Art Connection - Spring '23 issue

The latest issue of Art Connection, our quarterly magazine, celebrates all things spring as well as how art impacts our well-being.

ART CONNECTION By the Celebration of Fine Art

Vol. 1 Issue 4 Spring 2023

VITAMIN A(RT): The connection between well-being and art

finding presence & peace in art

Issue 4 | Spring 2023

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editor’s WELCOME

"Deep Dive" by Adolfo Girala

S pring is in the air and with that comes a showcase of natural beauty all around us. New buds emerge from the trees in a vast array of greens and blooms. Colorful flowers show off their stunning spectrum of colors and intricate beauty––in gardens and out in the wild splayed across hillsides and open land everywhere one looks. The combination of the colors, shapes and textures layer together to lift our spirits. Even the atmosphere feels different as the sun, sky and Earth all release the beauty of renewal ushered in by springtime. It only seemed fitting that we devote this spring issue to the way art can make us feel inspired and give us a sense of well-being just like the breath of spring. If you have ever stopped in your tracks and been drawn into a painting, sculpture or any other work of art, you understand the soothing and stimulating ben- efits art can have on your physical and mental well-be - ing. Hospitals, airports, businesses, restaurants, and many other venues understand the power of art and how their employees, visitors and guests are impacted by it. It’s part of the reason millions are drawn to art mu- seums every year––they provide an uplifting and often rejuvenating experience for visitors. Art has the same ability to bring a sense of well-being, calm and inspira- tion into our homes and personal spaces. By all indica- tions, surrounding yourself with art is actually good for you. Our spring artist spotlight is on Adolfo Antonio Girala. His dreamy abstracts have a calming effect from the composition to the soothing color palette. His mixed

media work has layers and layers of texture and color, and his spontaneous expression of beauty and being alive can be felt in every piece he paints. Indeed, the calm and thoughtful presence of Adolfo can be felt in each of his works of art. Turn the pages to hear from both collectors and curators about how they have experienced––and watched others experience––the positive effect of art. We sit down with Kit Kough, M.A., program director for the Mayo Clinic Center for Humanities, to learn about Mayo's impressive art program and how it helps pa- tients and their family members find calm amid possi - bly challenging times. We hear from long-time collec- tors about how they have used art in their home and seen it impact others in their professional settings. Finally, use our guide to discover how you can put vitamin (A)rt to work in your life and inspire well- being in your personal surroundings. As we often say, it is an absolute joy to experience how art can lift our spirits and give us a sense of peace, calm, community, and well-being, especially in a world that can often feel disconnected and stressful. We hope this issue inspires you and lifts your spirits. Remember, to stay connected and inspired and even to add to your special collection anytime you wish, visit celebrateart.com. Here’s to your good health and well-being!

~Susan and Jake Potje

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Issue 4 | Spring 2023

Contents

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ADOLFO GIRALA How art provided an avenue for this former com- puter technician to explore and express himself.

VITAMIN A[RT]: THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WELL-BEING AND ART Art can have a significant impact on emotional and mental health. This article explores some of the ways art contributes to human health . TIPS FOR COLLECTING ART TO INSPIRE WELL-BEING Art takes on many forms and impacts us all differ- ent. Discover ways to use it to support your individual well-being. FROM THE ARTIST STUDIO: A CONVERSATION WITH BRAD AND SUNDIE RUPPERT How this husband-and-wife duo found their way to sculptural felt and innovated a sustainable art form. ACROSS AMERICA: MUST-SEE ART MU- SEUMS These are just some of our top picks for must-see art museums throughout the US.

