Akron Art Museum is offering extended holiday hours due to the popularity of Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism and the two complementary exhibitions Michelle Droll: Landslide/ Between a Rock and a Place and SuperNatural: Landscapes by Bruce Checefsky and Barry Underwood. The museum will be open to the public Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27 from 11 am – 5 pm.

Below are the museum’s hours of operation for the 2011 holiday season:

Saturday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): Closed

Sunday, December 25 (Christmas Day): Closed

Monday, December 26: 11 am – 5 pm

Tuesday, December 27: 11 am – 5 pm

Wednesday, December 28: 11 am – 5 pm

Thursday, December 29: 11 am – 9 pm

Friday, December 30: 11 am – 5 pm

Saturday, December 31: 11 am – 5 pm

Sunday, January 1 (New Year’s Day): Closed

Because the first Sunday of January is New Year’s Day, Sunday Sampler will not occur in January. It will resume February 5, 2011. For more information visit www.AkronArtMuseum.org.

Museum Information

Address: One South High, Akron, OH 44308

Tel: 330.376.9185

Fax: 330.376.1180

Website: www.AkronArtMuseum.org

Gallery and Store Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm, Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday as well as major holidays

Café Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11 am – 3 pm

Library Hours: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 11 am – 4 pm

Admission: Adult general admission is $7, Student and Senior (65+) general admission is $5, Children (12 and under) are FREE, members are FREE. On the first Sunday of every month, individual admissions to the collection are FREE. Special exhibitions may require paid admission. No tours available on these days.

Most of the photography we do to document our collection at the Akron Art Museum is accomplished in a studio setting with the highest-quality equipment. We hire a photographer and set up a professional studio in our storage areas and galleries to capture our prints, paintings, and sculptures looking their best so that we can share them online, or use them for print material. But we’ve also found it helpful to document the objects as they move, are shown in exhibitions, or are conserved. These photos have not only proven helpful for our preparators, curatorial staff and scholars, but we’ve also recently found that the public enjoys seeing their favorite pieces in a different context (Alexander Lieberman’s Contact III for example).

Installation of ‘Seer (Alice I)’ by Kiki Smith at the Akron Art Museum

The Akron Art Museum recently acquired Seer (Alice I), a fantastic new sculpture by Kiki Smith, and completely redesigned one of our galleries to showcase this work. We documented the installation of the piece, especially since it is quite large and heavy and the odd proportions required special consideration. This way, our preparators can reference these photos for future moves and our Collections Manager can consider them for preservation issues.

More photos and information about Kiki Smith’s sculpture is available on our Knight Foundation-funded Online Collection at http://www.akronartmuseum.org/collection

Barbara Hacha, First Light

Congratulations to Barbara Hacha, who’s photograph First Light won the Akron Art Museum’s Share Your Landscape contest. Thank you to all who submitted your favorite landscapes.

Here’s what Barbara had to say about First Light, “…is a photograph I took at dawn from the basket of a hot air balloon as we were ascending near the Sangre Crista mountains near Albuquerque, NM.  It was absolutely quiet, except for the intermittent sound of the burner firing and the yips of coyotes below.”

In few words, how would describe the style of the pieces that you will be selling at Holiday Mart?

What is your art background?
The only formal training I’ve had was a pottery class in high school. When it comes to my glass work, I’m self taught. I spent more hours that I can recall researching glass techniques in books, manuals, instructional videos – anything I could get my hands on. I took the general concepts I learned about the properties of glass and did a lot of experimentation to develop my own process for fusing recycled glass. I continue to push myself, and the glass, in new ways. Always hoping to create something beautiful.

What inspires your work?
I’m inspired both by basic shapes I see everyday, and also the architectural structures in the seemingly endless varieties of ferns and fungus. I try to bring some of that organic form into the glass.

What sets you apart from other artists?
I would say it’s my medium and how I manipulate it. I’ve met people who work with traditional warm glass that is commercially prepared and I’ve met a few people who work with recycled glass but only in its cold state. I haven’t seen anyone else employing quite the same media and techniques that I work in.

Where can people go to learn more about your work?
www.JenniferLWorden.com has links to Facebook and my Etsy Shop. I update all those portals often, and I love feedback, comments, and plain old salutations. And I cheerfully respond to each and every one.

Each day we will be debuting some great gift ideas, so check back daily!

1. Tatebanko

Tatebanko is the forgotten 17th-century Japanese art of creating detailed dioramas from paper. The Tatebanko kits revive this elegant tradition with works of famed Japanese and European artists. Beautifully designed for easy assembly and printed in Japan with attention to detail.

