MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum
7th–12thGradeActivities
MUSEUMKͲ12TOURGUIDELINES
ContactInformation
MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum,SaginawValley StateUniversity,7400BayRd.,UniversityCenter,MI,48710,
(989)964Ͳ7125,URL:www.marshallfredericks.org
EͲmail:[email protected]
Blog:www.marshallfredericks.com
Hours:Noonto5p.m.,MondaythroughSaturday.
BeforeYourTour Pleasemakeeveryefforttoarrive10minutesbeforeyourtourisscheduledtobegin.
Teacher’sGuideMaterials
TourgroupsreceivepreͲtourmaterialswithawrittenconfirmation.SomepreͲtourmaterialscanbe printedfromourWebsite.The“CelebratetheSpirit”and“MagicofMarshallFredericks”videoscanbe viewedfromtheWebsite.
MuseumTour
Studenttoursandartactivityareapproximatelytwohours.Largergroupsaresplitintosmallergroups onarotationschedule.TouractivitiescanincludetheMainGallery,theSculptor’sStudio,temporary exhibitions,SculptureGarden(weatherpermitting)andhandsͲonactivitiesiftheactivitieswere requestedduringscheduling.
Pleasefollowtheseguidelinestohelpuspreservetheartworksforfuturegenerationsandtohavean enjoyablevisit.
x Donotbringfood,drinkorgumintothemuseum. x Donotsmokeinthebuilding.Smokingisnotallowedwithin25feetofanyuniversitybuilding. x Donottouchanyoftheartworkinthemuseumbecauseoilsandsaltsonyourhandsandfingers candamagetheartworkovertime.VisitorscantouchthebronzesculpturesintheSculpture Gardenandthe“Thinker”sculpturejustoutsidethemuseum’sentrance.
1 x Donottakephotographsofanykindinsidethemuseum.Fredericksaskedthatthisbeenforced. VisitorscanphotographthesculpturesintheSculptureGardenandthroughthewindowsinthe hallwaynearthemuseum. x Thereshouldalwaysbe2feetto3feetofspacebetweenyouandthesculpturesinthe museum.Visitorsareaskednottoleanorsitonpedestalsorwalkbackward,whichrisksafall. x Leavebackpacksorlargebagsinthefrontofthemuseumbythereceptiondesk. x Donotcarrypens,pencilsorbooksintothemuseum.Visitorscanleavethematthereception desk. TheMarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseumrequiresthatallpoliciessetforthbythemuseumbe observed.Themuseumhastherighttorefuseadmissiontoanygroupthatdoesnotfollowthese guidelines.
SculptureGarden
PleasefeelfreetovisittheSculptureGardenifweatherpermits.YouarewelcometotouchFredericks’ outdoorbronzes,butpleasedosorespectfully.Foryoursafety,pleasedonotclimbonthesculptures.
Supervisionforschoolgroups
GradesKͲ6musthaveoneadultchaperone/teacherforeveryfivestudents.Grades 7Ͳ12musthaveoneadultforevery10students.
Fees
Toursforschoolgroups,includingchaperonesandteachers,arefree.Thereisa$2perͲstudentfeefor eachartactivity.
Accessibility Themuseumfacilitiesarefullyaccessibletophysicallychallengedpeople.Amuseumwheelchairis available.
Parking ThemuseumislocatedintheArburyFineArtsCenteronthecampusofSaginawValleyStateUniversity onBayRoad(MͲ84)inUniversityCenter,SaginawCounty,Michigan.ThepreͲtourpacketincludesamap withdirections.Ifyouarearrivingbybus,pleaseunloadattheFineArtsCenterontheFineArtsDrive culͲdeͲsac.BusescanparkattherearoftheJ1lot.Parkingpermitsforcarsareavailableatthemuseum receptiondesk.Carsmustparkindesignated“Museum”parkingspotsanddisplayapinkparking permitobtainedatthemuseum.Callpriortoyourvisittodiscussparkingarrangements.
Cancellations Ifyoumustcancelyourtour,pleasenotifyusassoonaspossiblesothatwemayscheduleanother groupandinformourstaffofthecancellation.IfSVSUclosesbecauseofinclementweather,the museumalsoisclosed.Localradioandtelevisionstationsbroadcastcancellations.Canceledtoursmay berescheduled.
Museumgiftshop Themuseumgiftshopislocatednearthereceptiondesk.
2 Restroomfacilities Restroomfacilities,adrinkingfountainandcoatracksarelocatednearthemuseumentrance.
Mealsandevents Foodservicefacilitiesareavailablethroughoutcampus.Pleasecallthefoodserviceofficeat(989)964Ͳ 4252forlocations,timesandavailability.
Thanksforyourinterestinthemuseumandyourassistancewiththenecessarydetailstoensurea successfulandenjoyabletour.Welookforwardtothearrivalofyourgroupandwishallvisitorsan enjoyable,entertainingandeducationalexperience.
WhatdoyougettoseeanddoattheMarshallM.FredericksSculpture Museum?
MuseumMission
ThemissionoftheMarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseumistocelebratetheartisticlegacyof MarshallM.Fredericksthroughcollecting,preserving,presenting,andinterpretinghislife’sworkforthe educationalandculturalenrichmentofSaginawValleyStateUniversityandthebroadestpossible audience.
Toaccomplishthismission,theMuseumpursuesthefollowingstrategicobjectives:
x Promoteawareness,appreciation,andunderstandingofthelifeandworksofMarshallM. Fredericks. x Embedaneducationalcomponentineverythingwedo. x MaintainthecollectionandpresentexhibitionsofMarshallFredericksandotherartistsin accordancewiththehighestmuseumstandards. x FosterthemissionofthemuseumandSaginawValleyStateUniversitythrougheducation, research,exhibitions,publications,andoutreachefforts. x Increaseattendance. x Operateinafiscallyresponsibleandsustainablemanner. x AchieveandsustainaccreditationbytheAmericanAssociationofMuseums.
MuseumHistory
Mrs.Dorothy(Honey)ArburyhadstudiedwithFrederickswhensheattendedKingswoodSchoolatthe CranbrookEducationalCommunityinBloomfieldHills,Michigan,inthe1930s.Shealsoknewhim throughheruncle,AldenB.Dow,aprominentMidlandarchitectwithwhomFredericksworkedon architecturalsculptureprojects.HoneyArburywasonthefoundingBoardofControlofSaginawValley Collegein1963andremainedactiveonthatboardandontheSVSUFoundationBoardintothe1990s.
3 HoneyArburyandherhusband,Ned,andFredericksandhiswife,Rosalind,generatedtheideaofa permanentexhibitofFredericks'workadjacenttoSVSU’sthenͲnewfacilitiesforitsart,musicand theaterdepartments.SVSUandtheArburysworkedtogethertowardanagreementtohavethe MarshallM.FredericksSculptureGalleryandSculptureGardenbuiltadjacenttotheartdepartment.The galleryopenedtothepublicintheArburyFineArtsCenterinMay1988.Thegallerybecameamuseum in1999.InOctober2003,the$2.5millionPhaseIIexpansionbecameareality,nearlydoublingthe museum’ssize.TheadditionincludestheSculptor’sStudio,classroom,archives,aresearchreading room,twotemporaryexhibitiongalleriesandagiftshop.
MainGallery
TheMainGalleryfeaturesauniquecollectionofhundredsofworksthatspanthecareerofMarshallM. Fredericks(1908Ͳ1998),atraditionalfigurativesculptor,whoremainedactiveinhismetroDetroit studiosuntildaysbeforehisdeathat90.Heisknownnationallyandinternationallyforhismonumental figurativesculpture,publicmemorials,publicfountains,portraits,animalsandwhimsicalanimalfigures. TheMainGalleryincludesabout200works,mostlyplastermodels,whichspana70Ͳyearcareerof sculpting.Themuseumholdingsincludeplastermodels,castandcarvedsculptures,medals,jewelry, miniatures,drawings,photos,sitemodels,molds,armatures,tools,machineryandarchivalmaterials.
MainGalleryhighlightsinclude:ChristontheCrossinIndianRiver,Michigan;theFountainof EternalLifeinCleveland,Ohio;TheExpandingUniverseFountainattheStateDepartmentin Washington,D.C.;theFreedomoftheHumanSpiritinFlushingMeadowPark,NewYorkCity;the LeapingGazelleforTheLeviBarbourFountainatBelleIsleinDetroit,Michigan;TheSpiritofDetroitat theColemanA.YoungMunicipalCenterinDetroit;andTheFordEmpireandHarlequinReliefsatFord AuditoriuminDetroit.