On the cover: "Harmony" by Adolfo Girala

ART CONNECTION DISCOVER NEW AND CONNECT

480.443.7695 | info@celebrateart.com celebrateart.com

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people were drawn to his work. “I just kept painting, painting, paint- ing,” he said. “Then somebody told me about an art show in the neighborhood. I went and I remember when I sold my first piece. So, it just started like that. I never thought about making it into a business. One thing led to another.” Adolfo chose to ride the wave, allow- ing his heart and intuition to guide him and his art––something he committed to staying true to even as his career has taken off. “The work I produce today all comes from that same place of quiet and stillness,” he said. “It’s a place for me to really ground myself. Even to this day, when I’m feeling stressed, I always go to my work because it really can calm me down.” For Adolfo, the biggest lesson in creat- ing art has been learning to work from the body rather than the mind. This is when intuitive messages come through the strongest, and he’s learned when he trusts that guidance, it rarely steers him wrong. “It’s this communication that comes through––I feel like I have something guiding me,” Adolfo said. “I never over- think colors. It’s whatever color comes to mind, that is the one I acknowledge because I believe in the first thought. I don’t believe in overanalyzing it. When I’m in that area, it just doesn’t work be- cause I’m working from the mind.” While Adolfo’s work is rich with spon- taneity, it’s also easy to see that it’s guid- ed by something deeper. There’s a sense of deep exploration in each of his pieces. This is in part from the many layers and textures Adolfo uses, but also because each piece is an act of self-discovery and expression as he journeys within. “My work is more spontaneous. It’s more about just being in the moment,” he said. “That’s how I express myself. That’s how I express the beauty that I feel. Words are not enough for me. Art is really an expression of being alive and being here.” Allowing intuition to guide expression Sharing calm, beauty and love As much as Adolfo’s art is a personal journey and an expression of the love and beauty he is experiencing in that moment, he believes others can feel it too when they view his work. For that reason, he’s made it a priority to always create from the heart. “My art is a place where I can dis- charge,” he said. “It’s very personal and people feel that when they see my work. They feel a sense of peace, calmness,

balance, and creativity. It comes from the heart.” Adolfo believes in the powerful impact art has on humans and sees it as his responsibility to create and represent beauty, positivity and tranquility in his work. “When you look at art, it creates an ex- perience of sensations––and you might not even realize it,” Adolfo said. “For in- stance, if you like blue, you may not even realize it but there’s part of your body that responds positively when you see it. Those feelings come from sensations in different parts of your body. Colors and shapes have a big influence on us humans. It’s how we express ourselves and create everything around us.”

Watch Adolfo's interview here.

“when people see my work they tell me how peaceful it seems to them.”

“Art is really an

Mixed media artist Adolfo Girala never intended to pursue art as a pro- fession. In fact, it wasn’t even on his radar. Growing up in Cuba, he wasn’t exposed to art. It wasn’t much talked about or celebrated for that matter. As such, Adolfo had his sites set on pursuing a career in technology. In 1980, he moved to the US to earn a degree as a technician and subse- quently landed a job with Learjet. He repaired computers for the defense industry for nearly two decades. But somewhere along that path, he felt like something was missing––he wanted something more soul-filling. “I was a pretty good technician, but halfway down the line, I kind of got bored with my job,” Adolfo said. “But I didn’t know what else I was going to do. I knew I didn’t want to be an en- gineer. I’m really bad with numbers. In my spare time, I started painting incense holders and little pots that I would give for Christmas. Then I start-

ed experimenting and buying other art supplies, and I just had so much fun.” In that process, Adolfo also realized an almost therapeutic effect. For the first time, he experienced what it was like to feel fully present, connected and completely immersed in what he was doing. “Art came to me when I needed it most,” he said. “It was sort of like a gift or something that for the very first time allowed me to just be––be here and enjoy the process. It brought me a sense of calmness and peace because I had a place to go to com- pletely disconnect. I found it pretty fascinating.” Finding flow in peace and art As Adolfo ventured deeper into the world of art, he allowed the cards to fall where they may, not putting too much pressure on making a career of it. As he’d soon discover, though,

expression of being alive and being here. That’s how I express the beauty that I feel.”

"Playing with Colors"

"Colors"

