Bristol Art Museum Presents an Exclusive Lecture and Workshop by Quantum Wei​

BRISTOL, Rhode Island – The Bristol Art Museum announces an evening exploring the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi on Thurs., Oct. 3, from 7 to 8 p.m. featuring a lecture titled "Kintsugi: History, Technique and Culture" by Quantum Wei at the Museum, 10 Wardwell St. Wei will also offer a workshop, Intro. to Kinstugi on Sat. Oct. 5 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Kintsugi, translating to "golden joinery," is a revered Japanese tradition of pottery repair that transforms broken ceramics into works of art. Rather than concealing the fractures, Kintsugi highlights them using lacquer-based adhesives and metallic powders, celebrating the object's history and imperfections. This philosophy embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and transience. Register for the lecture by emailing [email protected]. The lecture admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Cash at the door is preferred.

Those interested in enrolling in the workshop should visit the Museum's website. This is a ‘Bring Your Own Pottery’ to repair workshop. Participants are asked to bring broken pottery, seven pieces or fewer, to provide ample time to fix the piece.

In his lecture, Wei will explore the rich history of Kintsugi, demonstrating both traditional and modern techniques. Traditionally, Kintsugi employs urushi lacquer, which is derived from the sap of lacquer trees native to Japan and China. This natural adhesive has been a cornerstone of Japanese craftsmanship for millennia, prized for its durability and glossy finish. However, the traditional method is time-intensive and poses health risks due to urushi’s allergenic properties.

In his workshop, Wei will also showcase a contemporary approach using quick-setting epoxy and liquid-metal leaf, allowing for quicker and safer repairs without sacrificing aesthetic integrity. Attendees will gain insights into the meticulous process of Kintsugi, from initial repair to the final polish, and understand how this art form reflects deeper cultural values.

Wei's journey with Kintsugi began in 2021 after he accidentally broke an antique Apollo landing plate intended as a gift. Refusing to discard the cherished piece, Wei taught himself epoxy-based Kintsugi through online resources. His passion led him to explore traditional lacquer techniques, culminating in his travels to Japan to study under Kintsugi master David Pike in Nara. Since 2023, Wei has shared his expertise through classes and continues to refine his craft.

The Bristol Art Museum announces an Artist Talk featuring artists from its current exhibit, Look Harder, See More, on Sun., Sept. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Museum, 10 Wardwell St. The discussion is open to the public. Museum curator and board member Mary Dondero will moderate the discussion.

The talk will feature a distinguished panel of artists in Look Harder, See More, including Elizabeth de Bethune, Stephen Fisher, M. Benjamin Herndon, Rebecca Hutchinson, Denis Leonti, Jesse Thompson, Christopher Terry, and Gilbert Travers. These artists, each with a unique vision and style, will discuss the inspiration behind their works, the techniques they employ, and the stories that inspire their creativity.

“Our latest exhibit, Look Harder, See More, implores the artists and observer to ask fundamental questions such as what does it mean to look harder and see more in art," said Dondero. “This query will provide each artist the opportunity to share their interpretation and set the tone for the discussion. The discussion will also delve into the various techniques the artists used and how these approaches encourage deeper observation. As the moderator, I will also ask each artist about their inspiration.”
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Look Harder, See More is an exhibit that challenges viewers to explore art from new and unexpected perspectives. The Artist Talk offers an opportunity to hear directly from the creators themselves, providing insights into their processes and the deeper meanings behind their pieces. Artists, art enthusiasts, and those curious about the creative process will enrich one’s experience of the exhibit.

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The Bristol Art Museum announces its latest exhibit, "Look Harder, See More," which opens on Sun., Jul. 28 and will be on view until Sat., Sept. 14, Thursday through Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. An artist’s reception will be held on Sun. Jul. 28th from 2 to 4 p.m.

In the realm of hyper-realism, artists meticulously render scenes and subjects with observational precision, often capturing moments where individuals engage with art itself. In contrast, abstract minimalism strips away extraneous elements to distill essence and evoke contemplation. Figurative works, meanwhile, offer glimpses into the human experience, including scenes where people interact with and reflect on art.

“Look Harder, See More’ invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery,” said Exhibit Curator and Museum Board member Mary Dondero. “In a society dominated by quick looks and superficial interpretations, this exhibition encourages deeper engagement with art. From hyper-realistic intricacies that demand close scrutiny to minimalist forms that challenge conventional perception, Look Harder, See More urges audiences to transcend the obvious and uncover the hidden depths of artistic expression.

“Within the varied approaches by each artist lies a common thread: the power of art to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and ignite imagination,” added Dondero. “As visitors navigate this exhibition, they are encouraged to linger, explore, and allow themselves to be captivated by the stories woven into each artwork. Look Harder, See More aims to inspire curiosity, provoke contemplation, and awaken a deeper appreciation for the power of art.”

The exhibit features the work of renowned artists Elizabeth de Bethune, Stephen Fisher, M. Benjamin Herndon, Rebecca Hutchinson, Denis Leonti, Christopher T. Terry, Jesse Thompson, and Gilbert Travers.
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For more information, please visit www.bristolartmuseum.org. 

