It’s almost Volunteer Recognition THE ARTS time. Please join us on OF ASIA: Tuesday, June 6, 2017, 3-5 pm. Come celebrate the NMVO’s JAPAN achievements, fete the outstanding ...Page 2 volunteers of 2016-2017, recognize retiring volunteers and welcome new members.
We recently e-mailed you an
important survey especially MUSICAL ARTS OF ASIA Prudence Bradley, designed to help the NMVO NMVO President improve your volunteer experience. ...Page 3 Your input is critical, so please ike a butterfly unfurling fill it out and e-mail it tonmvo@ from its cocoon, the Newark newarkmuseum.org Please let us L Museum is primed to know if you didn't receive it. re-emerge as a better version of itself. Construction to reopen the 2017 SPRING & SUMMER EVENTS: VOLUNTEER Washington Street entrance has Second Sundays, May 14 and June 11: SPOTLIGHT begun. Wonderful new programs Family activities include performances, artist-led tours, art/maker demos, are scheduled and the registration workshops, lectures and music. ...Page 5 for the summer camp program is Late Thursdays, 5 PM, well underway. There are so many May 18 and June 15: These relaxed, reasons to be thrilled about all the creatively inspired social evenings offer a good things to come. fresh take on our captivating collections, with a dynamic mix of music, food, drinks, art, and entertainment. Plus, there's Plum Benefits™, June 4: Fire Muster SPRING 2017 a new volunteer perk that offers Wednesdays thru June 7: Lifelong Arts; Also in this issue... exclusive discounts of up to 50% Collage Making with Mansa Mussa off tickets and up to 60% off hotels, Thursdays, July 6 to August 3: Jazz in the Garden WHEN OBJECTS with access to preferred seating For more info: go to BECOME ART ...... 08 and special offers for top shows, http://www.newarkmuseum.org attractions, theme parks, sporting DOCENT'S CHOICE...... 09 events, movie tickets, and much more. These unique benefits are Please volunteer at or attend as CHROMATIC now offered to you, just for being many events as you can. You have an active Museum volunteer. an open invitation! EXHIBIT...... 11 —Prudence
newarkmuseum.org THE ARTS OF ASIA: JAPAN
NEWARK MUSEUM STAFF Four permanent galleries, North Wing, 3rd Floor Steven Kern Director & Chief Executive Officer Deborah Kasindorf Deputy Director of Institutional Advancement Shunzyu Haigler Director of Membership Services Leland Byrd Membership Associate
VOLUNTEER OFFICERS
Prudence Bradley President
Gwynne McConkey Secretary Arlene Gerencser Treasurer he Museum continually displays its Japanese collection in four Brenda Jackson permanent galleries. It began as over 2,000 objects, purchased at the Past President T Museum’s inception in 1909. Now, numbering around 7,000 objects, the collection includes lacquer, netsuke, ukiyo-e prints, textiles, ceramics, decorative arts, paintings and sculptures—dating from the Heian to Heisei Periods (794 to present day)—with especial concentration on art from the Edo, Hugh Michael Brown Volunteer Vistas Editor Meiji and Showa Periods (1615-1989). It is distinguished as one of the major collections of Japanese art in the eastern United States.
Above Left: Incense Box with Rooster and Chrysanthemums, ca. 1893, Japan, Shoami Katsuyoshi, Silver, Gold, 2.5 x DIAM: 2.25 in., Gift of Alice Roff Estey, 1920 NMVO MISSION 20.599A,B Above Right: Sake Container, 19th Century, Japan, Silver, 6.75 x DIAM: The primary purpose of the Newark 3.75 in., Gift of Herman A. E. Jaehne and Paul C. Jaehne, 1941 41.1380 Below: Museum Volunteer Organization is Dragon and Crystal Ball, late 19th century. Japan, Koreyoshi Ishiguro, Silver and rock to serve, to support and to interpret crystal, Bequest of Joseph S. Isidor, 1941 41.236A,B the Newark Museum and its goals through volunteer participation. In the words of founding director John Cotton Dana, “A good mu- seum attracts, entertains, arouses curiosity, leads to questioning— and thus promotes learning.”
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS TO THE AUTUMN 2017 VOLUNTEER VISTAS IS FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017. SEND SUBMISSIONS TO: Hugh Michael Brown, Volunteer Vistas Editor, at: [email protected]
2 | VOLUNTEER VISTAS Spring 2017 MUSICAL ARTS OF ASIA March 8, 2017 to February 25, 2018 Asian Galleries, North Wing, 3rd Floor
Album Folio of Women Playing Qin China, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) Ink, gold, colors, silk Gift of Henry H. Wehrhane, 1928 28.1649
usic evokes, enhances and stirs diverse mental and ◄Gisan, Kim Jun’geun (active ca. 1880s–90s) emotional states. Thus, it has Two Buddhist Monks M Playing Cymbals and become an intrinsic part of every human Drum interaction—whether building political Korea, late 19th century power through warfare (battle drums); Colors on paper accompanying honored rituals (regal or Purchase, 1918 18.50 wedding marches); or celebrating the physical pleasure of carnal pursuits.