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ating and participating in art therapy routines, does in fact decrease stress levels in participants. In 2021, a group of university re- searchers wanted to better understand the clinical applications and future uses of art therapy as a medical inter- vention for individuals with mental and emotional disorders. They discov- ered nearly 500 studies and research records published between 2006 and 2020 confirming the positive outcomes of art therapy on reducing depression, anxiety and stress across a wide swath of subjects from cancer patients to chil- dren to individuals with dementia and even those coping with mild stress and anxiety. Why does art have mood-boosting abilities? For some, it helps facilitate engagement when verbal interaction is strained. For others, it may spark a fond memory or provide an escape. And perhaps most importantly, art can give individuals an indirect way to connect with others and experience a sense of connection and community––some- thing that has become increasingly important over the last few years. “Spending so much time at home during the pandemic, we sort of lived and breathed with our art at home,” Pierre said. “It became an important part of our well-being.” Laura noted that during that time, art enabled them to feel a sense of connection not only to the art, but also to the artist who created it. And while art impacts everyone different, creating very individual experiences, it still man- ages to bring people and communities together, whether it’s through a large- scale public installation, a performance or a piece of wall art. “I think people view art individually according to their previous experienc- es,” Laura said. “It’s almost like taste. No two people taste the same food the same way. And I think art has a unique way of touching each individual in their own personal way. But it also has a way of bringing us together collectively as a community, as a sense of purpose and groundedness.” Connection and expression are fundamental human needs and art provides a two-way channel for both. An artist may paint a painting, write a poem or compose a piece of music as a way to process or express their emo- tions. That piece of art may then strike a chord with a viewer, reader or listener in a way that makes them feel under- stood or heard––it gives them a voice and a feeling of deep connection. “It’s an amazing way to express our-

selves,” Pierre said. “Expression is not all about language. For me at least, it’s often a deeply emotional experience. As a consumer of art, I feel things that

waiting for an appointment or enjoy- ing a concert––either the full hour of performance or while you’re on your way to somewhere else––it changes

I can’t necessarily put into words and I experience the creativity of the artist with respect and admiration and awe. It helps me understand the world a little better.” Art and healing “Art is who we are, which is why we think about it most broadly as humanities,” said Kit Kough, M.A., program director for the Mayo Clinic Center for Human- ities in Medicine.

"As a consumer of art, I feel things that I can’t necessarily put into words...It helps me understand the world a little better.”

VITAMIN A(RT)

the atmosphere.” Art has been an important part of the patient journey at Mayo Clinic since its inception. Beginning with their first custom-designed building in 1914, the Mayo Brothers led the way for healing spaces designed to help patients “find

“It is about being human. It’s how we express ourselves. It’s how we process things. So, when we think about arts in health care––where we’re incorporat- ing art into that process of healing––it can take so many forms. Whether it’s taking in the art galleries while you’re

some measure of peace and solace while awaiting their appoint- ments with the physician.” In 1980, Mayo Clinic further expanded on this princi- ple with what would become the Mayo Clin- ic Center for Humanities in Medicine. The Center includes programs rang- ing from music performances to rotating art ex- hibits to bedside arts programs to theater to work- shops. Take a stroll on any of the Mayo Clinic campuses and you’re likely to find sculp - tures dotting the outdoor gardens and walkways, pianos and harps

The connection between well-being and art

T he Beatles said, “Love is all you need.” But maybe there is something else. Maybe there’s a precursor to this sentiment. And maybe that thing is art. Not to discredit the Beatles. Love is certainly important. But art has been a part of human expression since the beginning of humanity, and its positive impact on well-being has long been acknowledged. From ancient cave paintings to modern-day art therapy, art has the power to heal, transform, spark passion, evoke joy and bliss, and unlock the imagination. And the body of research and scientific evidence surrounding art’s impact on mental and physical well-being, brain function, and emotion continues to grow. Art and the brain Art can have a profound impact on mental health, and in more recent years, evidence has emerged proving art enhances brain function. It has a positive impact on brain wave patterns and emotions, the nervous system, and has even been shown to raise serotonin

levels. In fact, according to research published in The Arts in Psychothera- py journal, blood flow increased in the medial prefrontal cortex–– the brain’s reward center––when participants completed various art activities. Indeed, art has the power to change the way you view and experience the world. It provides a tool for expressing and processing emotion, especially when it’s difficult to put those into words. And this is just one reason why art has become such an integral part of many healthcare centers and systems throughout the world. For Laura Jakimovich, clinical trial manager at Banner, and Pierre Tariot, MD, institute director for Banner Alz- heimer’s Institute, both of whom work with individuals with degenerative brain diseases, art is used as a tool to help their patients connect and express themselves. “We’re both in health care and deal primarily with people who have, or are at risk of, degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease,” Pierre said. “Our team has learned that art and mu-

sic offer ways for people who may have trouble expressing themselves verbally to still express themselves, connect in emotionally powerful ways and expe- rience joy, whether it’s through visual arts, performance arts or music.” Art therapy has also been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And its benefits are not limited to those who create it. “When you observe a profound piece of art you are potentially firing the same neurons as the artist did when they created it thus making new neural pathways and stimulating a state of inspiration,” wrote Jacob Devaney, artist and founder of Culture Collective. “This sense of being drawn into a painting is called ‘embodied cognition’.” Art and emotional well-being While anecdotal evidence may be enough to validate the idea that art can reduce stress and anxiety levels, studies abound confirming that viewing, cre -

Artwork by Sheri Meldrum hangs at the Mayo Clinic.

