In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, burst into flames because sparks fell on oil-covered debris floating on its surface. News of the burning river captured artist Lynn Benson’s imagination and inspired her to study how human activity affects a vitally important resource: water. In a range of mediums, Benson represents bodies of water implicated in environmental and political struggles. The Beach Museum of Art and The Volland Store Gallery are collaborating to offer two exhibitions in the region featuring Benson’s work: the first opening in February at the Beach Museum of Art, the second going up in May, 2018 at The Volland Store Gallery.
The Beach Museum of Art exhibition unveils the acquisition of Benson’s Waterplaces, a suite of 101 drawings on vellum paper. The exhibition will also present the artist’s 2018 Friends of the Beach Museum of Art Gift Print, Dancing on the Table. This work reflects Benson’s interest in water sources that flow under the ground such as the Ogallala Aquifer in parts of Western Kansas and surrounding states. Benson brings attention to this hidden natural treasure in a chine collé lithograph with gold leaf and coloring applied by hand.
The new gift print will be available for purchase after February 13, 2018, with a 25% discount for Friends at the annual $100 level and above. For more information on supporting the museum as a Friend or purchasing a gift print contact Robin Lonborg at 785-532-7718 or rlonborg@k-state.edu
Related events:
At the Beach Museum of Art
Telling Water’s Story: Art, Science, and Narrative, featuring Cynthia Barnett, Peter Dorhout, and Lynn Benson
Thursday, March 8, 5:30 p.m.
Artist Talk by Lynn Benson
Thursday, April 5, 5:30 p.m.
Water Stories School Tour:
Students will investigate works from the Beach Museum of Art permanent collection related to water by various artists, including Lynn Benson, Herschel Logan, and photographer Jim Richardson. Students will think about Kansas water issues and the environment and learn more about Kansas waterways above and below ground. Discussions will address environmental science standard K-ESS3.
At The Volland Store Gallery, Alma, Kansas
Telling Water’s Story: Art, Science, and Narrative, featuring Cynthia Barnett and Jeff Davidson
Saturday, March 10, 2018, 1 p.m.
River Compositions by Lynn Benson
May 5-July 15, 2018
Curator’s talk by Aileen June Wang on the art of Lynn Benson
May 20, 2018, 2 p.m.
See other upcoming exhibitions and programs on our website beach.ksu.edu.