KENNEDY MUSEUM OF ART

SUMMER 2008 MAGAZINE OHIO UNIVERSITY

> > > DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

While interviewing for this position in the fall, I heard the word “potential”
used by virtually everyone involved in the process. Kennedy Museum of
Art has now been opened to the public for eleven years and much has been
achieved in that brief time period. The Museum’s reputation for offering
fine exhibitions and quality educational programming is well established.
Nonetheless, many people foresee even brighter days ahead.

When one examines the history of museums, the dynamic nature of

such institutions is evident. Overall, they are constantly developing their
collections and transforming public and gallery spaces. Clearly, museums
embrace the reality that visitors’ expectations evolve with time and must
be addressed. Collecting organizations also realize that they compete with
entertainment venues with enormous capital. Accordingly, museums have
learned to adapt with limited resources. They are in fact community-gathering
places, which offer experiences with authentic treasures.

So, what is the potential for Kennedy Museum of Art? It is limitless as long
as it is viewed it as consequential to the social and cultural fabric of the
community. Museums do not exist or flourish in a vacuum. Both the Museum
and the communities being served must come together if the potential is to
be fully realized.

During the upcoming years, we will be focused on realizing the potential

of your museum. Key initiatives include acquiring accreditation, cultivating
community partnerships, increasing public awareness and visitation, and
building the collection.

We, the staff of the Museum, have the honor of caring for and exhibiting the
collection but ultimately, it is the public’s interaction with the art that brings
the Museum to life. Your participation is very important and welcomed – be it
as member, visitor and/or volunteer. I look forward to seeing you at Kennedy
Museum of Art.

Edward E. Pauley
The John B. and Dareth A. Gerlach Director
On the cover:
Moving Bull, Murray
Stern, oil on canvas.
 > > > 2007 ACQUISITIONS

Gift of 2 paintings by Hiro Yokose, from Craig Jacobson on behalf of Hansen,

Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren and Richman, LLP.

Gift of 32 paintings and drawings by Murray Stern, from Gladys Bailin Stern,
adding to her previous two gifts of Murray’s work in 2005 and 2006.
Pictured: Casualty No. 2, Murray Stern, oil on canvas; 1976.

Gift of Navajo weavings, pottery, and artwork from Dr. Gifford Doxsee.

Gift of 48 prints from the Cleveland Print Club, given by R. Budd and Janet
Kelsey Werner. Artists represented in this gift include Will Barnet, Leonard
Baskin, Elizabeth Catlett, Bridget Riley and Gabor Peterdi.
Pictured: Self Portrait, Leonard Baskin, lithograph; 1985.

KMA COLLECTION ON CAMPUS > > >

> 14 works in Cutler Hall and the President’s office
> 9 works in the offices of the Cutler Scholars Program, Trisolini House
> 12 prints in the COFA Dean’s office, Jennings House
> 4 prints in the office of the V.P. for Development, McGuffey Hall
> 8 works in Latitude 39 restaurant in Baker Center Landlure, Syd Solomon, acrylic on
canvas; 1983.
> 13 works in the Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Affairs on the Ridges As seen in Latitude 39 restaurant.
> > > CURRENT EXHIBITION