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set up for live concerts, and walls lined with art spanning all mediums, even poetry. In fact, you may even recognize works from several Celebration of Fine Art artists including Heidi Rosner, Kath- leen Hope, Matthew Sievers, and Sheri Meldrum, to name a few. People will tell us what a difference

why a minor key makes us sad and why an upbeat tune is great for a power walk or run. It really does affect some- thing inside. There’s also something in being seen. When people see art or experience art that really resonates with them, in a way, they are being seen. That’s why people will return to a

dividuals who’ve been expressionless for some time. “There are certain artistic pieces that, even for a person who doesn’t speak much or at all, they will try to start talking––what they like, what they don’t like, what they’re feeling,” Pierre said. “It stimulates circuits––

not have selected most of their work for the human health benefits, there are several pieces in their collection that do contribute to a healthy space. Among these is a series of works from Brad and Sundie Ruppert. Laura and Pierre chose these not only for aesthetic appeal but also for function. The sculp- tural felt artwork provides sound-damp- ening and reduces echo and reverber- ation, adding to the acoustical comfort of the space, which has been shown to support productivity, focus and memo- ry retention, and even reduce stress. “We chose a lot of hard surfaces in our home,” Laura said. “And some of the choices of art being ceramic or wood, it created a pretty significant echoing and a damping of the sounds you wanted to hear.” Their architect gave them a few rec- ommendations on how to mitigate the issue with, and one of them happened to be with the use of felt throughout the space. When they saw the sculptur- al felt artwork, it was kismet. “We took one look at Brad and Sundie’s work, and said, ‘Whoa! Let’s talk!’,” Pierre said. “So we have quite a bit of felt artwork here. It’s beautiful and functional.” There was one other piece in par- ticular that Laura and Pierre credit for providing a much-needed escape during the pandemic––a large abstract, multi-media piece by past Celebration of Fine Art artist Sondra Wampler. “I’ve probably gazed at that piece for

it [the art installations] made in their day,” Kit said. “First of all, because it’s often unexpected. It’s sort of that delightful surprise in your day or something that takes you out of something complicated. But we’ll also hear things like with our bedside arts, where people will say, ‘I was in such terrible pain today, and this helped.’ Or ‘I was really stressed out, and this calmed me down.’ And to be able to offer it to our staff as well, for

emotional circuits and percep- tual circuits that are still working and this taps into them. We are wired to perceive our environ- ment carefully. If you go back half a million years, you really needed to understand your environment or you wouldn’t make it. So, we’re very tuned into patterns and face recognition, and even when we can’t talk well or remember well, those circuits are working.” In fact, Pierre said there have been seven independent neural circuits identified in the primate brain whose sole purpose is facial recognition. It’s believed these

"When people see art or experience art that really resonates with them, in a way, they are being seen."

those moments of respite, reflection, or just a moment to process, there’s so much value in that.” What is it about art that creates such a visceral response in humans? As it turns out, there’s some neuroscience behind it. “We are, in many ways, wired for art,” Kit said. “Whether that is a particular cadence or rhythm––there’s a reason

certain piece of music or art.” As Kit explains, whether it’s getting lost in a novel or song, or venturing into a painting, art allows you to travel to new places, return to fond memories or imagine yourself in a different setting. But even when art doesn’t resonate with an individual, it still stimulates something inside––and often it’s pow- erful enough to evoke sensations in in-

are hardwired in the brain because it’s an important survival mechanism. In a fraction of a second, the brain can gather a lot of intelligence that enables it to make sense of the envi- ronment and how to proceed. “The most dangerous thing on the veldt half a million years ago was an- other human,” Pierre said. “You had to understand quickly that it was a

Artwork by Kathleen Hope hangs at the Mayo Clinic.

homosapien and quickly figure out if they were friend or foe. We don’t think about this in daily life and we don’t talk about it, but art taps into that in ways that we don’t necessarily understand.”

