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4 days ago

Sarah Meyers Brent, "Bird Song," 2020, broken toys, studio debris, found objects, and mixed media.
One of four women artists with solo exhibitions in 2021. ... See MoreSee Less

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7 days ago

This is an excellent opportunity to see the DAA Winter Juried Show with Contemporary Curator Craig Bloodgood as your guide!

Elizabeth Dondero is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 568 147 4926
Password: duxbury1 ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago

Many of us find comfort in a cup of tea and, in many cases, this sensation may derive, not just from the contents of the cup, but from the cup itself.

A vessel’s well-matched functionality and appearance might offer its user a sense of ease and contentment, in turn revealing the object’s inherent beauty. “Yo-no-bi," meaning “beauty through use,” is all about this concept, and it’s a driving notion in Mingei tradition.

The Japanese folk art movement, Mingei, was developed by Yanagi Sōetsu in the late 1920s and 30s. Through close collaboration with Yanagi, potters Hamada Shōji and Kawai Kanjirō deliberately practiced their craft with Mingei in mind.
Now is a better time than ever to appreciate the beauty of use in everyday objects.
Share with us, in which useful objects do you find beauty?

Kawai Kanjirō, Bottle-Shaped Vase, Showa period ca.1961-65, stoneware and three-color glaze.
Hamada Shōji, Tea Bowl, 1971, clay and glaz ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

A peek at Jackie Reeves’ work space at the Chalkboard Studios in Barnstable. Jackie is one of four women artists with solo exhibitions in 2021. ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

On Flashback Fridays, Craig Bloodgood, Contemporary Curator, provides behind-the-scene photos of what happens during an installation.
Captions: One of our more creative installation situations from last year’s "Draw the Line" exhibition. This is Zach Horn installing "Cave," his 8 ½ ‘ by 12 ‘ drawing on canvas. We actually had to heighten the wall for this.
Its hard to believe it’s been almost a year since we installed "Draw the Line" here at the museum. This is step two.
This is step 3.
Gallery photo of last falls "Draw the Line," exhibition. This view shows Zach Horn’s, "Cave,"drawing as well as work by Michele Lauriat on the back wall, John Roman to the left and Leslie Cohen on the right. Rotations Gallery. wall. ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago

The museum is fortunate to have in its permanent collection work relating to our historic region, among which is a portrait by American physician and folk painter Rufus Hathaway. 2020 marks the four hundredth anniversary of the founding of Plymouth Colony. In 1629, Colonists, including notable settlers John Alden and Myles Standish, were granted land to the north, along the coast. Later, in 1637, Duxborough was incorporated, becoming the second town in the Commonwealth.
There are certain names that have been known and recognized throughout the long history of Duxbury. They can be seen on street signs and buildings throughout town. Winsor is one of them.
The portrait of Judith Winsor as a young woman was painted by Rufus Hathaway in 1795, a time when Duxbury was rising in prominence as one of the world’s most renowned ship-building towns. In it, the sitter is depicted in the artist’s idiosyncratic style, marked by naively rendered forms and emphasized elements of pattern and design. Hathaway may have worked as an apprentice ship-carver but was presumably self-taught as an artist, traveling through southern Massachusetts creating portraits. It is thought that the sitter and artist fell in love while this portrait was being made!
After their marriage, Hathaway took up medicine, studying under Dr. Isaac Winslow of Marshfield. He spent the rest of his life in Duxbury, serving as the town’s only physician.

Caption: Rufus Hathaway, American, 1770–1822, “Judith Winsor,” 1795, oil on canvas

After her husband Rufus died in 1822, Judith Winsor Hathaway, at the age of forty-four, was left responsible for their nine children. Her modest circumstances forced her to board ship’s carpenters in her home on Washington Street which has since been destroyed. She was admired for her courage and resilient efforts to keep her children together.
That courage can be seen in a daughter of Judith Winsor Hathaway and Rufus Hathaway, Judith Winsor Smith. She went on to become an American women's suffrage activist, social reformer, and abolitionist.

Caption: Judith Winsor at age 102, 1880, photographed by M. Chandler, Marshfield Massachusetts ... See MoreSee Less

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4 weeks ago

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4 weeks ago

IN MEMORIAM Elaine Plakias, one of the museum’s most dedicated supporters, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 21, at Newfield House in Plymouth. Her involvement with the museum began as a volunteer, many years ago. Eventually, she started working as a staff assistant in which position she filled many roles - one of which was as leader of an art-centered discussion group held in the museum’s library. She worked into her nineties and developed strong relationships with staff, volunteers and visitors. Her welcoming smile, ready wit and contagious enthusiasm meant so much to everyone. ... See MoreSee Less

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Elaine was also an ardent library supporter. She was so engaging and interested in books, writing, people and the arts. A great woman!

So sorry very special person

Condolences

Elaine was a true class act. ❤️🙏

1 month ago

Artist and the first director of The Art Complex Museum, Ture Bengtz, created this intriguing lithograph that features two colorful fishermen leaning over the edge of the Duxbury Bridge, hoping to reel in the catch-of-the-day.
A printmaker and painter, Bengtz directed the drawing and graphic arts departments at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Bengtz also co-founded the Boston Printmakers in 1947 and continued to be involved in the group until his death in 1973.
The bridge is much loved by Duxbury residents, although now closed due to COVID-19. Bengtz’s work reminds us of just one of the many familiar scenes awaiting once our world has returned to normal.
Caption: Ture Bengtz, “Duxbury Bridge,” 1973, lithograph
Share your images or thoughts of the Duxbury Bridge on The Art Complex Museum Group page! ... See MoreSee Less

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2 months ago

Staff at The Art Complex Museum have missed greeting its many visitors but thought this would be an excellent time to introduce some of the art objects in the collection - many of which have been shown in various exhibitions.
Considering the dynamics of the current COVID-19 and the stress many people feel, the first painting, “Moonrise On The Beach,” by Lowell Berg Harrison projects an immediate sense of peace and tranquility. Often referred to as the painter of moonlight, Harrison firmly believed that artists should suggest more than describe in order to stimulate the imagination of the viewer.
This work displays his preference for the lyrical rancher than the dramatic. It presents fine nuances of color rather than brilliant hues. The viewer is reminded of what awaits when, once again, a visit to the seashore is allowed. ... See MoreSee Less

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