THE ART OF MURRAY STERN

“In a complicated painting,

everything has to be
absolutely telling.”
- Murray Stern

This summer, Kennedy
Museum of Art is proud to display
the work of local artist Murray Stern
(1927 - 1985) in an exhibition that
will showcase both his technical
proficiency as an artist and his
compassion as a human being. Often
considered a social realist, Stern was
an outspoken man whose outrage
against political injustice and human
suffering was a common theme in
his paintings. To those who knew
him, Stern was also a skilled debater,
a natural teacher, a loyal friend, and
a loving father and husband. The
Museum is thrilled to be able to
introduce the man and his works to
a new generation of viewers in the
upcoming exhibition Politics and
Portraits: The Art of Murray Stern.
Murray and his wife, Gladys
Bailin Stern, chose to leave New
York City in the early 70’s to raise
their young son. When Bailin Stern,
now Distinguished Professor Emerita
of Dance at Ohio University (OU),
was offered a teaching position
at the School of Dance at OU, the
family relocated to Athens, Ohio.
“I think moving to Athens marked
a big turning point in Murray’s
life and work,” Gladys remarks.
“From 1972 to1985, I’ve never seen
anyone so prolific.” Murray built
his own “dream studio” in 1978 to
give himself some much-needed
space, and there he taught private
art classes to a small group of
community members and graduate
students. With the advent of space,
Murray’s pieces became larger and
more complicated, and furthermore,
his wife notes, overtly political.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Stern
was an artist from a very young
age, and even from childhood he
was very aware of the social issues
surrounding the Great Depression
and World War II. An avid reader
and a deeply caring individual, Stern
was stoically opposed to the social
injustice he saw and read about in
the world, and he expressed that
through his art, using common
objects and images to universalize
human suffering. Even his still-
lifes are full of symbolic imagery
and humanist themes. “He would
go through drawing after drawing
until he found the key to what he
wanted to express,” Gladys remarks
solemnly. “He was very serious
about the work he did.”
Yet Stern was not at all a
depressed or withdrawn individual.
A vibrant and energetic man, he
welcomed conversation and loved
a lively debate. He never hesitated
to give his honest opinion directly
and, if need be, forcibly, but he was
never cruel, and his boldness sprang
from the same well as his sensitivity
and deep-seated emotions. His
compassion was evident in his work
and in his life, and his personality and
laughter were infectious.
Ron Kroutel, exhibition
curator and personal friend of the
late artist, comments that “Murray
Stern was a truth teller, and his work
is direct and true to his vision.” In this
exhibition, visitors will have a chance
to catch a glimpse of this vision, from
Stern’s meticulous portraits and still-
lifes to his more politically charged
collections. Though most of the
work in this retrospective exhibition
is from the Kennedy Museum of Art
Collection, many individuals have also
voluntarily lent pieces to the exhibition.
The generosity of these individuals
demonstrates that Stern did indeed
leave an impression on this community,
and his work will undoubtedly influence
those who come to experience this new
exhibition as well.
Opposite page: Football Players (#1),
Murray Stern, oil on canvas.
Politics and Portraits: The Art of
Murray Stern will run Top: Bodies, Murray Stern, oil on
canvas; 1975.
July 18 - September 28 with an
opening reception on July 18. All Bottom: Portrait of Seabury Quinn,
works pictured will be on display. Murray Stern, oil on canvas.
> > > UPCOMING EXHIBITION
Tom Schiff
OHIO UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS DOCUMENTS ARCHITECTURE THROUGH PANORAMIC LENS
This fall, the Museum will
display a fascinating collection
of panoramic photographs from
Ohio University alumnus Tom
Schiff. Schiff’s remarkable photos
show a 360-degree area in a
two-dimensional view, and offer
viewers a unique perspective
on spatial relationships that
is not visible in conventional
photography.
Schiff began his college
career at Ohio University (OU) as a
photography major, but ultimately
received a Bachelors of Business
Administration degree in 1970.
Schiff now works in the insurance
industry as CEO of John J. and
Thomas R. Schiff & Co., Inc. based
in Fairfield, OH.
Schiff’s photographs
seem to create whole new
designs out of static forms and
bring new elegance and power
to the even the simplest of
shapes. The upcoming exhibit
will showcase Schiff’s study of
dynamic architecture from around
the nation, as well as the brilliant
lights and bustling lifestyle of Los
Vegas, both of which come to life
in new and vibrant ways through
Schiff’s unique perspective. From
cathedrals and concert halls to
casinos and city lights, Schiff’s
photography will beckon viewers
to challenge their perceptions of
spatial truth by revealing to them,
in colorful and exciting ways, the
well-camouflaged secrets of great
design.
Pictured above:
Schiff’s panoramic photo of
First Christian Church in Arizona.
The exhibition, titled Inside,
Outside, and All Around: The
Panoramic Photographs of
Thomas R. Schiff, will run
October 17, 2008 - January 18,
2009 at the Kennedy Museum of
Art.
 > > > STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Emeka Ikebude:

> > > FAST FACTS

EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN ART AND HISTORY
Thanks to the diligent a piece’s origin,” says Emeka.
efforts of Ohio University graduate Sometimes the materials alone are
student Emeka Ikebude, great steps enough to distinguish the piece
are being taken to research and as the product of a certain culture
catalogue the Museum’s African or era; if not, the piece must be
collection. Emeka, analyzed according to
a teaching assistant
“I believe that the style and function.
from the department ultimate truth can be If these provide little or photo by Katie Williams
of Art History, learned found in art. Not that conflicting information,
of the collection when any one artist holds Emeka then consults > CHILDHOOD: “I was born and
his advisor suggested the key to ultimate a variety of outside raised in Nigeria, and I spent my
he work with it as a sources, including childhood drawing on anything I
supplement to his
truth, you see, but books or the Internet. could get my hands on!”
thesis on African no one is in a better “Sometimes it may
> EDUCATION: “I received my BFA
artwork. Intrigued by position to reveal his take a whole day just to in Sculpture from the University
the opportunity, he world than an artist.” classify a single piece,” of Nigeria, and currently I love to
began working with he says with a grin. experiment with different media,
museum staff and fellow students at So why all this effort? “I including digital. I really want to be
the beginning of spring quarter, and hope that one day this collection a broad-based artist.”
his hard work is already producing will be permanently open to the
some valuable results. public,” he states simply. “This is a > WHY OU? “I applied based
Emeka’s first task is to enter very valuable collection, and I hope on a suggestion from a friend in
all the pieces into the Museum’s that my work here will ultimately California, and was impressed by
database, but his primary goal is to help visitors see these pieces in the campus and the individuals I met
assess and categorize each piece their proper historical and cultural here.”
by age, function, cultural origin and context so they can appreciate the > LIKE IT? “I love it [here]. I love the
social significance. Sometimes, he creativity and intellect that went into small-town feel, the faculty, and the
says, this requires merely a basic each piece’s production. Art objects quality of education I’m receiving.
knowledge of African art and history. [on display in museums] should I’ve worked very, very hard to be
Other times, more investigation is always be related to the culture in here, and I have the opportunity to
involved. which they were made, and I want receive training that not everyone
“I always start with the to do all I can to help establish gets to have. I’m very grateful, and I
medium when I’m unsure of those links.“ don’t take it for granted.”
> > > EDUCATION

Student receives recognition for brochure

Nora Merecicky, intern
in Multimedia Design with the
Museum’s Education Department
and an Ohio University graphic
design major in the School of Art, has
recently earned national recognition
for her design at the 2008 Annual
Meeting of the American Association
of Museums. Nora designed an
informational mailer about Kennedy
Museum of Art’s Museums by Mail
program, which was displayed along
with pieces from museums across the
nation at the “Marketplace of Ideas &
Read the Fine Print” presentation at
the annual conference.
Merecicky has completed
quite a list of projects for the
Museum during the current academic
year, including designing the 2007-
2008 Kennedy Museum of Art
Educational Programs brochure,
the Academic Content Standards
brochure for the Museum’s Art of the
Zuni exhibition, and an assortment
of gallery guides and activity sheets
for visitors. She also served as
assistant designer for the interactive
components of the Art of the Zuni
website and gallery kiosk. Her work is
not limited to design only; Nora also
assists with tours to student groups
and conducts studio craft activities
for children who visit the Museum.
“I get to do more than my title
implies, which is really awesome,”
she says. “My job here combines my
interest in art history with my love of
design, and I love working with the
kids. It’s the perfect combination of
Nora Merecicky stands outside a sign in
everything I like to do!”
Zuni, New Mexico, where she continued her
This quarter, Merecicky research for the Art of the Zuni exhibition.
had a chance to expand her job
description even further when she I’ll be able to apply what I learn to
served as part of a small group future projects,” Nora says of her
from the Education Department involvement with the trip. The four-
who traveled to Zuni, New Mexico, day excursion included work at Zuni
to continue research for the Art and Gallup, New Mexico, meeting
of the Zuni exhibition. “I’ve been with consultants, doing photography
working with the Zuni materials and documentation, visiting a trading
all year, and I’m going to be here post, and collecting materials to
as an intern next year as well, so bring back to the Museum.

Past students: Where are they now?

Meghan Dillon, PACE intern for 2006-2007 as Educational Programs
Assistant, is now the Youth and Family Programs Education
Coordinator at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Congratulations, Meghan!
New offerings through the Education Department
Funded by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation grant submitted collaboratively with the Friends of the Kennedy Museum:

ART OF THE ZUNI MUSEUMS BY MAIL EXHIBIT

The newest Museums by Mail exhibit
suitcase features Zuni objects and
animal carvings, informational
notebooks, an artist demonstration
DVD, and pictures for classroom
display. Like the other 19 Museums
by Mail exhibits, the Art of the Zuni
exhibit case is available free of
charge to teachers as an independent
activity or preview to a classroom
museum visit.

PRE- AND POST-VISIT PACKET for ART OF THE ZUNI

This packet is now available to teachers to assist them in making the most out of their classroom visit to the
Kennedy Museum of Art. The packet includes lesson plans and suggestions for pre- and post-visit activities,
as well as a copy of the Ohio Academic Content Standards Brochure. Visits to the museum may provide over
100 connections to these standards in Social Studies, Fine Arts, Math and Language Arts.

Funded by the Ohio Arts Council Arts Partnership Program:

ART OF THE ZUNI FAMILY TOTE BAGS

These totes are full of activities that families can use to create their own
self-guided tour of the Art of the Zuni exhibit, including books, a mosaic magnet
board, puzzles, a take-home craft, and more! These totes are designed for use during
museum visits only, and can be obtained, free of charge, from the gallery host.