perience, stimulating emotion, provid- ing an escape, bridging a connection, bringing nature and joy into the built environment, and, in some cases, add- ing to the acoustical comfort. “If you think about what the arts can do, it’s never ending,” Kit said. “It’s

Art and the physical environment

Similarly, more and more research is coming out about how the spaces people occupy impact health on a physical, mental and neural level–– and often this may be in ways that are not immediately obvious, but are immediately felt. Now, everything from thermal com- fort to lighting to the incorporation of nature and even acoustic design is considered when creating spaces that are conducive to human health. And art can play a key role in many of these areas. For instance, adding nature scenes or sculptures made of natural ma- terials can bring nature into a space where it didn’t previously exist. Serene music or wall art can offer moments of respite. Light installations offer a creative way to bring additional light into a space. And there’s even art that can add to the acoustical comfort of a space. For Laura and Pierre, they’ve ex- perienced not only the healing and therapeutic power of art through their work with patients, but also firsthand at home. While they may

Sculptural felt by Brad and Sundie Ruppert creates acoustical comfort and beauty.

50 hours,” Pierre said. “Every time I look at it, I see something different––emo- tion, motion, intensity, endless ways of perceiving it.” That’s the beauty of art, it can touch nearly every aspect of the human ex-

this whole spectrum of engagement. Whether you’re sitting and taking it in or whether you’re actively participating in it as part of your healing journey.”

Watch the Vitamin A(rt) video here.

"Lavender Serenity" by Heidi Rosner

"Canyon Sunset" by Beth Zink

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Collection of works by Timothy Weldon

tranquility or something that will motivate, inspire or energize you or your team? This will help guide the place- ment.

Remember, too, art is limit- less. There is artwork that can engage nearly every sense–– sight, touch, hearing, and even smell. 4. Rotate your art Change the artwork in your space every few months to keep things fresh and inter- esting. This will allow you to enjoy your collection in new ways and avoid becoming bored or complacent with your surroundings. You may even discover something new about the piece that you didn't previously see. 5. Invest in quality Consider investing in high-quality artwork that will last for years to come. This can be a meaningful and valuable addition to your collec- tion, and can also be passed down as a family heirloom. There’s something to be said for the high level of craft that goes into artisan pieces. It

Tips for Collecting Art to Inspire Well-being

3. Experiment with different styles

Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles of art to create a unique and eclec- tic look. This can add depth and interest to your space, as well as reflect your person - ality and taste. In an office setting, this can also help tell the story of your company and culture.

Guest visit Jon Linton at the Celebration of Fine Art

Knowing the profound impact art can have on well-being and mood, how do you begin to incorpo- rate it into your environment, whether home or office, to maximize its benefits? Naturally, because art is so subjective, not every piece of art will have the same impact on everyone. What sparks joy for one individual may turn off another. There are, however, ways to make sure you get the most out of it.

brings a certain energy and sense of connection to a space. Pay attention to the feeling the artwork evokes in you and what you want to achieve in your space, and you’ll be sure to create a beautiful and inspiring environment that promotes positivity and well-being, whether it’s at home or in an office setting.

1. Choose art you love If it’s for your home, select art that speaks to you personally, whether it's a painting, sculpture, photo- graph, or any other medium. When you surround yourself with art that you love, you will naturally feel hap-

2. Display artwork strategically

pier and more inspired. If it’s in an office setting with multiple people, you might gather input from the team, or select pieces that speak to the type of culture and environ- ment you are trying to cultivate.

Consider the size and placement of the artwork when displaying it. Large pieces can be a focal point in a room, while smaller pieces can be grouped together for maximum impact. Location matters, too. Do you want the piece to greet you or your guests when you arrive home or at your office? Or do you want it to be the first thing you see when you wake up? Placing pieces at eye level will also allow viewers to fully appreciate the details and beauty of the piece, so think about wheth- er you will be sitting or standing in the space. Also consider lighting and glare. A spotlight on a piece can draw the eye in and create a striking appearance, while glare can detract from the piece and create an unpleasant experience. Finally, consider the use of the space. What activities will be tak- ing place in the area? Are you after