TheSculptor’sStudio
TheSculptor’sStudiodisplaysapermanentexhibitofFredericks’studio.Afterhisdeathin1998,his entirecollectionofarchives,artwork,studiotools,equipmentandsomepersonalitemsbecamepartof themuseum’scollection.Theseitemsarearrangedinasequencethatexplainsthecastingprocess.A largedidacticpanelonthelostͲwaxandsandͲcastingmethodsfurtherexplainsthecastingprocess. VisitorsalsocanviewakioskoforiginalimagesofFredericks’studiointeriorandexterior,theSculpture Gardenandanextendedversionofthevideo“TheMagicofMarshallFredericks:ThePoetLordByron.” TheSculptor’sStudiofurthersthemissionofthemuseumandfulfillsFredericks’wishofeducating visitorsabouttheprocessoffineartcasting.
TemporaryExhibitionGalleries
TheTemporaryExhibitionGalleriesfeaturechangingexhibitionsofnational,regionalandinternational artistsandshowcaseworksfromthemuseumcollection.ItsfirstexhibitionwasCranbrook
4 Fundamentals,whichopenedOctober11,2003,andclosedMarch20,2004.Pastexhibitionsarelisted below.
x ContemporaryAmericanSculpturefromtheCollectionoftheFlintInstituteofArts(April30,2004 toApril30,2005) x PrintsbySculptors:FromtheCollectionoftheFlintInstituteofArts(April30toAugust28,2004 x PaulRotterdam:Drawings(October8,2004,toJanuary22,2005),inconjunctionwiththeDow VisitingScholar&ArtistSeries x ThePreacherandHisCongregation:FromtheCollectionoftheFlintInstituteofArts, PhotographsbyJamesPerryWalker(February7toMarch19,2005),inconjunctionwithBlack HistoryMonth x MarshallM.Fredericks,(1908Ͳ1998),(April15toAugust28,2005) x TheArmatureRevealed:FromtheCollectionoftheMarshallFredericksSculptureMuseum(June 10toSeptember24,2005) x NatureTransformed:WoodArtfromtheBohlenCollection(October14,2005toApril30,2006) x MarshallM.Fredericks:SelectedWorksfromtheCollection(June1toJanuary19,2007) x CulturalReflections,InuitArtfromtheCollectionsoftheDennosMuseumCenter(February2to May19,2007) x PewabicPottery:Patronage,PrivateResidences,PublicBuildings,SacredSpaces,June1to September29,2007 x DavidHostetler:WoodandBronzeSculptures,October12,2007toJanuary26,2008 x StreetSense:A20yearretrospectiveofTyreeGuytonandtheHeidelbergProject, Feb.8–May24,2008
x RegionalBiennialJuriedSculptureExhibition,June13–Sept.20,2008 x TangentsandWaves:TheArtofDavidBarrandDianeCarr,Oct.3,2008–Jan.31,2009 x ThayerandThayer,PaintingsandSculpture,Feb.7–May29,2009 x Seewww.svsu.edu/mfsmtoviewphotosandvideosofexhibitions.
SculptureGarden
SchoolgroupscanincludeaSculptureGardentouraspartoftheirvisit.Thereareapproximatelytwo dozenofFredericks’sculpturesoncampus;mostofthemareclosetothemuseum.Afterthe$2.5 millionrenovation,somesculptureswererelocatedandreceivedmoreprominentlocationsoncampus. Theyhadbeeninstoragefornearlytwoyearsduringtheconstructionofthemuseumexpansion.
IfyourtourdoesnotincludetheSculptureGarden,pleasefeelfreetovisititafterward.Youare welcometotouchFredericks’outdoorbronzes,butpleasedosorespectfully.Foryoursafety,pleasedo notclimbonthesculptures.
ArtsActivities
ThemuseumoffershandsͲonartactivitiesasanoptionfortourgroupstosupplementtheirvisits. Activitieslast30minutesto40minutes,dependingontheagegroup.Thereisa$2perpersonfeeforall activitiestocoverthecostofthematerials.Teachers,chaperonesandbusdriversarefree.Lesson
5 plansfortheseactivitiesareobtainedbycontactingthecuratorofeducationat(989)964Ͳ7096or visitingourWebsiteatwww.marshallfredericks.org.Activitiesarelistedbelow:
x SculptingwithModelMagic:Studentsexploreanadditiveandsubtractivemethodof sculptingwithamodelingcompound.ModelMagicismadebyCrayolaandisnotmessy,very pliable,andlightweightandairdriesin24hours.Studentscanpaintorcolorthemafterward. (ages4toadult) x DrawingintheMuseum:Studentscanexperienceatraditionalmethodofdrawingtheplaster modelsinthemuseum.(ages9toadult) x SoapCarving:Studentsexploreasubtractivemethodofcreatingsculpture.Theydoasimple linedrawing,transferitontosoapusingthegridtransfermethod,andthencarveaformoutof thesoap.ThisactivityhashistoricalsignificancetoFredericksbecausehecarvedapigfroma pieceofsoapasachild.(ages9toadult) x WireSculpture:StudentsdoatwoͲdimensionallineardrawingandthentransformitintoa threeͲdimensionalsculpturewitheasyͲtoͲbendwire.(ages9toadult) MarshallM.Fredericks(1908Ͳ1998)Biography Mr.FrederickswasbornofScandinavianheritageinRockIsland,IllinoisonJanuary31,1908.Hisfamily movedtoFloridaforashorttimeandthensettledinCleveland,Ohio,wherehegrewup.Hegraduated fromtheClevelandSchoolofArtin1930andjourneyedabroadonafellowshiptostudywithCarlMilles (1875Ͳ1955)inSweden.Afterafewmonthshestudiedatotheracademiesandprivatestudiosin GermanyandtraveledextensivelyinDenmark,France,Italy,andNorthAfrica.
In1932FrederickswasinvitedbyCarlMilles,whohadsincemovedtotheUnitedStates,tojoin thestaffsofCranbrookAcademyofArtandCranbrookandKingswoodSchoolsinBloomfieldHills, Michigan.Hetaughtsculptureandceramicsthereuntil1942whenheenlistedintheAirForce.In1945 hewashonorabledischargedasalieutenantcolonel.
AfterWorldWarII,thesculptorworkedcontinuouslyonhisnumerouscommissionsfor fountains,memorials,freeͲstandingsculptures,reliefs,andportraitsinbronzeandothermaterials. Manyofhisworkshavespiritualintensity,lightheartedhumorandawarmandgentlehumanistspirit likethatfoundinFrederickshimself.Awinnerofmanyimportantawards,Mr.Frederickshasexhibited hisworkthroughouttheUnitedStatesandabroad.Manyofhissculpturescanbefoundinmany national,public,andprivatecollections.
HeresidedinBirminghamwithhiswifeRosalindCookeuntilhisdeathinAprilof1998;theyhad fivechildrenandeightgrandchildren.Healsoheldstudiosat4113NorthWoodwardAvenueinRoyal OakandonEastLongLakeRoadinBloomfieldHills,Michiganuntil1998.Afterhisdeaththecontentsof hisstudiosweregiftedtotheMarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseumonthecampusofSaginaw ValleyStateUniversity.
6 Awards,Memberships,Philanthropy,andAchievements
HeholdstheGoldFineArtsMedaloftheAmericanInstituteofArchitects;theGoldMedalofhonorof theArchitecturalLeagueofNewYork;theGoldMedalofHonorformtheMichiganAcademyofScience, ArtsandLetters,andtheHenryHeringMedalfromtheNationalSculptureSociety.In1966hewasthe recipientoftheDistinguishedServiceAwardoftheMichiganAssociationoftheProfessionsandin1968 hereceivedtheGoldenPlateAwardoftheAmericanAcademyofAchievementandthePresident's CabinetMedallionfromtheUniversityofDetroit.
Mr.FredericksisanAcademicianoftheNationalAcademyofDesign;aFellowofthe InternationalConsularAcademy;aFellowoftheNationalSculptureSociety;aLifeFellowofthe InternationalInstituteofArtsandLetters;anHonoraryMemberoftheMichiganSocietyofArchitects; theAmericanInstituteofDecorators;TheNationalSocietyofInteriorDesignersandBetaSigmaPhi. OthermembershipsincludetheFederationInternationaldelaMedaille;TheMichiganAcademyof Science,ArtsandLetters;theNorseCivicLeague;theRebuildNationalParkSociety;theDanish Brotherhood;theSonsofNorway;theNordmannsForbundet;andtheRoyalSocietyoftheArts,London, England.
HereceivedcitationsfromtheUniversityofDetroit;DanaCollege;theStateofMichigan;the StateofWisconsin;theAmericanInstituteofArchitects;theMichiganSocietyofArchitects;theNational SocietyofCrippledChildrenandAdults;PeopleͲtoͲPeopleCommitteefortheHandicapped;Cityof Aalborg,Denmark;MichiganMedicalSociety;VanforeForeningen,Denmark;PeopleͲtoͲPeople International;AmericanScandinavianFoundation;CadofDetroit,Michigan;NationalAssociationfor RetardedChildren;RoyalAcademyofArt,London,England;SonsofNorway;theStatensInstitutefor Blinde,Svagsnede,Denmark;andtheUniversityofOslo,Norway.HewasappointedbytheGovernorof MichigantothejointlegislativeͲexecutivecommitteeforthenewStateCapitolandalsoservedasRoyal DanishConsulforMichiganfrom1965to1995.