No wonder an extraordinary range of music resonates throughout Asia. Many varieties of string, wind and percussion instruments and unusual ways of expressing the human voice (like throat singing) remain mostly unknown in the West, even though they have serenaded Yashima Gakutei,► ca. 1786–1868 audiences across Asia for more than 12,000 Woman Representing years. This exhibition features actual musical Benzaiten, Goddess of instruments, as well as images of singers, Wisdom from the series dancers, puppeteers, drummers, strummers, Allusions to the Seven Lucky Gods (Mitate shichifukujin) ringers of bells, blowers of horns and other Japan, ca. 1820 Edo Period musical modes. All of them represent music (1603–1868)Surimono; color made during both the sacred and secular woodblock print Purchase 1909 George T. Rockwell traditions of East, South and Southeast Asia. Collection 9.1895
newarkmuseum.org | 3 MUSEUM STAFF PROFILES
Patricia Faison, Michele Saliola, Marketing Associate & Newark Black Director of Individual Giving Film Festival Coordinator ichele Saliola, who became the Museum’s atricia Faison, Marketing Associate Director of Individual Giving in July 2016, and Newark Black Film Festival (NBFF) majored in studio art and art education at Coordinator, joined the Museum in M P New York University and holds a Masters in Art History 1971—which means she holds the staff record from New York’s Institute of Fine Arts. for longevity. In the early years, she worked in the Programs & Publications Department, Previously, she worked at an artist foundation for creating lectures, films, and other public events Donald Judd, a minimalist sculpture designer. There, for adults and children. she started as an administrator and grant writer, and over 11 years, became a right hand to the director and These days, she stays busy working on the board presidents. Her duties involved everything from Museum’s bi-monthly programs publication, archives assessments and documentary film projects, while also assisting on numerous marketing to building a docent and volunteer program from projects and community outreach efforts—all scratch, to project managing the $23M renovation that designed to raise the Museum’s visibility in turned Judd’s home and studio into a public museum. Newark and beyond. Says Michele, “As Director of Individual Giving, I Pat plays a major role in planning the hugely support our great members of Founder’s Society— popular NBFF, which opens this summer. Now a unique program that interweaves philanthropy, in its 43rd year, it is the longest running film connoisseurship and community. I am happy to put festival of its kind in the country. Along with manpower behind our critical Annual Fundraiser, the NBFF Committee, she selects speakers the Luncheon; to request support for core programs and films, and has critically viewed 30 to 40 throughout the year; and to raise awareness about films each year. Says Pat,“My film work has planned giving: how people can make a gift later allowed me to rub elbows with some pretty to a museum they enjoy today.” famous folks. And seeing the constantly changing exhibits and having met so many Michele concludes, “Fundraising isn’t about different types of people at the Museum, convincing people to give money. At best, it’s about has taught me so much about the world of reminding people how this Museum enriches their art. Having been part of the Museum family lives. If we can do that, we will raise the money for so long has been truly rewarding.” needed and people will feel great doing it.”
4 | VOLUNTEER VISTAS Spring 2017 volunteer spotlight
arbara Kaplan grew up in Republic, nita Walls resides in Maplewood, Ohio, a rural village in the NJ, today. However, she was born in B northwestern corner of the state. A Newark, NJ, where her grandfather She graduated from New Jersey’s Ramapo and his three sons ran a Barber and Beauty College, with a BA in Human Environment. Supply store for over 50 years. After retiring As a young child, Barbara never forgot from a fulfilling career as a preschool the experience of being entranced by the teacher four years ago, Anita knew that intensity of an El Greco painting. So, upon accomplishing something positive and retiring from Prudential in 2006, she chose creative everyday would be important. Her to volunteer in the Newark Museum’s initial volunteer assignment: assisting Carol library. Blunda in the Special Events department, fit the bill. Says Anita, “Carol is a true Museum Says Barbara, “I find working in the midst of treasure. No matter what project we tackle, both books and art very appealing! The library she makes me feel appreciated and useful. holds more than 50,000 volumes. It includes The one or two days I work with her are a rare books; a special Tibetan collection; and blessing." the Dana collection: comprised of books authored by curators, reference materials and Anita continues, “I enjoy cooking, so helping the folio editions of art books. Its archives is a Tea Committee decide on a caterer and menu repository of the Museum’s historical records, is a great fit for me. This is also my first year as dating from 1909 to the present.” an NMVO Board member. Volunteering at the Museum affords me innumerable benefits. Not Barbara continues, “I enjoy working on a least of which is being able to associate with variety of projects, such as using my computer knowledgeable staff and fellow volunteers who skills to update archived documents and are dedicated, friendly and so generous with their catalogue art books, distributing magazines, time and talent." shelving books, and most recently archiving NMVO documents. For me, seeing all the She adds, "As my volunteer experience volunteers, staff, scholars, authors and continues, I hope to take on more and more teachers seek information here and to help on responsibility. Last year, I was proud to have special projects with Librarian Dr. Peniston’s made over 300 decorative votives for the Annual guidance, makes for a lively atmosphere. So Gala. This year, my most recent project was I have happily stayed “on the job” throughout cleaning out the attic of the Ballantine House. the years.” Those forgotten treasures became part of a Museum-wide auction, held in March 2017."