2. Monet Rubber Ducky T-Shirt

We’re just having a little fun here with one of the masters of impressionism.  The folks at Fliptomania searched through the archives of many masters, and discovered this extremely rare Monet, featuring a mama rubber ducky and her duckylings floating on one of his spectacular lily ponds.  They thought it deserved to be on a T-shirt.

3. Henry Bergeson Kaleidoscopes

All Henry Bergeson Kaleidoscopes are handcrafted of fine hardwoods wityh polished brass fittings and ultra-fine object cases.  Each piece offers a unique, unsurpasses visual sensation that will delight both young and old.  They are an absolute pleasure to use and are superbly crafted to last a lifetime.

4. Cari Miller’s Akron Art Museum Ornament

Akron artist Cari Miller’s love for the city is evident in her unique, colorful depictions of its iconic symbols. Miller’s other Akron items, including photographs of the city, as well as her wide-ranging other work (many using recycled materials) can be found in her studio and gallery in the Summit Artspace building, 140 E. Market St. For more information, visit www.sunthingspecial.com or find her on Facebook.

You can buy this ornament in the Museum Store during Holiday mART tonight!

5. Fractiles

Fractiles-7 is basically a magnetic puzzle. But it is also more than a puzzle. Fractiles consists of versatile flexible diamond shaped tiles that can be combined and recombined into an infinite number of designs. Great for use on a refrigerator or while traveling.

6. Paddibles- The perfect hostess gift

These beverage-sized napkins are different than any on the market! Why? Because within the gift-boxed package, each edition has 8 assorted designs and 2 of each design! All  designs have a variety of beautiful, hand painted original artwork. Paddibles have jokes, conversation starters, games and fun facts to engage the users. They appeal to both young and old and are the perfect hostess gift!

7. CitiBlocs

CitiBlocs are high-quality wooden construction blocks. The secret behind these blocks is that every piece is exactly the same shape and size.  Your creations require no glue, snaps, connectors or magnets, just gravity, balance and imagination!

8. Designer Duct Tape

Patterned duct tape takes adhesives to a whole new level. It’s durable, versatile, and, of course, way more attractive than the silver stuff. Release your inner artist with Platypus Designer Duct Tape. Pair favorite colors and patterns to create a unique gift for the crafter in your life. If you’re lucky, you might just receive a designer duct tape masterpiece in return.

9. Calico June Jewelry

Calico June Jewelry by Bonnie Riconda is based on her love of brilliant, bright colors and a feeling of airiness. She doesn’t use any pre-made or fabricated parts and wraps all gemstones and beads by hand. She even makes her own hoops and French wires. Gemstones, crystals and pearls create a wonderful color palette.

Hey Members! Don’t forget to stop by the Museum Store for great discounts for today only and at 3 pm join other members for a first look at the new acquisitions.

10. Artistic Games: Art Ditto, American Art Ditto, Go Fish, Art Shark

Educational, fun, and award winning art games from Birdcage Press.  Art Shark is a winner of the iParenting Media Award.  American Art Ditto was named Game of The Year by Creative Child Magazine.  Modern Artists Go Fish for Art is the latest addition to a line of Go Fish decks that have received Parents’ Choice Gold Medals.

11. Happy December with Sherpa Pens

The Sherpa is a unique pen shell that holds a variety of disposable pens and markers including Sharpie, Pilots and Accent highlighters as its refill. It comes in many different styles for you to enjoy. Each Sherpa is designed with an innovative cap to keep the color of your marker or pen bold and fresh every time.

12.Make Your Own Monster Doll

Create your own monster doll with this kit that doesn’t requires pins or needles.  Assorted colored felt and templates let you create personalized features. Instructions and birth certificate included are even included.

13. Morph Pads
Writing notes will become even more fun with these morphable pads. Twist and shape them into fun desktop art.

Each pad includes 1,000 sheets of 100% recycled paper hand made in Canada.

14. Cyber Monday

MoMA Lacing Cards

These unique l cards teach shapes, colors, and textures and develop hand-eye coordination with striking design and photography. Bright, colorful cards with die-cut shapes can be laced alone or laced together into a book.Fundamental concepts have never been so versatile to use or fun to look at!  $14.99

Moma Houses

Create a delightfully modern house with this innovative set of modular nesting boxes! Aspiring architects and designers of all ages can create modern spaces, arrange furniture and accessories, and pack it all up to go with this distinctive house!

Moma Towers

Balance these brightly colored and playfully tilted blocks to make towers of fun! Sturdy and lightweight, these 10 vibrant blocks can be arranged in endless combinations for hours of building fun.