Mr.FrederickswascoͲfounderwiththeLordMayorofCopenhagen,UrbanHansen,andthe AmericanDirectorofDiadem,DiademͲReturn,andDiademͲLeaderProgramsforInternationalExchange oftheHandicapped.HewasamemberoftheBoardofTrusteesofthePeopleͲtoͲPeopleCommitteefor theHandicapped;theAmericanͲScandinavianFoundation;theRebuildNationalParkSociety;and BrookgreenGardens,SouthCarolina.
InFebruary1963,HisMajestyKingFrederikIXofDenmarkconferreduponhimtheKnighthood oftheOrderofDannebrog.InAugust1971,HisMajestyKingFrederikIXconferreduponhim KnighthoodFirstClassoftheOrderofDannebrog.InOctober1972,HisMajestyKingOlavVofNorway conferreduponhimtheOrderofSaintOlav,FirstClass.OnMarch30,1978,HerMajestyQueen MargretheofDenmarkbestoweduponhimtheCommander'sCrossoftheOrderofDannebrog.Hewas alsotherecipientoftwentyͲoneotherForeignDecorationsforhisSculptureandHumanitarian accomplishments.
7 MuseumHistory
Mrs.Dorothy(Honey)ArburystudiedwithFrederickswhensheattendedKingswoodSchoolatthe CranbrookEducationalCommunityinBloomfieldHills,Michigan,inthe1930s.Shemethimthroughher uncle,AldenB.Dow,aprominentarchitectinMidland,Michigan,withwhomFredericksworkedon architecturalsculptureprojects.In1963,Mrs.ArburywasonthefoundingBoardofControlofSaginaw ValleyCollege,whichlaterbecameSaginawValleyStateUniversity(SVSU).Sheremainedactiveonthat boardandontheSVSUFoundationBoardintothe1990s.Mrs.Arburyandherhusband,NedArbury, andFredericksandhiswife,RosalindFredericks,formedtheideaofapermanentexhibitofFredericks' workadjacenttotheuniversity'sthenͲnewfacilityfortheart,musicandtheaterdepartments.SVSUand theArburysworkedtogethertowardanagreementtohavetheMarshallM.FredericksSculptureGallery andSculptureGardenbuiltadjacenttotheartdepartment.
ThegalleryopenedtothepublicintheArburyFineArtsCenterinMay1988.Abouthalfofthe $7.2millionofprivatemoneyraisedforthebuildingwenttodesignandconstruction,restoration, transportationandinstallation.Fredericksoversawinstallationofthemorethan200mostlyplaster modelsinthepermanentexhibitgallery.
Throughtheyears,privatedonorshavemadeitpossibleforsomeofthebronzecaststobe madefortheSculptureGarden.Fredericksgavethebalanceofthecollectionin1994.Afterhisdeathin 1998,thegalleryreceivedhisremainingtools,equipment,archives,architecturalsitemodels,sculptures andmore.Withthegrowthofthecollection,theBoardofAdvisorselevatedthegallerytomuseum statusin1999.InOctober2003,the$2.5millionPhaseIICapitalCampaignexpansionbecameareality, nearlydoublingthemuseum'ssize.TheadditionincludestheSculptor'sStudio,aclassroom,archives vault,researchreadingroom,twotemporaryexhibitiongalleriesandagiftshop.
MainGallery
The Main Gallery has approximately 200 works on display, including many of Fredericks’ wellͲknown publicsculptures.
TheLionandMouse,1957
Plasteroriginal
Fredericks stated that this sculpture illustrates the wellͲ known Aesop Fable of “The Lion and the Mouse.” The mouse, whose life was spared by the lion, helps him to escapeahorriblefate.Afittingmoraltothestoryisthat kindness is seldom thrown away, be it given to the mightiest, lowliest or smallest of creatures.Frederick’s rendition illustrates the conclusion of the story in which thelioncomestofriendlytermswiththemouse.
8
The J. L. Hudson Company commissioned this sculpture for Eastland Center in Harper Woods,Michigan.Thelionwassculptedinlimestoneandthemouseingiltbronze.
FountainofEternalLife:PeaceArisingfromtheFlamesof War,1964
ClevelandWarMemorial,quarterͲscale, plasteroriginal
This memorial fountain is dedicated to the honor and memory of those brave men and women who gave their lives in World War II.It symbolizes man’s immortal spirit rising above the encircling flames of war, pestilence and destructiontowardpeaceandeternallife.
Water continually moves and sprays in the fountain’s large granite basin.In the center are the sculpturedportions;setinthebasinrimarepolishedbronze plaquescontainingthenamesofmorethan5,000menand womenwhogavetheirlivesfortheircountry.Carvedinthe basinistheinscriptionfromPsalms36:9,“ForwithTheeis theFountainofLife;InThyLightshallweseelight.”
Four monolithic granite carvings weighing approximately 10 tons each depict the four great civilizations of the Earth, geographically: Nordic, Eastern, Southern and Western cultures. Centered within is the 10½Ͳfoot sculptured and filigreed bronze sphere representing the universe as man has imagineditthroughhistory.Itsdesigncontainssymbolsofeternallife,spiritanddominionderivedfrom ancientmythsandlegends.Themonumentalcentralfigure,alsoinbronze,towers43feetabovethe basin.
It's located at the Civic Center Mall A in Cleveland, Ohio.It was commissioned in 1945. Groundbreakingwasin1955anddedicationonMemorialDay1964.
FriendlyFrog,1970
Plasteroriginal
Fredericksdesignedthislarge,appealingsculptureasachildren’s slide. The original cast of this sculpture was located in the Genesee Valley Shopping Center in Flint, Michigan, for 16 years,
9 andchildrendiduseitasaslide.In1986,themalldonatedittotheFlintChildren’sMuseum.Whenthat museum moved to new quarters in 1993, the 6,600Ͳpound concrete and terrazzo frog was put into storagebecausethenewbuilding’sfloorwasnotstrongenoughtosupportit.Itremainedinstoragefor 11 years at C&S Motors on Dort Highway, a trucking company whose owner served on the Flint Children’sMuseumboard.In2004,newspaperarticlesintheFlintJournal(“LonelyFrog:Artistwould croak if he could see ‘Friendly’ sculpture now”) and letters to the editor prompted the Ruth Mott FoundationtopurchasethefrogfromtheChildren’sMuseumfor$35,000andinstallitatApplewood Estates, a 30Ͳacre estate that is open to the public several days each year for special events and festivals. Friendly Frog resides in a landscape complete with frogͲfriendly water features and a cushionedlilypad.
ChristontheCross,1959
Plasteroriginal
Frederickswascommissionedtosculptacrucifixabout6feetinsize.Instead, hedesignedthis28Ͳfoot,fullͲscalemodelforabronzetobeplacedatIndian RiverCatholicShrineinIndianRiver,Michigan.ThebronzeCorpusismounted ona55Ͳfootfoottallredwoodcross.Whenerectedin1959,itwasbelievedto be the largest crucifix in the world. Since then, a 65Ͳfoot crucifix has been positioned in the cemetery of St. Thomas Catholic Church hear Bardstown, Kentucky.
TheIndianRiverfigurerequiredonlythreeyearstofinish.Thisplaster model was in restoration for seven years before it was put on permanent displayintheMainGallery.Ithadsufferedfromneglectduringthetwodecadesitwasinstorageafter the bronze was cast.Note the absence of the crown of thorns and the wound in the figure’s side. FrederickschosenottodepictthepainandsufferingofJesus.Instead,heshowedthepowerfulbodyof Jesusatpeaceinthemomentafterdeath.
LeapingGazelle,1936
Plasteroriginal
In1936,FrederickswonaNationalAwardCompetitiontodesignafountain for the Levi L. Barbour Memorial on Belle Isle, an island park in Detroit, Michigan. The 16Ͳfoot bronze Leaping Gazelle is mounted on a granite pedestal in a fountain basin. Four small, carved granite animalsͲotter, grouse, hawk, and rabbitͲsurround the gazelle. This was the first commission Fredericks received and it initiated his career as a distinguishedpublicsculptor.
10
TheLeapingGazelleisoneofthemostduplicatedofFredericks’sculptures.Itcanbe found at numerous locationsͲnationally and internationallyͲincluding Brookgreen Gardens, PawleysIsland,SouthCarolina,whereitwasoneoffourpurchaseprizewinnersofanationwide openͲsculpturecompetitionin1972.
