Final Days of Painter's Perspective

MARCH BRINGS FINAL DAYS OF "A PAINTER'S PERSEPCTIVE" AND FREE ADMISSION AT THE ROCKWELL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART

March 14, 2003

It's March, and the last days of winter are passing quickly. So too are the last days of "A Painter's Perspective," a special exhibition at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. Paintings for the show were selected by Tom Buechner. Only two weeks remain. The exhibition, along with the museum's free admission program, will end on March 31.

"A Painter's Perspective" gives visitors an artist's-eye view of how the great painters of the American West conveyed their vision to their audiences. The perspective is that of the exhibition's curator, artist Tom Buechner, whose work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian Institution, the Brooklyn Museum and many other public venues. Buechner chose 20 pieces for the exhibit from the museum's permanent collection of hundreds of paintings, selecting those he felt were among the museum's finest. "I chose the best of what was there, in my judgement," said Buechner.

Through written commentary, Buechner explains how he as a painter looks at the elements that make up each picture, and how the artist made the painting. The result is a completely different perspective from the historic, sociological or biographical discussions typically presented in museums.

Visitors to the museum can see "A Painter's Perspective" for free under a special admission program that began on Veteran's Day, November 11. Since then, the museum has been offering free admission to individuals and families as a gift to the community. All of the museum's galleries and exhibits are included in the free admission program.

"Our goal was to make it easy for our neighbors and visitors to see what we have to offer," says Executive Director Kristin Swain. "We know that this has been a difficult period for many people in our community. Our hope was that this gift would help to lift people's spirits through the winter months."

Swain encourages area residents to take advantage of the free admission period to get reacquainted with the museum. "Many people have seen the museum before. What they may not realize is that our special exhibits change frequently. We also rotate the pieces on display in our permanent galleries several times each year. Whether someone visiting the museum was last here five years ago before our renovation, or five months ago, they'll find something here they haven't seen before."

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art offers an authentic Western experience unlike any other in the region. The museum building, renovated from top to bottom in 2001, immerses visitors in the hues and textures of the West. Brightly colored galleries display art organized around the Western themes of Cowboys, Indians, Wilderness, Horses and Buffalo. Art Packs for kids help families discover the galleries together, through games, puzzles and art projects to take home. The museum Trading Post offers special Western gifts for sale, from toys and food to authentic Native American jewelry and crafts. Next door, the Cantina presents casual Mexican fare to complete the Western sensory experience.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art houses "The Best of the West in the East!" - the largest collection of Western art in the Eastern United States. The Rockwell Museum was founded in 1976 with the generous donation of a large private collection of Western art and firearms and Carder Steuben glass from Bob and Hertha Rockwell. It first opened in the Baron Steuben Place, and in 1982 moved to the renovated historic Corning City Hall building. The Museum underwent a second renovation during 2000-2001 and reopened as the Rockwell Museum of Western Art in May 2001. The Museum is grateful for the financial support of its members, donors, and Corning Incorporated, and for public funding from the New York State Council on the Arts.

The Rockwell Museum of Western Art is open seven days a week. Visitors are welcome Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Further information is available by contacting the Museum at 607-937-5386.