"Birds on a Line" by Kathleen Hope

"The Scorer" by Gedion Nyanhongo

Stainless steel sculpture by Ryan Schmidt

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feather, and the third thing was a rooster. Once I saw the layering of the feathers and the texture, I knew we had something.” That was nine years ago, and through their artwork, Brad and Sundie have helped Gree- ley Hat Works become a nearly zero-waste busi - ness. “We were look- ing for something move on from the found object art- work we were do- ing,” Sundie said. “We’ve always worked as a team, and I was hesitant about the felt at different and were ready to first, but Brad was the one who had a vision and want- ed to bring the material home

menting with dying the felt. It took two years, but they finally found a process that worked, and this unlocked a new world of possibility. Today, their work ranges from ab- stract objects to very detailed animals and wall art to sculpture. In more re- cent years, Brad and Sundie happened upon some new uses for their work. Artists often challenge themselves to evolve and test the limits of their cho- sen mediums, but sometimes it’s the suggestion of a collector that opens the door to a realm of new possibilities. That was the case with Laura Jaki- movich and Pierre Tariot. The couple was on the hunt for something to help with the acoustics in their home, as all of the hard surfaces had created sig- nificant echoing. One look at Brad and Sundie’s sculptural felt, and they knew they had found their solution. “When they asked us about it being used for sound dampening, I felt like a cartoon character with a lightbulb going off over my head,” Sundie said. “So, our works can be used in homes or public spaces to change the acous- tics of a space and create intimacy in cavernous rooms.” In addition to the sound dampen- ing, they discovered yet another use, through a collector, that had more to do with the tactile nature of their work. “We’ve always thought about the From form to form and function tactile qualities of our work, and there are a number of values to it, but we’ve spoken with collectors and friends about how loved ones with autism or those who are vision-impaired enjoy interacting with our pieces,” Sundie said. “One mother who has a non-ver- bal son told us she has noticed her son no longer uses the noise-canceling headphones in their home. And this is something I’d like to explore further. I just know there is something more to happen with this.” In exploring this unconventional medium, the Rupperts have unlocked layers of meaning and purpose. From developing new artistic techniques for felt remnants to uncovering practical and therapeutic applications for their pieces, and even helping a century-old hat shop create a nearly zero-waste business, Sundie and Brad have gained so much by working with the once-dis- carded felt scraps.

FROM THE ARTIST STUDIO: A CONVERSATION WITH BRAD & SUNDIE RUPPERT

F or decades, Sundie and Brad Rup- pert had been finding creative uses for found objects. And had become known for their artful renditions of signage made almost entirely of repur- posed items. But a fortuitous commis- sion for indoor and outdoor signage for a cowboy hat store completely changed the trajectory of their career. “A client’s commission for a new store sign led us down the trail to cus- tom, hand-carved signage, and one of those signs opened the front door of Greeley Hat Works,” Sundie said. “While we were installing the Greeley sign, we asked owner/master hatter Trent John- son about how hats were made.” Trent took them on a behind-the- scenes tour. They got to see how the hats were made and also discovered the process left behind beautiful scraps of felt. And it was then a lightbulb went off in Brad’s head. “When Brad first asked Trent about what happens to the scrap felt, I thought, ‘What in the world are you thinking of?’,” Sundie said. A question most would’ve asked. Af- ter all, the scrap in question was noth- ing more than thin felt rings cut from the brim of the cowboy hats. Still, these were headed for the trash bin and Brad

couldn’t help but imagine a possible use for them. From dot-com to a vintage turkey Brad and Sundie’s path has been anything but conventional. The duo met in college while studying graphic design. After college, they found their way to corporate America where they worked as graphic designers and remained until the dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s. At that point, they decided to go freelance, designing and composing magazines and books. All the while, they were creating art on the side and selling their work at various art shows on the weekend. Initially, the couple had planned to pursue art full time after they retired, but in 2008, as their graphic design business wound down, they decided to move every- thing forward. “We stumbled into art through our son’s second-grade family art project,” Sundie said. “We crafted a turkey from vintage ceiling tins, an oil can head, and watch-face eyes. When our son turned it in, the phone began to ring and we took five orders. Suddenly, we found ourselves on a new path.”

