EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS

 
 
 

 
 

Upcoming Exhibition
Coming Summer 2009


Life Along Water Street


Exhibition organized by the Columbus Museum of Art
This exhibition is funded in part by the David Johns Family in memory of David L. Johns

 

Coming Fall 2009
The Shakers: Abiding Inspiration in Faith and Design
October 3, 2009-January 3, 2010
Curator: Charles Muller

Exhibition Archive


Jenny Holzer, twice told
April 30-September 26, 2005
twice told, an original installation by internationally acclaimed artist and Lancaster native Jenny Holzer, explored ideas of place and history using journals, diaries and letters by nineteenth century citizens of Fairfield County. Holzer, a graduate of Ohio University and the Rhode Island School of Design, displayed the historic texts using electronic signs that washed the galleries of the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio in light. In addition, Holzer incorporated period beds in the galleries of the Reese-Peters House. Holzer has said, "What surrounds us can shape us. I focused on beds--where the next letters or diary entries are penned, and where the last ones are read and re-read. Objects are silent; they keep secrets well, but they hint." 


Russel Wright: Living with Good Design
May 6-September 3, 2006
Described as a mini-blockbuster by Cincinnati Enquirer travel writer Marilyn Bauer, Living with Good Design took visitors on a journey through the life and career of America's first celebrity designer. The exhibition began with a look at Wright's earliest designs, giftware sold to New York City boutiques, and progressed through the years of his American Modern line, which sold a quarter of a billion pieces from 1939 to 1959. Guests learned of Wright's work in Asia and his commercial success in America's largest department stores. Beyond product design, Wright led Americans toward a more casual style of life, encouraging a new generation to live more efficiently and comfortably. The clean lines of his designs and his egalitarian philosophy were echoed in his firm belief that "good design is for everyone."


Pieced Together: Historic & Contemporary Quilts & Fiber Arts
April 28-September 2, 2007
Pieced together offered a unique look at the art quilt movement and its ancestral roots in traditional quilt making. Focusing on and dividing the purpose of quilts into two separate entities, between quilts made for the bed and quilts destined for the wall, the exhibition revealed a visual melding of ideas in fiber from different eras. Curator Michelle Stitzlein invited ten noted quilt and fiber artists from across the country to participate in the exhibition, and through their artwork, demonstrated the innovative techniques that are being utilized in quilts and fiber today. These participants, some recognized as founding artists of the international art quilt movement beginning in the 1970s, were exhibiting works from their most current series. The historical portion of the exhibition included quilts that were originally created for functional purposes. These quilts from central Ohio collections, illustrated art that transcends pure function to create strong visual statements that just happened to "keep you warm at night."


The Artist's Hand, Dard Hunter and the American Arts & Crafts Movement
June 7-August 31, 2008
The Artist's Hand told the story of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and Ohio native Dard Hunter. Co-curators, Eileen Wallace, bookbinding artist and proprietor of Mile Wide Press, and Dard Hunter III, grandson of Dard Hunter, took guests on a journey through the movement with examples of furniture, stained glass, pottery, jewelry and paper making.
The Arts and Crafts Movement began in the latter part of the nineteenth century as a response to the Industrial Revolution in England. Those who embraced the movement, such as Arts and Crafts legend William Morris, were protesting the low standards of design in artifacts produced by machine and wanted to get closer to the actual process of creation. The Arts and Crafts philosophy moved its way into the U.S. in the early 20th century and was practiced by famous craftsmen and designers such as Gustav Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright. Also instrumental to the movement was Roycroft artist, Dard Hunter of Chillicothe, Ohio (born in 1883 and died in 1966). In addition to the Hunters' work, the exhibition included an overview of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and its impact on U.S. culture and styles found in furniture stores and boutiques today.

Events

Excursions

The Ohio Historical Center: Soul! Art from the National Afro-American Museum
Thursday, July 16 Depart 9:00 a.m., Return 2:30 p.m.
$25 members, volunteers and OHDAA members/ $30 non-members
The Historical Center is a significant example of the architectural style known as “Brutalism”. We will view the exhibition Soul! which explores what it means to be Black in America through the paintings, sculpture, prints and textiles created by African-American artists over the past 200 years. Excursion fee includes admission to the Historical Center and a box lunch after the tour.

Lunch and Learn at the Center
Tuesday, July 21
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Free
Bring a brown bag lunch and take advantage of this opportunity to explore Along Water Street: New Work by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson. Staff will present an overview of the exhibition over lunch in the Double Parlors, followed by a private docent-guided tour in the galleries. Coffee/tea will be furnished.

Programs

 

 

     
   
Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
145 East Main Street • Lancaster, Ohio • 43130
(740) 681-1423 • Fax (740) 681-2713