newarkmuseum.org | 5 VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
A partial group of NMVO Board members posed in the Trustee Room of the Ballantine House.
NMVO President Prudence Bradley and NMVO Board Program Chair Sue Smith.
A February 2017 NMVO Board meeting in progress.
6 | VOLUNTEER VISTAS Spring 2017 VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION
Annual Tea committee members Hugh Michael Brown, Mary Courtien, Gwynne McConkey and Tea Commit- tee Chair Arlene Gerencser.
Library volunteers Barbara Kaplan and recently retired Anne Cummings examine old photographs.
The Education and Enrichment Commit- tee uses Powerpoint™ presentations to inform new and veteran volunteers about key aspects of the Newark Museum and the Newark Museum Volunteer Organization.
Back row: Current committee members: Judith Robinson, Robert Stackoff, Marge Marciano-Vere. Front row: Former commit- tee members: Linda Peoples Thomas and Audrey Haimowitz, who were instrumental in getting the project off the ground.
To find out more about joining the Education and Enrichment Committee, please contact: [email protected]
newarkmuseum.org | 7
WHEN OBJECTS BECOME ART Long-term Installation, The Walter Scott Lenox Pavilion, North Wing, 1st Floor
founding premise of the Newark Museum is that "art" should not be confined to A works produced in paint, canvas, bronze or stone. Everyday objects, whether useful or simply ornamental, are full of the artistic intention of their designer or maker—which transforms them into works of art.
Thus, this installation celebrates the Museum’s century-old commitment to collecting and displaying modern ceramics and glass as fine art. It spotlights art ceramics purchased between 1911 and 1926, along with three examples of art glass from the 1920s. In 1910, the Museum mounted an exhibition called Modern American Pottery, thereby founding its decorative arts collection. In 1912, the Museum began buying modern glass. And, in the 1920s, with the completion of its new building, the Museum added numerous major examples of modern ceramics. These were purchased from a 1929 Bamberger Department Store exhibition called International Ceramics and Glass.
Some objects on display express the idea that a pot can be a blank "canvas" for painting. Mores of the time deemed decorating ceramics to be a respectable way for educated women to earn a living. Yet, even though women played a crucial role in American art pottery, men still controlled much of what was produced. Other pots on display demonstrate how a pot could be a piece of sculpture. Also included is an exquisite work in glass by Victor Durand, a South Jersey resident. In 1924, Durand, who ran his father's commercial glass factory, introduced a line of hand-made glass that updated traditional glass-making techniques in a modern way.
Top: Ernest Bussière for Mougin Frères Jug of organic form, ca. 1903 Stoneware with matte glazes 13 in. x 6.5 in. Gift of Eric Streiner, 2009 Collection of the Newark Museum 2009.9.2
Middle: Ruth Erickson for Grueby Pottery Company Vase with scrolled handles, ca. 1900-1909 Earthenware with applied decoration 10 ½ in. x 5 7/8 in. Purchase 1911 Collection of the Newark Museum 11.487
Bottom: Victor Durand for Vineland Flint Glass Works Vase, 1924-1931 Glass, 8.5 in. high Purchase 1981 Sophronia Anderson Bequest Fund Collection of the Newark Museum 81.29
8 | VOLUNTEER VISTAS Spring 2017 docent's choice
Jeffrey Gibson's COME ALIVE! (I FEEL LOVE) by Mary Courtien
Come Alive! (I Feel Love), 2016 Jeffrey Gibson, Born 1972, Cherokee, Choctaw, Colorado. Multi-media: Acrylic felt, rawhide, wood, glass beads, stone arrowheads, steel wire, assorted beads, tin and copper jingles, artificial sinew, acrylic paint, druzy quartz crystal, steel and brass studs. 78 x 35 x 22" © Jeffrey Gibson. Purchase 2016 Helen McMahon Brady Cutting Fund Collection of the Newark Museum, 2016.29
Note: Artist Gibson resides in upstate Hudson, NY, where he and numerous assistants work collaboratively in a renovated schoolhouse to complete his projects.