TheRomanceofTransportation,1951
Plasteroriginalpaintedsilver
This44ͲfootͲlongreliefmuraloriginallywaslocatedattheFortStreetUnionDepotinDetroit,Michigan. ItsincehasbeenrelocatedtotheB&ORailroadMuseuminBaltimore,Maryland.Thisplasteroriginalis paintedsilvertomorecloselyresembletheoriginalcastinaluminum.Sinceitissolong,itwascastin twelvepieces;theywerecastseparatelyandthenweldedtogether.
ThissculptedmuraldepictsthedevelopmentoftransportationinAmerica.
Accordingtothededicationprogram,Frederickschosethemodernsteamlocomotiveandastreamlined diesel,whichhecontrastedwitholdermodesoftraveltoformapanoramichistoryoftransportationin America.
OntheleftareIndianridersofthePlains,theoxͲdrawnprairieschoonersandstagecoachesof theWesternpioneers,andoneofthefirstwoodͲburninglocomotives.OntherightarethehighͲwheel bicyclesofthe1890s,therunaboutandtouringcaroftheearly1900s,thefirstairplaneandanother woodͲburninglocomotiveofCivilWarvintage.Theworkwasdesignedtoconveytheimpressionoflife and motion, and at the same time create sustained interest by depicting many forms of oldͲtime transportation.
Fredericksthoughtusingmanyformsoftransportationratherthanjustalargetrainwouldbe “moreinterestingforpeople.”
These same themes are incorporated into the two reliefs centered below The Romance of Transportation,ModernTrainsandHorseandAntiqueTrains.Thesewerelocatedatthemainentrance oftheFortStreetUnionDepot.
11 TheBoyandBear,1954
Plasteroriginal
Fredericks was one of six artists commissioned by J.L. Hudson to designasculptureforNorthlandCenterinSouthfield,Michigan.At the time it opened in 1954, Northland was the country’s largest shoppingcenter.Ina1981NationalArchivesinterview,Fredericks stated: “Well, as you know, the first shopping mall was Victor’s Gruen’sNorthland;thatwasthefirstoneintheworld,Iguess.He and his staff were very artͲconscious, and they thought that sculpture would really enhance the architecture. And they were right, because it made architecture more personal and related to people better.People don’t like to go shopping in just a cement building,youknow;theyreallydon’t.Ifithassomethingthatappealstotheireyeandismorefriendly andwarmandmaybehasalittlefunconnectedwithit,Ithinktheyenjoyitmore.ThatwasthereasonI didTheBearandtheBoythere;thatwasthefirstpieceeverdoneforashoppingcenter.Iwantedto reach people who would come there to shop, and the people who come there to shop basically are people, mothers and fathers, especially mothers with their children.And I think over the years, it’s attractedanawfullotofchildrenandthatattractsmothers,asmothersbuydresses,youknow.Soit worked.ThesamewithTheLionandTheMouse.”
DespitesimilaritiesbetweenthissculptureandthecharactersintheWaltDisney'smovieThe JungleBook,FredericksdisavowsanyinfluencefromDisneyorRudyardKipling,whowroteTheJungle Bookin1894.Frederickssaidthathesimplywantedtomakeasculptureofaboyandbearbecauseit wouldbefun.AbronzeofthisscalecanbefoundintheSculptureGarden.
ThesculptureatNorthlandwascarvedinlimestone,andtheboyiscastinbronzeandisgoldͲ plated.
MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseumDiscussionQuestions
WhowasMarshallM.Fredericks?
MarshallM.FrederickswasbornJanuary31,1908,inRockIsland,Illinois.HisfamilylivedinFloridafora fewyearsandthenmovedtoCleveland,Ohio,whereheattendedtheClevelandSchoolofArtfrom 1926to1930.HereceivedafellowshipandstudiedinGermany,France,ItalyandSweden,wherehe studiedwithsculptorCarlMilles.SoonafterFredericksreturnedtoClevelandtoteach,Millesaccepteda teachingpositionatCranbrookAcademyofArtinBloomfieldHills,Michigan.MillesaskedFredericksto teachatCranbrookandstudyunderhim,whichhedidformorethannineyearsbeginningin1932.In 1942,heenlistedinthemilitaryandservedinthePacificandFarEastduringWorldWarII.Whenhe
12 returnedtotheUnitedStatesafterthewar,Fredericksfocusedonpublicsculpturecommissions.Hewas aprolificartistuntilhisdeathApril4,1998.
WhyisthemuseuminSaginaw?
Mrs.Dorothy(Honey)ArburyhadstudiedwithFrederickswhensheattendedKingswoodSchoolatthe Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, in the 1930s. She also knew him through her uncle, Alden B. Dow, a prominent Midland architect with whom Fredericks worked on architecturalsculptureprojects.HoneyArburywasonthefoundingBoardofControlofSaginawValley Collegein1963andremainedactiveonthatboardandontheSVSUFoundationBoardintothe1990s. Honey Arbury and her husband, Ned, and Fredericks and his wife, Rosalind, generated the idea of a permanent exhibit of Fredericks' work adjacent to SVSU’s thenͲnew facilities for its art, music and theater departments.SVSU and the Arburys worked together toward an agreement to have the MarshallM.FredericksSculptureGalleryandSculptureGardenbuiltadjacenttotheartdepartment.The galleryopenedtothepublicintheArburyFineArtsCenterinMay1988.Thegallerybecameamuseum in 1999.In October 2003, the $2.5 million Phase II expansion became a reality, nearly doubling the museum’s size. The addition includes the Sculptor’s Studio, classroom, archives, a research reading room,twotemporaryexhibitiongalleriesandagiftshop.
WhyarethesculpturesintheMainExhibitGallery white?Whatisplaster?
They are white because they are made of plaster. Plasterisapastemadebyaddingwatertoamixture of lime and sand. It hardens as it dries. These sculptures are original plaster models, the middle stepofathreeͲstepprocessfromclaytoplasterto bronze. The sculptures in the Main Exhibit Gallery were painted white because some were discolored byageandthecastingprocess.
Whyaresomeofthesamesculpturesinsideandoutsideofthemuseum?
Fredericksmadeanagreementwiththeuniversityandmuseum.Theagreementwasthatonebronze sculpture could be made from each plaster sculpture model in the museum for display on campus. ManywereplacedintheSculptureGardenjustoutsidethemuseum.
Whatisasculpturegarden?
Asculpturegardenisabeautifullylandscapedareaembellishedbysculptures.Othermajorsculpture gardenexamplesareBrookgreenGardensatPawleysIslandinSouthCarolina;HirschhornMuseumand SculptureGardenintheSmithsonianInstitutioninWashington,D.C.;andtheFrederikMeijerGardensin GrandRapids,Michigan.
13 Whyaresomesculpturesgreen?
Becausetheyarebronzeandhaveagreenpatina.Bronzeis90percentcopper,and10percentof lead,tinandzinc.SomereliefsculpturesonthewallintheMainExhibitGalleryareplasterandpainted greentoshowhowtheywouldlookifcastinbronzewithagreenpatina.
Whatisapatina?
Patina,whichisconsideredbeautiful,iscorrosiononthesurfaceofbronzeorothermetalssimilarto rustonsteel.Itiscreatedbyapplyingchemicalstothesurfaceofthemetalwithheat.Differentcolors are achieved by using different chemicals.The green patina that Fredericks favored is achieved by applyingliverofsulfurandthencoppernitratetothesurfaceofthebronzewithheattoacceleratethe chemicalreaction,oroxidation,ofthemetal.
Canyoumakethebronzelooklikemetaloranothercolor?
Yes.TheTorsoofaDancerisshinyandlookslikegold.Itisn’tgold;itishighlypolishedbronze.No chemicalwasusedtomakethesurfaceshiny.However,thereissomewaxonittopreserveit.
Arethereotherbronzesculptureswithdifferentcolors?
Yes,thereisacaseinthemuseumwitheightbronzeportraits.Sevenofthemaredarkbrownbecausea differentchemical,ferricnitrate,wasapplied.
ArethereanyotherFredericks’sculpturesthataremadeofmetalsormediaotherthanbronze?
Yes,YouthintheHandsofGodiscastinaluminum.It’slocatedonthefaçadeofthemuseum.Thereare plasterreliefsonthewallinthemuseumthatwerepaintedsilvertoshowwhattheywouldlooklikein aluminum.TheGermanPhilosopherintheportraitcaseisterracottaandthePortraitofanOldManis wood.TherelieffortheFordEmpireisfabricatedfromdifferentmetals;itwasnotcast.
HowwerethelargesculpturesbroughtintotheMainExhibitGallery?
Theywerebroughtintothemuseuminsmallerpieces.TheSpiritofDetroithasjoinsthatarevisible. Thesmallerpieceswereassembledinthemuseumtomakethelargersculpture.Themetalarmature inside the hollow sculpture models is a supporting structure that holds the sculpture together; it is similar to a skeleton. You can see the armature if you look under the head of John F. Kennedy. Armaturesareattachedtothesmallmetalpiecesthatarevisibleonsomesculptures.Someofthejoins onthesculptureswerefilledinwithplastertolooklikeonesolidpiece.Otherswereleftwithvisible joinssoyoucanseehowsculpturesaremadeandhowtheybreakdownintosmallersections.
