“America 250: Focus on Michael & Connie Roberts with Artist Connie Roberts" at the Figge Art Museum -- July 16.
Thursday, July 16, 6 p.m.
Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport IA
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Davenport's Figge Art Museum is hosting American Art talks throughout the month of July, and on Thursday the 16th, guests are invited to hear from artist Connie Roberts of the new exhibition Connie & Michael Roberts: Portrait of America, Connie noted for bridging the realms of fine art and folk art, and for tackling many subjects with sharp wit and restrained humor.
On display from July 5 through January 3, Connie & Michael Roberts: Portrait of America presents a remarkable series of collaborative portrait panels by Iowa City artists Connie and Michael Roberts, featuring notable figures from American history. Combining painting, sculpture, and storytelling, the works offer visitors an engaging and often surprising look at the lives behind familiar names.
Michael Roberts’ realistic and emotionally resonant portraits are paired with Connie Roberts’ hand-carved sculptural whistles which create whimsical symbols representing key moments in the life of the portrait’s subject.
“Connie Roberts has developed a distinctive artistic language that blends music, sculpture, and story in ways that are both inventive and deeply engaging,” said Co-Senior Curator Joshua Johnson. “In these collaborative works, her carved narrative elements create a rich dialogue with Michael Roberts’ portraits, generating curiosity about these distinguished figures from history by infusing them with a bit of humor.”
This exhibition is presented in honor of former U.S. Representative Jim Leach, who worked closely with the artists and inspired many of the artworks represented in the exhibition. Together the Roberts and Leach generated a specific perspective on American history shaped by their time in Iowa.
America 250: Focus on Michael & Connie Roberts with Artist Connie Roberts will be presented in the John Deere Auditorium on July 16, admission to the 6 p.m. program is free, and more information is available by calling (563)326-7894 and visiting FiggeArtMuseum.org.
