Eugene Bennett and Friends: His Personal Art Collection
May 9 – July 3, 2014, Reception: Friday, May 16, 5-8pm
The Rogue Gallery presents works from the private collection of Eugene Bennett including paintings, drawings, sculptures, assemblages, prints, and ceramics. The exhibit features the work of nationally and regionally known artists collected by Eugene Bennett as well as favorites of his own work. All works will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale of artwork will go to the Rogue Gallery Endowment and the Oregon Community Foundation.
Spanning six decades of Mr. Bennett’s own work, and artwork he collected, the exhibit contains a wide variety of styles including Modernists, abstract, and traditional. “It is fascinating to see the evolution of Eugene Bennett’s work throughout his life”, says Executive Director Kim Hearon. “His personal collection of other artists represents some of the best work by many of the region’s most important artists.”
Over 40 national and local artists are also represented in the exhibit. Among the artists included are Betty Allen, Bruce Bayard, Bob Bosworth, Andrew Bucci, Christoph Buchler, Norman Campbell, Ron Chaddock, Thomas Hardy, Judy Howard, Atushi Kikuchi, Neil Koch, Betty LaDuke, Emmy Lou Packard, Gwen Stone, Jack Teeters, Raymond Toloczko, and Leah Tousignant.
Eugene Bennett was a founding member of the Rogue Gallery & Art Center, and a lifetime supporter of the gallery. Mr. Bennett was born in Central Point, OR in 1921. He held a master’s degree from the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1960 Mr. Bennett and three other local artists (Bob Bosworth, Betty Allen, and Jack Teeters) began the Rogue Valley Art Association, today known as the Rogue Gallery & Art Center. Bennett’s work has been shown at the Brooklyn Museum, Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the San Francisco Museum of Art, and in Alba, Italy. In 2002 he was honored with the Governor’s Arts Award for work that has “significantly contributed to the growth and development of Oregon’s cultural life.”
The Rogue Gallery & Art Center is a non-profit community art center, founded in 1960 to promote and support the arts in the Rogue Valley. The center exhibits a wide range of artistic styles and mediums from local and national artists. Programming includes art educational opportunities for children and adults. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Call (541)772-8118 for more info or visit www.roguegallery.org.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.