The Beauty of Steel: Creativity Takes Shape at the Columbus Art Gallery
There is something remarkable about taking a material known for its strength and durability and transforming it into something unexpected, expressive and even delicate.
That creativity was on full display Thursday evening as the Columbus Art Gallery welcomed guests for the opening reception of The Beauty of Steel exhibit featuring artists Sally Jurgensmier and Michael Fluent.
An Evening Celebrating Art and Artists
Guests had the opportunity to visit with the artists, explore the gallery and get an up-close look at a collection that demonstrates just how versatile steel can be.
Throughout the exhibit, familiar pieces of metal take on entirely new personalities. Gears, chains, rods, circles and other industrial elements have been welded, shaped and combined to create everything from whimsical characters to intricate abstract works and nature-inspired pieces.
One sculpture brings together steel and turquoise glass-like elements to create a piece reminiscent of plants reaching upward. Another transforms mechanical components into a playful face full of personality. Larger works -- located in the Idea Box on the first floor of the Community Building -- invite visitors to stop and look a little longer, discovering new shapes, textures and details with each glance.
Finding Beauty in the Unexpected
What makes The Beauty of Steel especially interesting is the contrast found throughout the gallery. Steel can feel heavy, rigid and industrial, yet the artists have found ways to give it movement, personality and at times, a surprising sense of delicacy.
The exhibit is also a great reminder that art doesn't have to begin with traditional materials. With creativity and imagination, an ordinary piece of metal or something that may have otherwise been discarded can become something completely different.
And while photographs give you a glimpse of the exhibit, these are pieces that really need to be experienced in person. Seeing the welds, textures, layers, shadows and scale of the work adds another dimension that simply can't be captured in a photo.
There's Still Plenty of Time to Visit
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Thursday night's opening and helped us welcome Sally Jurgensmier and Michael Fluent to the Columbus Art Gallery.
If you weren't able to attend the reception, don't worry. The Beauty of Steel exhibit will be on display throughout August, giving you plenty of time to stop in and explore the exhibit for yourself.
The Columbus Art Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 1- 5 p.m. and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. The gallery is located on the second floor of the Columbus Community Building, 2500 14 St.
Admission is free.
Come see how strength, imagination and craftsmanship come together in The Beauty of Steel and discover the unexpected beauty that can emerge from one of the world's more enduring materials.
