This larger than life statue of Renoir's dancers greets you on Main Street in Graham. The couple is part of an exhibit of J. Seward Johnson's lifelike figures brought to the area by the Alamance County Arts Council. The exhibit is called Beyond the Frame: Impressionism Revisited. Johnson's three-dimensional interpretation is exacting, right down to facial expressions and the color of fabric. The people are frozen in poses that look as if they have stepped right out of impressionist paintings. For the backs of figures, Johnson had to improvise, allowing him a chance to sneak in a little humor; for example, if you look around back of Oriental Fan (2003), you will notice the woman modeled after Monet's "La Japonaise" (1876) is barefoot! Johnson's cast metal figures are colorized with mixture of automotive paint and wax that holds up well to the elements. Some of the sculptures are featured in rooms inside the museum; others are outside on the grounds.
The yellow house in the background is the arts council's building. Some of the sculptures are inside so you will want to be sure to visit when the museum is open. The exhibit will be on display until October 31 and it is FREE. Of course donations are greatly appreciated. The 30 minute drive to Graham (Exit 147, Main St.) from Greensboro is well worth your time.
Sounds like a great place to take the kids!
Posted by: Katja Brown | Monday, October 10, 2011 at 06:31 AM
Katja:
The kids would love it. You can see the whole exhibit is as little as 15 minutes if you don't linger. They won't be asking "how much longer till we leave."
Let us know if you get a chance to see the exhibit.
Posted by: Janis | Monday, October 10, 2011 at 07:04 AM
Love this sculpture. I would love to see the rest of the exhibit, but alas, the location is off the grid for me right now : )
Posted by: barb farr | Monday, October 10, 2011 at 11:14 AM
What great fun!
Posted by: Louis la Vache | Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 09:26 AM