Sculpture of Local Artist Juried into the Midwestern Biennial Exhibition
Edwin Shelton has one of his abstract sculptures in the Midwestern
Biennial Exhibition which opened the evening of Friday, October the 7th.
The Rockford Art Museum is hosting this exceptional collection of
contemporary artworks. Carrie Johnson facilitated this show and it was
juried by Frank Juarez. Dean Alan Olson Foundation provided funding,
so admission is free.
Sixty-one paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures,
mixed media works, etc created by 50 talented artists. They are from
seven states for the 77th Midwestern Biennial. Frank Juarez served as
the juror. He is the art department chairman at the Sheboygan North
High School. He has also written articles for SchoolArts Magazine.
Juarez publishes Artdose Magazine.
Artists from Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri,
Ohio, and Indiana. This exhibition has grown over the decades. Initially
local artists displayed their artworks in 1913. The annual showcase
later became open to statewide artists. In 1998, the exhibition expanded
the Midwest region to the present. Now the show includes awards. The
Best of Show ($2,000) is provided by the Dean Alan Olson Foundation,
The two Juror’s Choice awards are $500 each. The exhibition is open
through January 22.
Shelton’s artist statement reads: I strive to make sculptures that
viewers have likely not seen before I work to provoke the blend of joy
and mysteries. I assemble discarded objects The are given a “skin” of
fabrics and upholstery thread with fluorescent paint, paper mache, faux
jewels, glitter, etc. The non-representational sculptures range from
smaller objects to large assemblages. The reliefs also have pendulum
elements that can be gently moved by the viewers. My sculptures distill
over six decades of creative and spiritual experiences.”
Edwin Shelton and his wife, Laurel Izard
(https://laurel-izard.com/about/) have lived in Michigan City, Indiana for
about 30 years. Laurel uses their home as a studio. Edwin rents a
space at St. Mary Studios on 10th Street in Michigan City, Indiana. His
upcoming shows in 20023 will be in the Midwest. His solo exhibition will
be at Indiana University Northwest in Gary. Curators invited Shelton to
include his abstract sculptures in which include group exhibitions at the
Evanston Art Center and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan
City, Indiana. His website is: Edwinpshelton.com
Rockford Art Museum is located at 711 N. Main Street, Rockford,
Illinois. The website is https://rockfordartmuseum.org The museum is
open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The phone
number is 815-968-2787. The exhibition will be open through January
22, 2023.
Edwin P. Shelton 