The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Presents Collectors' Choice: Works of Art from Jacksonville Collections
May 18, 2010
Jacksonville, Fla. - The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens presents Collectors’ Choice: Works of Art from Jacksonville Collections on May 27, 2010. The exhibition, on view through September 12, 2010, features 70 pieces from private collections across Jacksonville, including porcelain, paintings, photographs, works on paper, sculptures, African Art, ethnographic objects and pottery. The exhibition not only showcases magnificent works of art in private collections in the Jacksonville area, it also explores why art is important and why people collect.
“This exhibition is a wonderful way for our community to see the depth, breadth, and quality of some of the art collections in the greater Jacksonville area,” said Cummer Curator Holly Keris. “The Cummer is so appreciative of all the collectors who so generously agreed to share their prized possessions with our city for the summer.”
The area’s top personal and corporate collectors will share some of their most treasured and esteemed pieces with the community. Through quotes and commentary, each collector will reveal the significance of the work they selected to be a part of the exhibition, as photographer Ingrid Damiani documents each collector in their private space.
“During the process of assembling the exhibition, we quickly realized there were more quality works of art and more active collectors than the Museum could support with one exhibition,” said Keris. “I certainly envision Collectors' Choice being the first of many exhibitions devoted to works in private collections in our area.”
Participating collectors include Bank of America, The Benita and Jimmy Boyd Collection, The Collection of Jon Ladd and Rhonda Brewer, Brandon Choy, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc., Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Z. Duke, Dan and Cindy Edelman, Niall and Nancy Falloon, The Collection of Thomas and Missy Hager, The Collection of Preston H. Haskell, Ken Hatcher, Ann and David Hicks, The Collection of Holland & Knight, Joe and Renate Hixon, Mrs. Edward W Lane, Jr., Delores and Allen Lastinger, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Morris, Joan W. Newton, Tom and Betty Petway, Bob Self (Collection Representative for the family of Loyd Sandgren), David and Elaine Strickland, Mary Jane and Jack Uible, Robbie and Sam Vickers, Gaile and Ted Wingard, Daniel R. Wynn, Chrys and Bill Yates as well as several additional private collectors.
To each of these collectors, art evokes a unique passion. Among their collections, are pieces stemming from diverse cultures, heritages, ages and styles. For Daniel R. Wynn, art is a means of communication. It is the universal language through which man expresses thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Once owning over 300 pieces, Wynn acquired his impressive collection of African Art through his travels. Dan and Cindy Edelman have built a private collection of artwork that speaks to them about their Jewish heritage and faith. “There is something magical about being able to live with a work of art that invites multiple points of view,” said Cindy Edelman.
Another collector, Preston H. Haskell, appreciates the freedom of the Abstract Expressionists, whose works fill the walls of his and wife Joan’s home and The Haskell Company. Despite these canvases’ exuberant energy and vibrant color, Haskell finds the paintings to be “peaceful” and “calming.” “Art can provide a great deal of warmth and beauty,” said Haskell. “It can provide inspiration and intellectual stimulation as well as emotional response.”
This exhibition unites these multifarious assortments of works from around Jacksonville to give insight into each collector, collection and individual piece’s story. Collectors’ Choice is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in great quality art, sneak a peak into distinct private collections and learn a little bit about the history of artwork within our community.
The Members’ Opening and Preview is Wednesday, May 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. The Cummer will also unveil the newly renovated Helen Murchison and Edward W. Lane, Jr. Gallery and reinstallation of the museum’s 20th century collection. The opening celebration is free to Members and $15 for Non-members and guests.
A special media tour is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at 10 a.m. with Cummer Curator Holly Keris and a few of the collectors. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Amy Chamberlin at (904) 899-6034.
The exhibition is sponsored by Elkins Constructors, Inc., Grune Family Foundation, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management, WJCT Public Broadcasting, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc., and the City of Jacksonville.
Contact:
Amy Chamberlin
Associate Director of Marketing
Phone: 904-899-6034 achamberlin@cummer.org
Cell: 904-859-8121