WhoarrangedthesculpturesintheMainExhibitGallery?
Fredericksdesignedthemuseuminstallation.Thesearethesculpturestheartistchosetoillustratehis careerasapublicsculptor.
WilltheMainExhibitGalleryortheSculptor’sStudioeverchange?
14 No.TheMainExhibitGalleryandtheSculptor’sStudioarepermanentexhibitsanddonotchange.The SpecialExhibitionsGallerywillhavechangingexhibitionsallyear.
HowmanysculpturesareintheMainExhibitGallery?
Thereareapproximately200.Thisrepresentsapproximately10percentofwhatheproducedinhislife.
HowmanyobjectsareintheSculptorsStudio?
There are over 300 objects in the studio. The Sculptor’s Studio displays a permanent exhibit of Fredericks’ studio.After he died in 1998, his entire collection of archives, artwork, studio tools and equipment, plus some personal items, became part of the museum’s collection.Visitors now can experiencehisauthenticobjects,toolsandequipmentondisplayandarrangedinasequencetoexplain thecastingprocess.
WherearesomeotherplacesyoucanseeFredericks’sculptures?
BrookgreenGardensatPawleysIsland,SouthCarolina;theFrederickMeijerGardensinGrandRapids, Michigan;theMcMorranAuditoriuminPortHuron,Michigan;theIndianRiverCatholicShrineinIndian River,Michigan;theColemanA.YoungMunicipalBuildingandUAWBuildinginDetroit,Michigan;the StateDepartmentBuilding,Washington,D,C.,andFlushingMeadowCoronaParkinNewYork.
DoestheMarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseumhaveaWebsite?
Yes.Theaddressiswww.marshallfredericks.org.YoualsocangototheSaginawValleyStateUniversity Website(www.svsu.edu)andclickonthevisitorsbuttontoaccesstheMarshallM.FredericksSculpture MuseumWebsitefromthere.
DoestheMarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseumhaveaBlog?
Yes.Theaddressiswww.marshallfredericks.com.
MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseumSculptureQuestionsandActivities
TheLionandMouse
Plasteroriginal
1957
15 Publiccollections:
EastlandShoppingCenter,HarperWoods,Michigan,limestoneandbronze,1957
MarshallFredericksSculptureMuseumgarden,bronze,1988
Describe this sculpture.A lion caricature with a very large, curly mane lounges on his back like a human.Asmallmousestandsonthelion’spawpeeringupintohislarge,smilingface.
WhowrotetheLionandMousestory?
It’sanAesop’sFable.HewasaGreeksixthcenturyB.C.E.(BeforeCommonEra)writeroffables.Afable isashortnarrativethatusuallyteachesamorallessonandoftenusesanimalsasmaincharacters.
WhatisthestoryoftheLionandMouse?
Thelifeofapleadingmouseissparedwhenheiscaughtbyalion.Themouseeventuallyrepaysthe debtbychewingaholeinahunter’snettofreethelion.Asimilarstoryhasthemouseremovingathorn fromthelion’spaw.
Doesthislionresembleoneyouwouldseeinazoo?Why?
No.Itislyingonitsback,similartoalounginghuman.
Whataretwowordsthatareusedtodescribeartworkthatisrecognizablebutnottruetolife?
Stylizedandabstract.Stylizedmeanstorepresentordesignaccordingtostyleratherthanaccordingto nature.Abstractmeansalteringtheviewoftheworldweseeandretainingonlytheessenceofathing oridea.
Wouldyousaythelionandmousearegettingalongorareangrywitheachother?Why?
Theyaregettingalong.Theydon’tlookscaredofeachother,andtheexpressionsontheirfacesarenot ofangerbutofcompromiseandrespect.Theyseemtobelisteningtoeachother.
WhydoyouthinkFredericksmadethissculpture?
He was commissioned in the 1950s to create a sculpture for a shopping mall, a new addition to the Americanlandscape.
Whatisthemoralofthisstory?
Wemustrealizethateventhesmallestofcreaturescandoverylargefavors.Wemustrespecteach otherdespitedifferencesinourbeliefs,cultureand,inthiscase,size.Bothmouseandlioncangreatly benefitfromeachother.
16 "LionandMouseActivity:
Discussfablesandhavethestudentsreadafewinclass.Havestudentscomposeshortfablesandthen illustratetheminabooklet.Makecopiesfortheentireclass
TwoBears
Plasteroriginal
1964
Castsinpubliccollections:
SterlingHeightsPublicLibraryinSterlingHeights,Michigan,bronze,1981
BrookgreenGardensatPawleysIsland,SouthCarolina,bronze,1985
InterlochenCenterfortheArtsinInterlochen,Michigan,bronze,1985
FrederikMeijerGardensinGrandRapids,Michigan,bronze,1995
Describethissculpture.Twobearsareseatedandleaningbacktoback.Oneisverylargeandoneis verysmall.
Eventhoughtheydifferinsize,arethesebearsthesame?Whatarethedifferences?
No.Theearsandnosesaredifferent.
Whattypeofspeciesarethey?
Thelargebearisabrownbear;thesmallbearisablackbear.
Dothesebearsgetalonginnatureasweseeinthissculpture?
No.Blackbearsandbrownbearsarenaturalenemies.
WhywouldFredericksputthemtogetherinasculpture?
Becausehewantedtoshowthattwoenemiescangetalong.Theycantolerateeachotherandcometo acompromisewhentheyhavedifferences.Heplacesthembacktobacksotheycan’tseeeyetoeye.It isasthoughtheyaresaying,“Wedon’tseeeyetoeyeonthings,butwecanworktogetheronthem.”
"TwoBearsActivity:
Have students research animals that live in the Michigan wilds. Have each student select one and compileinformationforalargeposter.
17
ChristforChristontheCross
Plasteroriginal
1959
Publiccollection:
Indian River Catholic Shrine, Indian River, Michigan, bronze,1959
Describe this sculpture.It is a 28Ͳfoot, fullͲscale plaster modelofthecrucifixwithoutthecross.
Whereisthebronzesculpturelocated?
It is located at the Indian River Catholic Shrine in Indian River,Michigan.
What is missing from this crucifix, other than the cross?Why did Fredericks not put these in his sculpture?
Thecrownofthornsandwoundaremissing.Hedidnotwanttodepictthepainandsufferingofthe crucifixion.Instead,heshowsJesusatpeaceinthemomentafterdeath.Marshallaskedtheshrineto contacttheVaticanandrequestthesecharacteristicsbeexcluded.Therequestwasgranted.
Doyouthinkthisisthelargestcrucifixintheworld?
Letstudentsrespond.Itwasbelievedtobethelargestcrucifixwhenitwaserectedin1959.Therenow isatalleroneinKentucky.Also,manypeopleknowofChristwithoutstretchedarmsatopamountainin RiodeJaneiro.Itistaller,butnottechnicallyacrucifix.
Howtallisthissculptureinthemuseum?
Itis28feetwithoutthecross.ThisisthefullscaleofthebronzeatIndianRiverCatholicShrine.
Howwasitbroughtintothemuseum?
It was brought into the museum in pieces before the windows were in place.The pieces were assembled on site and the joins were filled with plaster.Fredericks didn’t think another bronze
18 sculpturewouldeverbemadefromthismodel.IfyoulookatthewallbehindChristyoucanseethe supportbracesthatholditintoplace.
Wherewasthebronzecast?
ItwascastinNorwayandthenshippedtotheUnitedStates.
Howlongdidittaketomakefromstarttofinish?
Ittookthreeyearsfromthemodelingoftheclayoriginaltothebronzesculpture.
ÂFredericksFacts:Fredericksdidnottakeanypaymentforthissculpture.Hesculpteditmuchfaster thanheanticipated.Whilesculptingit,hestatedthattheclayjust“seemedtogointherightplaces.It came out exactly how I wanted it to come out.” It took seven years to restore it for display in the MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum.Abookletinthemuseumnexttothesculptureshowsphoto documentationoftherestoration.
"ChristontheCrossActivities:
Ifpossible,takeafieldtriptotheshrine.Itislocatedabout30milessouthoftheMackinacBridge.
HavestudentsvisittheIndianRiverCatholicShrineWebsiteat: http://www.rc.net/gaylord/crossinwoods/nfthecross.htm
Have students research art produced for religion purposes (any religion) from prehistory to modern times.Choosedifferentcultures,too.Setupsmallgroupsthatcovercertaintimeperiodsandcultures.
JohnF.Kennedy
Plasteroriginal
1970
Publiccollection:
MacombCountyBuilding,
MountClemens,Michigan,bronze
Describethissculpture:
AportraitheadofformerU.S.PresidentJohnF.Kennedy,200times
19 lifeͲsize.