AUDIO TOUR of the ART OF THE ZUNI EXHIBIT

This free audio tour of Art of the Zuni is now available, and may
be obtained, free of charge, from the gallery host.
> > > CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Third Thursdays Family Nights, 6 – 7:30 pm
Bead International and Beyond Basketry
Note: This event takes place at the Dairy Barn Arts Center

JULY
July 4 - Museum closed

Exhibition: Politics and Portraits: The Art of Murray Stern

July 18, 2008 – September 28, 2008
Opening Reception: Friday, July 18, 2008, 6 – 8 pm

SEPTEMBER
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Inside/Outside: Art Talks at the Kennedy, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Mamerto Tindongan, Wood Sculptor

OCTOBER Thursday, October 3, 2008

Inside/Outside: Art Talks at the Kennedy, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Francia Patty, Fiber Artist with a focus in Wearables

Exhibition: Inside, Outside and All Around:

The Panoramic Photographs of Thomas R. Schiff
October 17, 2008 – January 18, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, October 17, 2008, 6 – 8 pm

NOVEMBER Thursday, November 6, 2008

Inside/Outside: Art Talks at the Kennedy, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Sandy Plunkett, Cartoonist/Illustrator
 > > > FRIENDS OF THE KENNEDY
Dear Friends of the Kennedy,

Once more I would like to thank all the membership for supporting this fine Museum, both by your
membership fees and enthusiastic presence at exhibits and receptions. We are extremely pleased to welcome
Ed Pauley as the new director of the Kennedy Museum of Art. I believe Ed is the director we have all been
waiting for. We respect his knowledge, experience, and his accessibility.

The Inside/Outside: Art Talks at the Kennedy, sponsored by the Friends of the Kennedy,
offered a wide variety of interesting speakers this year. We are looking forward to
presenting a new slate of speakers, from both inside and outside the university
community. The programs begin September 11 at 5:30. Remaining program dates for
fall quarter are October 2 and November 6. I hope to see you there in the Museum’s
upstairs space, the Christine Demler Brown Center for Art.

The Friends of the Kennedy Museum have just completed our spring fundraising
event. The Native American jewelry sale was, once again, a great success. Meg
Toomey from White’s Mill and our own Martha Bitters spearheaded the sale with the
generous help of you, the Friends.

We support the education efforts of the Museum by providing busing funds for area schoolchildren to visit
and learn about the exhibitions. The education program offered by the Kennedy Museum is one that any
museum in the country might admire. The Friends 2007/2008 Project Award winner is university student
Chrissy Dean. In addition, the Friends contributed directly to the education program with a Martha Holden
Jennings Foundation grant, implemented by the Museum’s Education Department.

This year the Friends of the Kennedy have initiated trips to artistic places of interest. Our new activities
coordinator is Margaret Thomas who would love to hear from you if you have any ideas for new and exciting
places. This past year we visited the Monet exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art, and with the generous
planning of Mary Lou Harris, spent a full day in Amish Country. All those who attended had a great time.

Finally, our annual meeting held at the Kennedy Museum of Art, was a resounding success. Over wine,
hummus (Jim Coady’s special recipe), cheese, and bread, we celebrated our year as Museum supporters.
The staff of the Museum took us behind the scenes to show us a sampling of our extensive collections. We
also welcomed two new board members, Matt Rapposelli and David Sturbois, and said farewell to Suzanne
Thompson, who has been a Friend for many years.

Thank you again, Friends of the Kennedy Museum. Please contact me for any reason whatsoever. I am
interested in your ideas.

Joyce Richardson
President of the Board
Friends of the Kennedy Museum
joyrich6@columbus.rr.com

Volume 6, Number 1
Articles in this issue were written
by Katie Williams.
This issue was designed by Laura Biel.
Kennedy Museum exhibitions and
programs are funded in part by:
Ohio University
Ohio University College of Fine Arts
Kennedy Museum Endowment Funds
The Ohio Arts Council
Friends of the Kennedy Museum
Private Donations
Ohio University is an affirmative action institution.
College of Fine Arts
Kennedy Museum of Art
Athens OH 45701-2979
www.ohio.edu/museum
kennedy.museum@ohio.edu
740.593.1304
The Kennedy Museum of Art is located in historic Lin Hall at
The Ridges on the Ohio University campus.
MUSEUM HOURS
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 12-5 pm
Thursday: 12-8 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 1-5 pm
Closed Mondays and holidays
Admission and parking are free
This publication was supported
by a grant from the Ohio Arts
Council, encouraging economic
growth, educational excellence,
and cultural enrichment for all
Ohioans.
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
ATHENS OHIO
PERMIT NO. 100