Mar 04 2016
Restoring Russell I

Restoring Russell I

Presented by Satch Lost and Found Art Studio/Gallery at Circle City Industrial Complex

Restoring Russell I – Exhibition of Unrestored Art by James Spencer Russell

In 2006 during the last hours of a day-long auction in Indianapolis, Julie and Ron Kern stood in the middle of a room full of incredible art. The art was powerful and varied, intricate and profound. It was of a quality that immediately caught and held their attention.

The art was created by the late James Spencer Russell who was an accomplished Indiana born artist who exhibited in the finest New York City galleries and other American galleries and museums. His work was included in group exhibitions that featured well known and acclaimed artists. But, within the history of Indiana art, Russell was virtually unknown.

Julie and Ron along with two other collectors (Dr. Steve Conant and Dr. Tom Kuebler) that had purchased Russell?s work at the auction occasionally would meet and discuss it. They knew that the art was important and that it was the work of an exceptional artist. Thanks to the efforts of this small group of collectors and Rachel Perry, the Chief Curator of Fine Arts at the Indiana State Museum, a retrospective exhibition of James Spencer Russell?s art at the Indiana State Museum was realized.

Rachel Perry charged Julie and Ron with researching and writing the exhibition catalog?s essay. During that process, they realized that there was a bigger story to tell, and they spent three years researching and writing the book, Style, Elegance and Wit: Rediscovering the Life and Art of James Spencer Russell.

Recently, Julie and Ron acquired two additional pieces of art by James Spencer Russell. Unfortunately, these pieces are in need of repair and restoration.

The first piece is H from a three part series, H.C.E., who is the main character in James Joyce?s infamous novel, Finnegans Wake. This piece was exhibited at the Ruth White Gallery in New York City in 1965 and in the 5th Biennial National Religious Art Exhibition in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 1966.

The second piece is seven parts of a “quilt” that Russell constructed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Russell?s Quilt was one of the major pieces that he created after moving to Kewanna, Indiana in 1975.

Both works will be restored by Julie Kern (Satch) and her brother, Edward Satchwill II. The quilt is missing some of its original pieces. To complete the quilt, Satch will incorporate unused components made by James Spencer Russell given to her by Russell?s friend, Wade Bussert.

The works, in their unrestored condition, will be exhibited at SATCH LOST AND FOUND ART STUDIO/GALLERY on Friday, March 4, 2016.

After restoration, the works will be featured within an exhibition of James Spencer Russell?s art from the collection of Ron and Julie Kern at the Circle City Industrial Complex. Several of the works to exhibited were featured in the Indiana State Museum?s retrospective exhibition, and many will be shown for the first time. The exhibition opens on October 7, 2016 and will run through October 30.

SATCH LOST AND FOUND ART STUDIO/GALLERY is an IDADA Member Gallery

Admission Info

Free

Dates & Times

2016/03/04 - 2016/03/04

Location Info

Circle City Industrial Complex

1125 East Brookside Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202