WhydidFredericksmakethisheadsolarge?
Tobemoreeasilyseenfromadistance,andtohavea“largerͲthanͲlife”appearance.Ancientartists sometimesportrayedimportantpeopleandgodslargerthancommonpeopleinonecompositiontogive them more importance.This is referred to as hierarchical proportioning, or scaling. Artists still do it today.
Whereisthebronzelocated?
InMountClemensatasitewhereKennedydeliveredacampaignspeechinfrontof20,000peoplein October1960.(MarshallFredericksSculptureMuseumArchives)
HowdidFrederickssculpthisfeaturessowellwithoutevermeetinghiminperson?
Fredericksclaimedtohavestudiedmorethan100photographsfromtheLibraryofCongressofKennedy at different ages. He considered him an “intense and earnest, but youthful and idealistic dreamer.” FrederickswantedtocaptureKennedy’searnestfeeling,youthfulenergy,vitalityandvision.(Marshall FredericksSculptureMuseumarchives)
WhowasJohnF.Kennedy?Whathappenedtohim?
Kennedywasthe35thpresidentoftheU.S.,servingfrom1961to1963.HewasassassinatedinDallas, Texas,onNovember22,1963byLeeHarveyOswald.
Whyisthesurfaceofhisskinslightlyrough?
Fredericks did it intentionally. The slightly rough, textured style sometimes is referred to as impressionistic.HesculptedaportraitofWinstonChurchillinthesamemanner.
Whyarehiseyeshollowedout?
The hollowed eyes are not true to life. Fredericks borrowed this technique from the ancient Greeks. Theyoriginallypaintedtheirbronzesculptures,thendiscoveredthatbyhollowingouttheeyearea,light fromabovecreatedashadowthatresemblesthedarkpartofaneye.Thereafter,theydidn’thaveto painttheeyes.
"JohnF.KennedyActivity:
Have students do a research project on Kennedy and then have a class discussion on his biography, personal life and accomplishments as president. Have them compile photographs of him and discuss whattheyfeelabouthim,usingthephotographsasreference.
20
TheRomanceofTransportation
Plasteroriginal,paintedsilver
1951
Publiccollection:
B&ORailroadMuseum,BaltimoreMaryland
(OriginallylocatedattheFortStreetUnionDepotinDetroit,Michigan.)
Description:
A44ͲfootͲlongreliefmuralthatdisplaysthemesoftransportationsuchastrains,cars,horses,airplanes andmotorcycles.
Whatisareliefsculpture?
Areliefsculptureiswhenformprojectsfromabackground.(www.artlex.com)Thevantagepointusually isfromthefront.
Inartterms,whatisanarrative?
Anarrativeisastorydepictedwithimages.Thissculpturedepictsthedevelopmentoftransportationin America.(MarshallFredericksSculptureMuseumarchives)
FrederickswascommissionedtodothisrelieffortheFortStreetUnionDepotinDetroit.Whydidn’t hejustdoalltrains?
When Fredericks first started to do the design for this sculpture he thought of using many forms of transportation rather than just a large train. He claimed it would be “more interesting for people.” (MarshallFredericksSculptureMuseumarchives)
Thisisagoodexampleofthefourthdimension,time.Describewhatthismeanswiththissculpture.
Thefourthdimensionistime.Itcanberepresentedin3ͲDsculptureasactualmovement,soundand/or theimpressionofmovement.Thissculpturegivesusasenseofchangeandgrowthovertimewiththe themeoftransportation.Hecomparesandcontrastsolderandmorerecentmodesoftransportationin America’shistory.
21 Whataresomeofthetypesofimagesseeninthisrelief?
Imagesincludedare:NativeAmericansandcowboysonhorseback;Conestogawagonspulledbyoxen; stagecoaches pulled by teams of horses; bandits trying to rob the stagecoaches near cacti (location: southwest);earlysteamenginetrainsandcontemporary(1950s)dieseltrains;earlyautomobiles;dogs; childrenrunning;peopleintheearly1900sstandingnearaWrightBrothersͲstylebiplane;peopleriding oldͲfashionedbicycles;apersonridingamotorcyclechasedbydogs.
"RomanceofTransportationActivity:
AssignstudentstoresearchmodesoftransportationinAmericaandtheirtimeperiods,thenassemble imagesofthem.Createaresourcebookwiththeimages,includingdescriptionsanddates.Havethem constructatwoͲdimensionalmuralwiththeimages.
LeapingGazelle
Plasteroriginal
1936
Publiccollections:
LeviL.BarbourMemorial Fountain,BelleIsle,Detroit,Michigan, bronze, 1936
EmigrantsMonument,Stavanger,Norway,bronze,1958
BrookgreenGardens,PawleysIsland,SouthCarolina,bronze,1972
SVSUQuadrangle,bronze,1987
TheGardens,PalmBeachCounty,Florida,bronze,1988
DowGardens,Midland,Michigan,bronze,1994
FrederikMeijerGardens,GrandRapids,Michigan,bronze,1995
Describe this sculpture.A gazelle, situated high on a pedestal, is in a pose or movement known as “wheeling.”Wheelingisamaneuvergazellesmakewhentheyreversetheirdirectioninthemiddleofa run.His hind feet are touching the ground, and his front feet are in the air.His eyes are staring upward,hisbackisarchedandhishornscurvearoundandpointtowardtheground.
22 WhydidFredericksmakethissculpture?
Fredericksmadethissculpturein1936ashisentryinanationalcompetitionforafountainonBelleIsle inDetroit.Hewonthiscompetition.ThecompetitionwasfundedbytheestateofLeviL.Barbourand placedonBelleIsleinhismemory.
Whydidhechoosetodoaleapinggazelle?
Frederickssaiditwasagracefulandbeautifulanimal.
GazellesarenotcommonlyfoundinMichigan.Whatothersculpturesdidhesculptthatalsoarepart oftheLeviL.BarbourFountain?
He sculpted four animals in black granite to surround the gazelle on all four sides.They are hawk, grouse,rabbitandotter.TheseanimalsarenativetoBelleIsle.
WhyisthissculptureveryspecialtoFredericks?
Itwasthefirsttimehereceivedsomuchrecognitionforhissculpture,anditwashisfirstmajorpublic commission.Hebecamemorewidelyknownasapublicsculptorandearnedmanycommissionsasa result.ThissculptureisfoundonhisgraveattheGreenwoodCemeteryinBirmingham,Michigan.At SVSU,itiscentrallyplacedintheMainExhibitGallerydesignedbyFredericks.
Otter,auxiliarysculpturefortheLeapingGazelleFountain,1936
Plaster,1987
Publiccollections:
LeviL.BarbourMemorialFountain,BelleIsle,Detroit,Michigan,granite,1936
BrookgreenGardens,PawleysIsland,SouthCarolina,bronze,1972
MarshallFredericksSculptureMuseumgarden,bronze,1989,
FrederikMeijerGardens,GrandRapids,Michigan,bronze,1995
KraslArtCenter,St.Joseph,Michigan,bronze
23
Grouse,auxiliarysculpturefortheLeapingGazelleFountain,1936
Plaster,1987
Publiccollections:
LeviL.BarbourMemorialFountain,BelleIsle,Detroit,Michigan,granite,1936
BrookgreenGardens,PawleysIsland,SouthCarolina,bronze,1972
FrederikMeijerGardens,GrandRapids,Michigan,bronze,1995
Rabbit,auxiliarysculpturefortheLeapingGazelleFountain,1936
Plasteroriginal
Publiccollections:
LeviL.BarbourMemorialFountain,BelleIsle,Detroit,Michigan,granite,1936
BrookgreenGardens,PawleysIsland,SouthCarolina,bronze,1972
FrederikMeijerGardens,GrandRapids,Michigan,bronze,1995
Hawk,auxiliarysculpturefortheLeapingGazelleFountain,1936
Plasteroriginal
Publiccollections:
LeviL.BarbourMemorialFountain,BelleIsle,Detroit,Michigan,granite,1936
BrookgreenGardens,PawleysIsland,SouthCarolina,bronze,1972
FrederikMeijerGardens,GrandRapids,Michigan,bronze,1995
"LeapingGazelleActivities:
Havestudentsresearchthefiveanimals:gazelle,grouse,hawk,rabbitandotter.Discusstheirnatural habitat,descriptionandotherinformationaboutthem. ResearchBelleIsleinDetroitanddiscussitshistory.Whatotherinterestingthingsarefoundthere?