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

15. Robert Held Art Glass

Inspired by the famous impressionist painting “Poppy fields” by Claude Monet, the California Poppy line combines stunning poppies with soft muted background tones. Variations in the pattern make each bowl or vase a unique work of art.

16. Calendars

In honor of Small Business Saturday stop by the Museum Store and pick up some amazing and inspiration calendars for the upcoming year.

J.M.W. Turner Calendar

Known for his technical brilliance, J.M.W. Turner is considered a master of landscape painting—his exquisite renderings of the sky and sea exhibit unusual complexity, expressive power, and superb use of light and color.

Paul Cezanne Calendar

A self-taught painter, Paul Cezanne kept abreast of the latest styles and philosophies at a time when Paris was bursting with creative vitality—all while developing his own unique artistic expression. His analytical approach to painting challenged the spontaneity of impressionism and influenced many avant-garde movements, including Cubism and Fauvism.

Paintings of the Hudson River School Calendar

Breaking with the European tradition of serene landscapes, the Hudson River School artists, led by Thomas Cole, presented the American wilderness as a place of rough majesty. Though many of them never met, their works have in common precise brushwork, dramatic light, and landscapes that evoke strong emotions. This calendar includes paintings by Albert Bierstadt, Frederic Edwin Church, Thomas Cole, Jasper Francis Cropsey, Thomas Doughty, Asher Brown Durand, George Inness, and John Frederick Kensett.

Monet Mini Wall Calendar

In childhood, Monet learned the basics of drawing from a student of the great Neoclassical master Jacques-Louis David. Instead of minutely detailed scenes of Roman drama, he preferred to paint more familiar subjects, such as landscapes, captured with quick, flickering touches of the brush.

Listed calendars are printed on FSC certified paper with soy-based inks.

17. Kittelson Kaleidoscopes

Add some color to Black Friday and purchase an artistic kaleidoscope. These handheld kaleidoscopes are created by Steve and Peggy Kittelson of Woodland Designs.

THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED! ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MIDNIGHT ON DECEMBER 4, 2011!

The impressionists took to the outdoors to show their favorite landscapes with the world. We would like to see your favorite landscapes in our contest open November 7 – 30, 2011. Just follow the guidelines below:

1. Share with us your favorite landscape. The medium is up to you, but it must be your original work. Limit to two entries per person.
2. Send your landscape, your name, artwork’s title, best form of contact and a brief description of the place and why it is your favorite to Contest@AkronArtMuseum.org.
3. NOTE THE NEW DEADLINE! The contest is open through midnight on December 4, 2011. Winners will be selected by Akron Art Museum staff and will be announced on December 7, 2011.
4. Grand Prize (1): Two complementary tickets to the Akron Art Museum to be used within a year and choice of landscapes related print from the Museum Store.
5. Not open to Akron Art Museum staff.
6. By entering the contest you are giving the Akron Art Museum the right to utilize your landscape in social media capacities.

Send any questions to Contest@AkronArtMuseum.org.

Celebrated glass artist Paul Stankard is universally regarded as a master of his art. His paperweights and glass sculptures have appeared in galleries and museums throughout the world, including the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.

And now his work is on long term view in Akron. The Akron Art Museum recently opened the world’s largest public collection of Stankard glass. The collection is a gift of Northeast Ohio concert promoter Mike Belkin and his wife Annie, who over a 30 year period amassed the largest holding of Stankard’s work in the world. Their Akron gift of 64 objects is their largest to a public institution. At any one time, about half of the collection will be on view. Objects will be rotated periodically from storage to give visitors a new experience when they return to the museum.

Stankard’s molten glass renditions of plants and insects are stunning simulations, miniaturized and preserved inside crystal-clear glass globes and cubes. Strongly influenced by the poetry of Walt Whitman, Stankard references the continuum of nature by portraying and exploring the mysteries of seeds, fertility and decay.

Through the generosity of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the museum is collaborating with Western Reserve Public Media in Northeast Ohio on a documentary about the artist, the donors and the collection. The documentary will soon air multiple times on the three channels of this PBS company and will be available on their website (http://westernreservepublicmedia.org).

In early September a television production crew visited Stankard in his south New Jersey home and studio. More filming followed when the artist visited Akron September 26-28 for the collection unveiling. The numerously Emmy-nominated production team now has the daunting task of editing days of taping into a 27-minute documentary. It is especially challenging because, as Stankard tells it, he “has the gift of gab.” Quite the story-teller, the artist shares colorful tales of his early years, influences and lampwork/flamework technique.

After the initial PBS airing, museum visitors will also be able to view the documentary. The glass collection is on display in new exhibition space designed especially for the gift and includes a video monitor.