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Chesterwood to throw a closing party for the annual contemporary sculpture exhibition with a site-specific light show by Joe Wheaton
STOCKBRIDGE, MA (September 30, 2024) – Chesterwood, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the historic home and studio of renowned American sculptor Daniel Chester French, announces a free closing party for the 46th annual contemporary sculpture show “Birth of a Shadow” on Saturday, October 19th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The evening begins with an optional tour led by several of the exhibiting artists and concludes with a wine and cheese reception while viewing “No Shadows Here”, a site-specific light show projected onto the façade of the historic Studio by sculptor and video producer Joe Wheaton. These projections will combine unrelated topics and subject matter to create a new world where context and recognizable imagery is reimagined. Paired with sound, the result is a dreamlike and curious reality full of surprise and engagement.
Reservations are requested at www.chesterwood.org/
“Birth of a Shadow” is a site-specific contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibition, guest curated by gallerist Lauren Clark of Lauren Clark Fine Art and Childs + Clark Gallery in Great Barrington. Clark has chosen seven regional sculptors whose work serves as an evocative exploration of the intersection between light, space, and form – thoughtfully placed throughout Chesterwood’s woodland walks and grounds. The artists include Peter Barrett, Peter Dellert, DeWitt Godfrey, Wendy Klemperer, Michael Thomas, Natalie Tyler and Joe Wheaton.
“As viewers navigate around and through the sculptures, the dynamic relationship between light and shadow unfolds, inviting introspection into the nature of creation and the hidden dimensions that give life to the tangible and intangible,” states curator Lauren Clark. “I chose the works based on how the movement of the suns and clouds would continuously shift the light in which they are viewed.” Peter Barrett works in steel shapes, finding inspiration from a foundry where he once worked, with a focus on the effects of shadows. Peter Dellert contemplates how one uses everyday tools as a place to focus on a slower pace of life. DeWitt Godfrey’s interactive pieces are deeply rooted in the underlying geometry and mathematics of the natural world. Wendy Klemperer creates sculpture that reflects her lifelong fascination with animals and uses welding as a three-dimensional gesture drawing. Michael Thomas’s work revolves around the concept of recycling salvaged materials from the Industrial Age. Natalie Tyler finds her inspiration from nature and places her focus on the effects of climate change. Joe Wheaton uses recognizable materials and relationships in configurations that serve to re-evaluate how one perceives what might at first seem obvious.
“We are thrilled to work with a local curator who is highlighting so many talented artists in our region” states interim executive director Michael Lynch. “For 46 years Chesterwood has celebrated Daniel Chester French’s legacy by promoting sculpture that is unique, intriguing, and often playful and fun. These works of art enliven the landscape, encourage contemplation of the natural world, and provide another layer of meaning and beauty to the experience of visiting our historic site.”
Chesterwood is the Gilded Age home, studio, and gardens of American sculptor Daniel Chester French. The 122-acre landscape contains mountain views, formal gardens, and woodland trails as well as a vast collection of original sculpture, paintings, and furniture. French’s life and artistic achievements are explored through guided tours and educational programs, while contemporary artists are supported and advanced through residencies and sculpture exhibitions. The site also hosts special performances in dance, music, theater, and poetry, as well as deep dive tours, children's activities, and art classes.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation® is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places to enrich our future, reimagining historic sites for the 21st century. The guiding principle of this initiative is that historic sites must be dynamic, relevant, and evolving to foster an understanding of history and culture that is critical, sensory, and layered.
Photo: A still from “No Shadow Here” by Joe Wheaton