24
FountainofEternalLife:Peace
ArisingfromtheFlamesofWar
ClevelandWarMemorial,quarterscalemodel Plasteroriginal
1964
Publiccollections: MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum,MainGallery,UniversityCenter, Michigan,inchͲtoͲfootscalemodel,plaster,1945Ͳ64 MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum,MainGallery,UniversityCenter,Michigan,quarterͲscale model,plaster,1945Ͳ64 SaginawValleyStateUniversity,Founder'sHall,UniversityCenter,Michigan,(PeaceArisingfromthe FlamesofWarandsphere),quarterͲscale,bronze,1997 KirkintheHillsPresbyterianChurch,BloomfieldHills,Michigan,(PeaceArisingfromtheFlamesofWar andsphere),quarterͲscale,bronze
Didacticlabel
Thismemorialfountainisdedicatedtothehonorandmemoryofthosebravemenandwomenwho gavetheirlivesintheSecondWorldWarforthepreservationoftheirideals.Itsymbolizesman’s immortalSpiritrisingthroughthethoughtsandhopesofallpeoplesandcivilizationsabovetheflamesof warandtribulationtowardPeaceandEternalLife.
It’snotaliteralportrayalofanyindividualorofanyofthedestructiveanduglyaspectsofwar,ratherit symbolizesthenoblespiritofMankind…Itattemptstoexpressahopefulandinspiringthoughtthat mightbeencouragingandhelpfultothosewhoareleftbehind.
Thefountainiscomposedofalargegranitebasininwhichwaterwillcontinuallymoveandspray.Inthe centerarethesculpturedportions,setinthebasinrimarepolishedbronzeplaquescontainingthe namesofoverfivethousandmenandwomenwhogavetheirlivesfortheircountry.Carvedinthebasin istheinscriptionfromtheThirtyͲsixthPsalm,9thverse“ForwithTheeistheFountainofLife;InThyLight shallweseelight.”
Fourmonolithicgranitecarvingsweighingapproximatelytentonseach,depictthefourgreat civilizationsoftheearth,geographically:Nordic,Eastern,Southern,andWesterncultures.Centered withinisthe10½footsculpturedandfiligreedbronzesphererepresentingtheUniverseasmanhas
25 imagineditthroughouthistory.ItsoverͲalldesigncontainssymbolsofeternalLife,Spirit,andDominion derivedfromancientmythsandlegends.Themonumentalcentralfigure,alsoinbronze,towers43feet abovethebasin.ThisfigureexpressesthemainthemeoftheFountain,namely,thespiritofmankind risingoutoftheencirclingflamesofwar,pestilence,andthedestructiveelementsoflife,reachingand ascendingtoanewunderstandingoflife.Manrisingabovedeath;reachingupwardtohisGodand towardpeace.”
It'slocatedattheCivicCenterMallA,Cleveland,Ohio.Itwascommissionedin1945,groundbreaking was1955,anditwasdedicatedonMemorialDay1964.
Whatisawarmemorial?Amonumentorsculpturededicatedtomenandwomenwhoserved,fought anddiedinawar.
Whatisthetitletothisartwork?ClevelandWarMemorial:PeaceArisingfromtheFlamesofWar.Have studentsdiscussthemeaningbythetitle.
Whatimagerydoyouseeontheglobeofthesculpture?Sun,Phoenix,Dragon,Swan,Baboon, Pegasus,Crocodile/alligator,Lion,andDolphin/porpoises.Havestudentsresearchanddiscussthe meaningsoftheseimages.Frederickssaid,thatItsoverͲalldesigncontainssymbolsofeternalLife, Spirit,andDominionderivedfromancientmythsandlegends.
Canonesymbolhavedifferentmeaningsfordifferentcultures?Yes,symbolsdohavedifferent meaningsfordifferentcultures.
Whatdifferentculturesdothe“civilization”sculpturesrepresent?Nordic,Southern,Eastern,and Westernculturesoftheworld.Howdoyouknowthat?Eachculturehasattributesofthecivilizations theyrepresent.NordichasThorwithashark,SouthernhasAfricanpeoplewithamask,Easternhas Bacchus/Dionysus,andWesternhasBuddha/Shiva,GaneshandvariousotherEastAsiandeities.
Whatdotheflamesrepresent?War.Whywouldhesculptamanreachingupward?Fredericksstated: “ThisfigureexpressesthemainthemeoftheFountain,namely,thespiritofmankindrisingoutofthe encirclingflamesofwar,pestilence,andthedestructiveelementsoflife,reachingandascendingtoa newunderstandingoflife.Manrisingabovedeath;reachingupwardtohisGodandtowardpeace.”If Fredericksmadethesculpturereachdownwards,whatdoyouthinkthatwouldmean?Havestudents discussthis.Havestudentsdiscussthemeaningsofbodygesture.
Canyouseeanotherversionofthissculptureinadifferentsize?Yes,thereisa1”to1footscalemodel inacasenearthe¼Ͳscalemodel.Whywouldhedoa1”to1’scalemodel?Fredericksstartedhis artworkinsmallerscalesizesandslowlyenlargedthemtopresenttothecommissioningpersons.If changesneededtobemadehewasabletodothiseasilybeforethefinalfullͲscalemodelwascomplete. Ifthe¼scalemodelis11½’thenhowlargeisthefullscalemodel?46’
26 WhatdatesdidWWIIoccur?1939to1945Whatcountrieswereinvolved?Theaggressorcountries wereGermany,Italy,andJapan.AlliedcountriesincludedUnitedKingdom,France,UnitedStates,Soviet Union,andChina.WhatcountriesemergedassuperpowersafterWWII?TheSovietUnionandUnited States.Whatisatermweuseforpeoplethatfoughtinapastwar?Veterans.Whataresomeother warsthatinvolvedtheUSandwhataretheirdates?RevolutionaryWar:1775Ͳ83,SpanishAmerican War:1898Ͳ1901,WorldWarI:1914Ͳ18,KoreanWar:1950to53,VietnamWar:1959Ͳ75,andGulfWar: 1990Ͳ91.
Whodoesthissculpturehonor?Ithonorsthememoryofthosebravemenandwomenwhogavetheir livesintheSecondWorldWarforthepreservationoftheirideals.
HowwasFredericksselecteddothissculpture?Cleveland,OHhada40yeardreamofestablishinga beautifulwarmemorialandfountaintomemorializeGreaterCleveland’swardeadofWWII.Around 1945theClevelandPressundertookacampaigntoraise$100,000inpubliccontributions.Thefinal contributionsraisedwere$104,000.Fredericksmadescalemodelsofhisproposeddesignwhichwere viewedinformallyattheClevelandSchoolofArtbymembersoftheCityPlanningCommissionandthe Commission’sAdvisoryCommitteeonFineArts.AlongwithFredericks,afieldoffountainsculptorswas thoroughlyreviewedandLieutenantcolonel(USAirForce),MarshallFrederickswaschosen.
DidFredericksserveinanywars?Whichone?Yes,WorldWarII.HewasaLieutenantColonelintheUS AirForce.
"ClevelandWarMemorialActivities:
Havestudentsdobodygesturesinfrontoftheclassanddiscusswhattheymean.
Havestudentscreatetheirownwarmemorial.Startbyresearchingthewar(s)andthenselecting symbolsthathavemeaningstheywanttoconvey.Youcanthencreatea2Ͳdimensionalcollageartwork byusingactualartandphotographicimages.
FriendlyFrog
Plasteroriginal
1970
Publiccollections: MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum,MainGallery,UniversityCenter,Michigan,plaster,1970 MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum,Sculptor’sStudio,UniversityCenter,Michigan,halfͲscale, plaster,1970 ApplewoodEstate,RuthMottFoundation,Flint,Michigan,greenterrazzo,1970 FrederikMeijerGardensandSculpturePark,GrandRapids,Michigan,bronze,1995
27 Didacticlabel
Fredericksdesignedthislargefriendlyappealingsculptureasachildren’sslide.Theoriginalcastofthis sculpturewaslocatedattheHudsonwingoftheGeneseeValleyShoppingCenterinFlint,Michiganfor 16yearswherechildrendiduseitasaslide.In1986themalldonatedittotheFlintChildren'sMuseum andwhentheymovedtotheirnewquarters(1602W.Third)in1993,thebuilding’sfloorwasnotstrong enoughtosupportthefrog’s6,600poundconcreteandterrazzoweight.Sofor11yearsthefrogwas storedatC&SMotorsontheDortHighway,atruckingcompanywhoseownerservedontheFlint Children’sMuseumBoard.In2004,newspaperarticlesintheFlintJournalPress(“LonelyFrog:Artist wouldcroakifhecouldsee‘Friendly’sculpturenow”)andletterstotheeditorpromptedtherelocation ofthefrogfromthetruckingcompanytoApplewoodEstates(RuthMottFoundation).TheRuthMott FoundationpurchasedthesculpturefromtheFlintChildren’sMuseumfor$35,000in2004andnowit residespermanentlyonthe30Ͳacreestatethatisopentothepublicseveraldayseachyearforspecial eventsandfestivals.Asofspring2005,FriendlyFrogresidesinanewlandscapecompletewithfrogͲ friendlywaterfeaturesandacushionedlilypad.