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The Bristol Art Museum will host an informal conversation about the artist Peter Strickman and his evocative exhibit currently on view at the Museum, "Reflections of an Inner Life." The discussion, which will take place on Sun., July 14 at 2 p.m. at the Museum, will be led by those who knew and were close with Strickman.
 
Those attending the event will learn about Strickman’s life, his art study, his success as an exhibiting artist, and his diagnosis of schizophrenia, all of which affected his transitions in style, medium and subject matter.
 
“This engaging session will provide an opportunity to delve into the depths of Strickman’s artistic journey, explore the themes and inspiration behind his work, and engage in a meaningful dialogue with fellow art enthusiasts,” said Bonnie Strickman, the artist’s sister.

“This discussion will lend another dimension to the exhibition by listening to curators who have familiarity with Peter Strickman’s work, artists who knew him and those who were close to him,” said guest exhibition curator Nancy Grinnell. “Their reflections will stimulate conversations about his working methods, his subject matter and his motivations.”
 
Bonnie Strickman, the artist’s sister, will tell ‘the story of the paintings.’ Artist Barbara Alpert will offer memories of her experience of being the artist’s first drawing teacher. Mara Williams, curator emerita of the Brattleboro Museum of Art will talk about her association with the artist’s teacher, Frank Stout. Nancy Whipple Grinnell, guest curator for the exhibit, will speak about the exhibit itself.  Mary Dondero, Museum curator will also speak. Friends of the artist and attendees will then be encouraged to offer memories and ask questions.
 

 The Bristol Art Museum announces a collection of artwork created by the late Fall River native artist Peter Strickman, ‘Reflections of an Inner Life,’ that opens on Sat., June 8 at 1 p.m. Strickman, who passed away in 2017, was an artist whose work encompassed the poetry of both the natural and spiritual worlds.​

The exhibit, on display at The Bristol Art Museum, 10 Wardwell St., is on view Thurs. through Sun., 1 to 4 p.m. until Sat. July 20. An opening reception will be held on Sun., June 9 at 1 p.m.

Strickman was a brilliant student, who, following his junior year of high school, was accepted at Marlboro College in Vermont. After several years of intense study and painting under the influence of instructor Frank Stout, Strickman graduated and embarked on a solo career. With a deft hand and a discerning eye, he embraced a multitude of subjects and styles. 

“Strickman's joyful landscapes are often a blur of verdant foliage and azure waterways,” reflected guest curator Nancy Whipple. “A darker mood emerges in the artist’s still life and figurative paintings. Inspired by the teachings of Zen Buddhism, he created a body of lyrical ink drawings”
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Strickman had numerous exhibitions and sold many works. However, at the age of thirty, he withdrew to an inner life, leaving “painting and color behind,” as he wrote. Strickman’s ‘beloved sister, Bonnie,’ has been the caretaker for her brother’s remaining work, which was the genesis for this exhibition.

BRISTOL, Rhode Island - The juror of Glimmer of Light, Touch of Color, an exhibit hosted in the Community Gallery of the Rogers Free Library and sponsored by the Bristol Art Museum announces those artists whose work was recognized with distinction.

Those artists whose work was recognized include Juror’s Choice, Marc Jaffe’s Oil Tank #2; First Place, Paul Murray’s Evening Prayer; Second Place, Kristin Green’s Honesty #1; and Third Place, Rachel Brask’s Pluvia Nocturna II Reflection. The three Honorable Mentions include Michael Delehanty’s Biltmore Blues; Oryann Lima’s Subtle Sprout; and David Pinkham’s Family Walk.

The exhibit showcases artwork that explores the transformative power of light and color against a backdrop of monotony, sparking the imagination and infusing life into the canvas. It is on display in the Community Gallery of the Library until July 10.

“The intimate nature of this exhibit is what hits you first when entering the Roger’s Free Library, where, tucked along a corridor and ramp, the hanging works speak to each other from across the walkway,” said the juror, Kristin S. Street. “The collection of pieces offered an assortment of different media, styles, and visions. Flickers of color and light move between each of the images, whether photographs, paintings, or collages, and each piece reflects the spirit of the show.”

The three honorable mention pieces, Biltmore Blues, with its eerie glow coming through the fog, Family Walk, capturing an everyday moment frozen in a shaft of light, and Subtle Sprout, with its delicate play of white on white, “all touched on the way light can capture your attention through dynamic contrast or unassuming subtlety,” added Street.

“Pluvia Nocturna II: Reflection, used abstraction to capture and play with both light and color with great success, while Honesty #1 used delicate shading and soft shapes to do the same,” said Street.  “Evening Prayer stands out with its dramatic color and glow to capture a simple structure in a very dramatic depiction. The simplicity and bold strokes captured in Oil Tank #2 were exquisite. By framing an observation that may be seen every day and paring it down to just the essential elements, the artist was able to communicate strength, drama, and a stark reality within the photograph.”