Take a look at Joseph Pelka's individually hand-crafted ceramic vessels. Here, we share the process behind his decorative pieces, ones which he hopes will be passed down from family member to family member.
Let’s Talk SHOP: Joseph Pelka
Treasures from the Vault: Norah Hamilton
William Merritt Chase. Robert Henri. James Abbott McNeill Whistler. What do they all have in common? Norah Hamilton studied art under them all! Learn more about this indomitable woman in this "Treasures from the Vault".
Let’s Talk SHOP: Dawn England-Harless
In "Let's Talk SHOP", Paradigm Gallery Director Abby Leon spotlights local, regional, and national artists whose unique art and fine craft are featured in the shop at FWMoA. From jewelry, wood turned objects, and ceramics to hand-made apparel and accessories, all types of paintings, and photography, you're sure to find something that catches your eye!
What We’re Reading: The Fort Wayne Hamilton Family
A founding family of Fort Wayne, the Hamilton family left their mark here, there, and everywhere! Take some time to learn more about the history of our city, and the founding of FWMoA, in this post and its included resources!
Reality Check: The Great Act of Giving
In this discussion, Amanda Shepard explores the significance of the charitable gift, its uniquely American implications, and the limits of the English language in meaningfully describing what’s really going on when we part with our treasure.
Reality Check: Judgement Calls
On August 24 Amanda Shepard, FWMoA COO, was privileged to judge the purchase prizes for the Kekionga Plein Air Paint Out. Though we all make private judgements of art, the stakes go up when we in the art world must select public winners from a group of highly competent artists. But who is Amanda to judge? Find out why she picked what she did, and the methods she taps into for coming to her conclusions in this "Reality Check".
Eric Kuhne & Headwaters Park
Ever gone to Middle Waves? What about Rib Fest? Or maybe German Fest? Or gone ice skating in the winter months? Headwaters Park is a mainstay in Fort Wayne events, big and small! Collection Information Specialist Suzanne Slick highlights the architect behind this beloved green space, Eric Kuhne. Read on to learn more about this local park.
Off the Cuff: We Love Art More than We Know
What artworks do you love? What artworks make you feel happy in your space? President and CEO Charles Shepard discusses our love of stuff, in particular, our visual stuff: from our kids fridge art to prints by well-known artists to what we find in a gallery or museum.
Off the Cuff: Folk Artist Howard Finster
Throughout my career I’ve been blessed with friendships with some of the most interesting people in the art world. One of the most fascinating was the self-taught folk artist Howard Finster. I was a myopic art historian in training when I first saw Howard’s work in an art magazine in the library of the Clark Art Institute. I had no experience with “outsider art” and thought the idea that someone self-taught could actually make art was ridiculous. Several years later, however, while spending a long weekend in Chicago browsing through the galleries of River North, I called on art dealer Carl Hammer and discovered that his entire gallery was devoted primarily to these “outsiders.” My education about folk- or outsider- art began that afternoon as Carl walked me through his back room pulling painting after painting from the racks and telling me stories about each of his artists, including Howard Finster.
Docent Dialogue: The Marvelous Ms. Marlene
With the start of the school year also comes the start of our docent training for the year. What better time to get to know another of our wonderful docents, Marlene Cooper! Marlene’s enthusiasm for and love of art is infectious. Read on, and watch a short interview, to see why FWMoA is her happy place and the children she gives tours to are her favorite people.