he American Galleries The multi-colored pony beads recall the (situated on the first and excellently crafted Native American objects that second floors of the Museum’s are on view in the adjacent gallery. The conical T multi-colored jingles directly reference the North Wing) have been reinterpreted jingle dances typically performed during Native and rejuvenated! Also of note: American celebrations. the name of the galleries has been changed from Picturing America Because it is constructed of traditional Native to Seeing America. To herald the American materials, and due to its bold colors reinstallation of our Native American and anthropomorphic shape, the figure is galleries, Curator of American an amalgam that aptly represents both the Contemporary and Native American galleries. Art, Tricia Laughlin Bloom, has commissioned an incredible work of There is a duality about this piece. Its stiff art, just for this space. countenance and jagged edges, give it a stoic air. Yet I also find it playful. I find it to be as appealing Come Alive! (I Feel Love), 2016 is a stuffed as a fuzzy, stuffed animal, inviting a tremendous sculpture/statue that will reside in the atrium at hug. Perhaps, too, its androgynous nature is why the beginning of the Seeing America gallery. it’s been so well received. Is it male? Is it female? Inspired by contemporary artist Jeffrey Gibson’s Exactly what about it compels you to feel its Cherokee/Choctaw heritage, it is covered love? in felt and rawhide; and adorned with such assorted decorative Native American materials Please experience this wondrous creation first as beads, stone arrowheads, steel wires, hand...and be smitten, as I was! brass studs and conical tin and copper jingles.
newarkmuseum.org | 9 JEWELRY FROM PEARLS TO PLATINUM TO PLASTICS Lore Ross Jewelry Gallery, Ballantine House, 2nd Floor
hether it is made of natural miracles or marvels of human invention and skill, W jewelry has adorned the human body since prehistoric times. The Newark Museum has been collecting jewelry since 1911, and has one of the most comprehensive holdings in the country.
The Lore Ross Jewelry Gallery, newly redesigned and reinstalled, showcases jewelry across seven centuries. The focus of the new installation is the wide array of materials, both noble and humble, that have been used over the centuries to create things of beauty for personal adornment.
Above: Marcus & Co. New York The Rehan Jewel, ca. 1900 Enamel, gold Purchase 2013 Helen McMahon Brady Cutting Fund 2013.2
Below: Ford/Forlano (Steven Ford and David Forlano, with Maryanne Petrus) United States Full Pillow Necklace #11, 2009 Polymer clay, oxidized silver Gift of Dr. Francis A. Wood in memory of Rosetta A. Miller, 2012 2012.6
Presents NEWARK BLACK FILM FESTIVAL 43 YEARS OF DEFINING THE INDEPENDENT FILM EXPERIENCE JUNE 28 TO AUGUST 2, 2017 FREE ADMISSION To learn more, go to www.newarkmuseum.org
10 | VOLUNTEER VISTAS Spring 2017 CHROMATIC: Minimalism and Color Field Experiments
Long-Term Installation Seeing America Contemporary Gallery, 2nd Floor
his exhibition presents Minimalism and Color Field painting highlights from the Newark emerged in the 1950s and flourished T Museum’s collection of throughout the 1960s and 70s. Favoring late modern abstraction. It brings simplified geometric shapes and together works by major figures and machine-made materials, such as steel, innovators who are experimenting plastic, and fluorescent light, these with color and light, including Mark artists created works that feature sleek, Rothko, Josef Albers, Donald Judd, streamlined surfaces and bold inventive Richard Anuszkiewicz, Alma Thomas approaches to color. and others.
Sam Gilliam Untitled, 1968 Watercolor Wojciech Fangor M35, 1968 Oil on canvas, on Paper, 17 ½ x 13 7/8 inches 80 ¼ x 68 inches © Wojciech Fangor © Sam Gilliam Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Purchase 1969 The Members’ Fund Stanley Herzman, 1980 Collection of the Newark Museum, 69.159
newarkmuseum.org | 11 NEEDED: SPEAKERS BUREAU PRESENTERS TO BRING MORE PEOPLE TO THE NEWARK MUSEUM
he Newark Museum is one of the nation’s T most influential institutions. It’s located right here in our own backyard, yet surprisingly,
far too many people don’t Hugh Michael know about it. That’s Brown, Volunteer where the Speakers Bureau Vistas Editor steps in. Using visually rich PowerPoint™ presentations, Speakers Bureau Presenters travel to help more people discover just how informative and entertaining learning about the Museum’s world-class art collections can be. The Speakers Bureau Presenters bring the Newark Museum right to the doorsteps of organizations like libraries, women’s clubs, alumni clubs and adult living communities. Won’t you join them? To find out more about becoming a Speakers Bureau Presenter, or to suggest the name of someone who might like to become one, please contact [email protected] or call 973-596-6337.
49 washington street newark, nj 07102-3176
VOLUNTEER VISTAS Spring 2017