HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (June 20, 2019) – The whimsical works of one of history’s most iconic artists will come this summer to the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) in Hendersonville, Tenn. The exhibit, titled Picasso: Master in Clay, will run Aug. 17 to Oct. 20 and will feature more than 60 of the legendary Pablo Picasso’s highly stylized ceramic works. On loan from the Park West Museum in Southfield, Mich., this amazing collection, one of the most impressive of its kind in the world, is coming to Tennessee for the first time.
“I think visitors to Monthaven will be both surprised and charmed when they see Picasso’s beautiful ceramic works,” says Cheryl Strichik, executive director of the Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. “Picasso is best known for his forays into cubism and primitivism, which have themes that are often dark and somber. His ceramic works show a completely different side of his creative personality, a side that is joyful and playful. We are honored to showcase this large collection.”
Picasso was 64 years old and a world-renowned master painter when he decided to make a serious study of ceramics. He was visiting an annual pottery exhibition in the South of France in 1946 when he happened upon a display from a studio called Madoura, owned by a couple named Georges and Suzanne Ramié. The Ramié family welcomed the famed artist into their studio and gave him access to all the tools and resources he would need to create his own ceramics. This initial invitation evolved into a 25-year partnership between the Spanish master and the Madoura Studio, a collaborative venture that ultimately resulted in Picasso creating hundreds of original plates, bowls, pitchers, vases and other functional clay objects.
In decorating these works, Picasso allowed his imagination free rein. His embellishments were almost always playful, depicting Greek mythological figures and bullfighting scenes along with the faces some of his friends and acquaintances. Often, pitchers were transformed into watchful owls.
Picasso enjoyed ceramics because it was a relaxing outlet for his imagination. He also appreciated it because it allowed him to create works in bulk as a part of an edition that could be purchased through the Madoura Studio. The availability of editions of up to 25 pieces allowed ordinary art lovers to purchase an original Picasso, something the master absolutely loved.
Albert Scaglione, founder of the Park West Museum, has been an avid collector of Picasso’s ceramics for decades. Over the years, he has assembled a truly substantial collection. Many of these pieces will be making their way to Monthaven for Picasso: Master in Clay, sponsored by the Park West Foundation.
The Park West Museum is a non-profit museum located in Park West Gallery’s Southfield, Michigan headquarters. The museum reopened following an extensive remodeling that added two new galleries to the facility. Admission to the museum is free to the public, ensuring that anyone who desires to learn more about art can enjoy the collection.
Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center is conveniently located off Gallatin Pike just three miles east of Rivergate Mall. The place serves as a haven for the arts, hosting major art exhibitions throughout the year. It also offers classes and summer camps on art and film for children and adults. Monthaven Mansion is available to rent for weddings, receptions, showers, corporate team-building classes and private parties. For more information, visit www.monthavenartsandculturalcenter.com or call (615) 822-0789.