Monthaven Art and Cultural Center

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center
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Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center
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BERNIE TAUPIN ENJOYS AN AMERICAN RESURRECTION AT THE MONTHAVEN ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER IN HENDERSONVILLE, TENN

Media Inquiries:

Cheryl Strichik: [email protected]
(615) 293-3767

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BERNIE TAUPIN ENJOYS AN AMERICAN RESURRECTION AT THE MONTHAVEN ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER IN HENDERSONVILLE, TENN.

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (April 16, 2024) – Bernie Taupin’s lifelong love for American history and pop culture comes to the fore in a new exhibition at the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. The exhibit, titled An American Resurrection, will run June 9 to July 14, 2024 and feature 25 of the artist’s major works.

“We are thrilled to showcase the art of Bernie Taupin at Monthaven,” says Cheryl Strichik, the MACC’ s executive director. “Most people probably think of Bernie as a songwriter, so they may be surprised to see he is also a master of the visual arts.”
Taupin, of course, is best known for his 50-year songwriting partnership with Elton John. They became a veritable hit-making machine during the 1970s. Together, they made history, creating a substantial catalog of original songs that have sold more than 300 million records worldwide.

In addition to these musical endeavors, Taupin has also been a long-time visual artist, something he’s pursued since the early 1990s. His early work was inspired by groundbreaking Abstract Expressionists, including Hans Hoffman, Franz Kline, Anselm Kiefer, and Robert Rauschenberg.

Taupin says, “As in any creative field, we start by emulating work we like, following the path that ultimately leads to finding our own vision, a style we feel is original and unique in its own beliefs, on its own merits.”

Taupin’s artwork evolved from explorations of Abstract Expressionism to experimentations with text-based content and minimalist Pop Art concepts. By 2017, his works became sculptural constructions bound with cord and wire on canvas. During this period, he often expressed himself with found objects and repurposed material and artifacts. Taupin’s multi-layered creations include manipulated flags, scorched paper, wax, wire, wood, corrugated cardboard, fabric, bubble wrap, and resin.

An American Resurrection is curated by Karen and Michael Bivins, International Gallerists. The opening takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, 2024. The event will feature light refreshments. For more information, call (615) 822-0789.

Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) is a jewel-box art museum and education facility housed in one of Tennessee’s most spectacular antebellum mansions. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the MACC has staged exhibitions featuring everything from the ceramic art of Pablo Picasso to the evening gowns of Princess Diana. The artwork of local artists and military veterans are also on frequent display. As an art school, the MACC offers classes to more than 900 children and adults each year. The MACC also provides free arts outreach and healing arts to underserved children, families and military veterans. For more information, visit www.monthavenartsandculturalcenter.com or call (615) 822-0789.

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Kaylin Warden

External Affairs Coordinator

Kaylin Warden joined the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center staff in 2024 as External Affairs Coordinator. In this post, she organizes special off-site events and manages the organization’s external communications. She also works with the development department by updating the MACC’s customer relations database, and she assists the executive director in setting up exhibitions. Above all else, Kaylin is passionate about the arts. It comes as no surprise, then, that she is now pursuing a master’s degree in art history. When she’s not at the MACC, you can find her reading her favorite books (especially ones dealing with maritime mysteries), cooking, gardening, playing with her cat and two dogs, and cheering for the Nashville Predators.

Ruth Chase

Regional Arts Director
Ruth Chase is the Regional Arts Director of Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center, joining the team in 2023. For Ruth, the job is all about community, bringing people together to uplift and educate artists and art lovers alike. Her role at Monthaven is to strengthen the local artist community and build connections that will enrich Hendersonville and our surrounding communities through art exhibitions, art education, and opportunities for regional artists.
 
Prior to joining Monthaven, Ruth worked in the arts for over 30 years and is a multimedia artist and graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute. Her artistic practice is inquiry-based and engages in community bridge-building. She was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Los Angeles, curated and juried exhibitions, and has taught at the Crocker Art Museum.
 
Ruth was awarded an Artist-in-Residence for Artist Activating Communities through a grant from the California Arts Council for three consecutive years. Her film Belonging screened at both the 18th Annual Nevada City Film Festival and Wild & Scenic Film Festival. She has received the Legendary Female Artist of Venice award, and she has exhibited in The Crocker Kingsley, the Museum of Northern California Art, and the Diego Rivera Gallery at the San Francisco Art Institute. Ruth also continues her work as a Curatorial Consultant and Art director for the Californian Indigenous Research Project, where she has worked with the local tribe since 2018.