"Mick Jaguar" by Brad & Sundie Ruppert

That serendipitous class assignment eventually evolved into a more than two-decade-long career as found-ob- ject sculptors. Brad and Sundie began traveling across the country in search of novel objects they could reimagine into new works of art. “We began to see everything for what it could be, rather than what it was,” Sundie said. “A concrete trowel became a face. Golf clubs were horse

heads. Some were old trinkets scav- enged from roadsides, others were treasures found in nature.” As their business grew, they began to find success in the Western industry, creating horses, bison and cowboys from their collection of objects. That led them to custom sign creation and eventually to the doorstep of Greeley Hat Works.

and see what he could come up with.” The couple has fallen in love with this unconventional medium for its texture, flexibility, versatility, and even its sus - tainability. And over the years, they’ve been able to expand how they’re using it. “We began to see everything for what it could be, rather than what it was." In the beginning, their color palette was relatively limited to neutral colors that made up a bulk of the hats being made at that time. Wanting to expand the palette and create colorful works on a larger scale, they began experi -

From hat brims to sculptural wall art Brad was determined to figure out a use for the scraps of felt rings. So with a bag full of felt in hand, he went home and began testing con- cepts. What eventu- ally emerged was a process for trimming the felt into even smaller pieces and meticulously layer- ing them over one another with nails to create intricate pat- terns and shapes. “I started with a primitive crow,” Brad said. “The second thing I made was a

Watch the Ruppert's interview here.

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ART ACROSS AMERICA

Summer travel may be filled with relaxing on the beach, hiking through national parks, touring a major metropolis, or visiting family and friends, but no matter the destination, chances are there’s a great art museum in the area worth exploring. Why make art museums a stop along your travels? For starters, it’s a great way to discover new artists and types of art, and connect with others. It can also be a gateway to the local culture and community. And, if nothing else, you’re likely to leave inspired and with new knowledge. The following are just some of our favorite art museums across the country.

MUST-SEE art museums

5. Booth Western Art Museum Cartersville, GA

4. Nelson-Atkins Museum Kansas City, MO

The Booth Museum is the world’s largest per- manent exhibition space for Western art. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, it is truly a one-of-a-kind in the Southeast. The 120,000 sq. ft. museum engages guests to “See Ameri- ca’s Story” through contemporary Western art, presidential portraits and letters, and Civil War art and an interactive children’s gallery. It’s re- ceived numerous awards and continually tops the charts for “best museums”. While there, it’s worth a visit to the Savoy Automobile Museum, which is just a 10-minute drive.

MUST-SEE ART 1. Buffalo Bill CenteR of the west Cody, wy. With five museums in one location, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a must-see for all things related to the history of the Wild West. There’s also a research library featuring art and artifacts of the American West. The artwork, which ranges from classic to modern, shares thrilling stories of the West, from Plains Indi- an cultures to trailblazing cowboys and cowgirls.

Known for its encyclopedic collection of art from nearly every continent and culture, the museum, which dates back to 1933, is home to more than 42,000 works of art from 5,000 years ago to present day. In addition to two indoor galleries with art ranging from Afri- can to Japanese and architecture to photog- raphy, the museum also features a sculpture park. Another bonus, the museum is free to all.

7. Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum Myrtle Beach, SC Housed in a 1924 building, the mu- seum was the vision of local artists, art patrons, business leaders, cultural enthusiasts and other private citizens. It has tons of charm and beautiful art ranging from paintings to textiles, sculpture, photography, and assem- blage to collage. Throughout the year, the museum hosts 11 rotating galleries, and strives to be one of the finest visual arts museums in the Carolinas.

3. Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Santa Fe and Abiquiu, NM Naturally, this museum celebrates the art and life of Georgia O’Keeffe. The museum’s collection compris- es more than 3,000 of O’Keeffe’s works ranging from oil paintings to drawings, and spanning abstracts to unusual shapes to New York cityscapes. In 2006, her home and studio in Abiquiu were also opened up for tours.

2. Museum of the West Scottsdale, Ariz. Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the Museum of the West features 43,000 sq. ft. of the art, culture and history of 19 states in the American West, Western Canada, and Mexico. The museum offers amazing exhibitions and educational program- ming throughout the year.

6. Crystal Bridges bentonville, AR The architecture of this structure alone is a sight to be seen. The museum is surrounded by 120 acres of Ozark nature, and the world-class artwork ranges from American masterworks to lesser-known trea- sures dating from the colonial era to current day.

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Issue 4 | Spring 2023

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SAVE THE DATE The Celebration of Fine Art returns to Scottsdale January 13 – March 24, 2024 Keep in touch and shop for your favorites any time at celebrateart.com!

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