DescribethisSculpture
Alargescalestylizedfrogformwithcirclemarksforearsandbrassformsforeyes.
Whataretheeyes(ofthemuseumsculpture)composedof?Brass.Brassiscomposedofcopperand zinc.
Explainthesimilaritiesanddifferencesofafrogandtoad.Frogshavelonghindlegs,notails, protrudingeyes,shortbodies,andwebbeddigits/fingers.Theyhaveasemiaquaticlifestyleandbegin lifehatchingfromanegg,becomeatadpole,thenasadultcanexistnearwateronland.Toadsaremore adepttodryhabitats,haveleatheryskin,aremostlybrowncoloration,andtendtoburrow.Toadsalso hatchfromeggs,becometadpolesandthenliveindryhabitatsasadults.
Whatisanamphibian?ArecoldͲblooded;asjuvenilestheyarewaterͲbreathingandasadultstheyare airbreathing.
Whatcolorsarefrogs?Manycolors,mostcommonlygreen.Butsomearered,black,orange,yellow, andbluetonameafew.
Canfrogsseebehindthem?Explain.Yes,theireyesprotrudeandareabletoseearoundtheirbody. Discussperipheralvisiontoyourstudentsandnameotheranimalsthathaveeyesonthesidesofits headorprotrudingeyes.
Arefrogscarnivores?Yes.Thismeansmeatorflesheater.
Howdofrogsreproduce?Theylayeggsinwater,theeggshatchintotadpoles,andwhenmaturedthey liveondryhabitatsandnearwater.
28 "FriendlyFrogActivities
Havestudentsresearchimagesoffrogeggs,tadpoles,andadultfrogs.Createaposteroftheseimages. Compareimagesoffrogsandtoadsanddiscusstheirsimilaritiesanddifferences.
Havestudentscreatetheirownfrogs(realisticorstylized)withsculptingcompound.Paintthemwhen dry.
TheBoyandBear
Plasteroriginal
1954
Publiccollections: MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum,MainGallery,University Center,Michigan,plaster,1954 NorthlandCenter,Southfield,Michigan,limestoneandgiltbronze,1954 GrossePointePublicLibrary,GrossePointe,Michigan,bronze,1976 MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum,MainGallery,UniversityCenter,Michigan,maquette, bronze,1987 MarshallM.FredericksSculptureMuseum,SculptureGarden,UniversityCenter,Michigan,bronze,1988 FrederikMeijerGardensandSculpturePark,GrandRapids,Michigan,bronze,1995 WayElementarySchool,BloomfieldHills,Michigan,smallͲscale
Didacticlabel
FrederickswasoneofsixartistscommissionedbyJ.L.HudsontodesignsculptureforNorthlandCenter inSouthfield,Michigan.Atthetimeitopenedin1954,Northlandwasthecountry'slargestshopping centeraswellasthefirstregionalshoppingcenter.Ina1981NationalArchivesInterview,Fredericks states:“Well,asyouknow,thefirstshoppingmallwasVictor’sGruen’sNorthland;thatwasthefirstone intheworld,Iguess.Heandhisstaffwereveryartconsciousandtheythoughtthatsculpturewould reallyenhancethearchitectureandtheywererightbecauseitmadearchitecturemorepersonaland relatedtopeoplebetter.Peopledon’tliketogoshoppinginjustacementbuilding,youknow;they reallydon’t.Ifithassomethingthatappealstotheireyeandismorefriendlyandwarmandmaybehas alittlefunconnectedwithitIthinktheyenjoyitmore.ThatwasthereasonIdidTheBearandtheBoy there;thatwasthefirstpieceeverdoneforashoppingcenter.Iwantedtoreachpeoplewhowould cometheretoshopandthepeoplewhocometheretoshopbasicallyarepeople,mothersandfathers, especiallymotherswiththeirchildrenandIthinkovertheyearsit’sattractedanawfulofchildrenand thatattractsmothers,asmothersbuydresses,youknow.Soitworked.ThesamewiththeLionandThe Mouse.”
29 DespitesimilaritiesbetweenthissculptureandthecharactersinWaltDisney'smovieTheJungleBook, Fredericks’disavowsanyinfluencefromWaltDisneyorRudyardKipling,theauthorofTheJungleBook whichwasoriginallypublishedin1894.Frederickshassaidthathesimplywantedtomakeasculpture ofaboyandbearbecauseitwouldbefun.AbronzeofthisscalecanbefoundintheSculptureGarden.
ThesculptureatNorthlandwascarvedinlimestoneandtheboyiscastinbronzeandisgoldͲplated.
Describethissculpture
Alargesizestylized,cartonͲlikebearstandingonallfourlegswithasmallthinboyridingonhisback. TheboyandbearrelatetothecharactersintheJungleBook.
Whatdoesthissculptureremindyouof?TheJungleBook.
WhowrotetheJungleBook?RudyardKipling
WhendidKiplingwritethisstory?1894
CanyoubrieflydescribethestoryoftheJungleBook?Havestudentssummarizethestoryandnames oftheboyandbear.
FrederickssaidthathisboyandbearsculpturehasnorelationtotheJungleBookstory.Doyou believehim?Why?Havestudentsdiscussthis.
WhydidFredericksmakethissculpture?Frederickswasoneofsixartistscommissionedtodesign sculptureforNorthlandShoppingCenterinSouthfield,MI.ItisobviousthatFredericksdesignedthis sculpturewithchildreninmind.Aswithhisotherlargeanimalsculptures,hegavethebeara benevolentqualitysoitwouldnotfrightenchildren.Thisbearcouldbeachild'sbestfriend.
ÂFredericksFactsFredericks’daughterRozservedasthemodelfortheboy.
"TheBoyandtheBearActivities
BrieflysummarizetheJungleBookstorytotheclass.Discussthemoralofthestorywiththeclass.They mayknowthestorywellbecauseofthemovie.Havethemcreateastorywithamoralinacomicstrip format.Askthemtododrawingsindifferentframestoindicatethedifferentpartsofthestory.Suggest bothanimalandhumancharactersintheircomicstrip.
30 WhatcanyouseeintheSculptor’sStudio?
Pantographor“PointͲupMachine”
Although some sculptors may work lifeͲ size, many sculpt models of about 12 inches to 18 inches and then use a pantograph machine to enlarge (or reduce) a sculpture by “pointing.” With this method, the original model is reproduced, enlarged or reduced in exact proportions.
A similar machine, called a pointing machine, only can reproduce on a one–toͲone proportionandcancopyanobjectinrelationto itsownsize,notenlargeorreduce.Anenlargingorreducingmachineoftenisreferredtoasapointing machineorapantographmachine.
Thepantographisaframeworkofadjustable metalarmsthatcanbefitted toasculpture.It allowsasculptortotransposestrategicmeasurementsonthesurfaceoftheoriginalplastermodeltoa claymodelorblockthatcanbecutawayorbuiltuptothemassandscaleoftheoriginalmodel.
AncientGreekandRomansculptorsusedasimilardeviceforthistechnique.Itwasreinvented during the Italian Renaissance. Further improvements during the 18th and 19th centuries included pantographicdevicestoscaleupsmallmodels.
Themachinefirstissetupproperlyforthedesiredproportions.SmalldotsorXͲmarksaremade in pencil on the small plaster model.An armature is made proportional to the size of the desired enlargementandplacednearthesecondpoint.ThefirstpointistouchedtothedotsorXͲmarksofthe smallplastermodelandthesecondpointmovestothecorrespondingspotonthearmature.Sculpting materialsuchasclayorwaxthenisbuiltuptothesecondpointofthemachineoverthearmature.This processisdoneoneverymarkofthesmallmodeluntilthelikenessoftheoriginalmodelisachieved overthearmature.
Thearmatureshouldbeplacedonarotatingturntablesothesculptorcanturnitasitdevelops. When the process is complete, the sculptor does the final details because enlarging will not give an exactlikeness.
Sometimes an assistant does the enlarging or reducing, with sculptor completing the final details.Theendproductisalarger,orsmaller,copyinexactproportiontotheplasterversion.
Reducingisdoneinthesamemanner,butinreverse.
31 TherearethreepantographmachinesintheSculptor’sStudio.TwoareneartheSunWorshipper armature and one is near the clay model of The Poet: Lord Byron.It’s set up to demonstrate the process.
Loop,rakeandscrapertools
Theartistusessculptingtoolstoshapeandmodelinsoft mediasuchasclay.Fredericks’toolsareshownhereas theyappearintheSculptor’sStudioatthemuseum.
Calipers
Aninstrumentusedtomeasurethicknessordiameterof an object, made from two moveable arms with curved, pointed ends hinged together. An artist can reproduce exactmeasurementsfromamodelwithacaliper.Three of Fredericks’ calipers hang behind two of his baboon sculpturesintheSculptor’sStudio.
Armature
AninternalsupportstructurethatholdsmodelingmaterialinapreͲformedposition.Itcouldbemadeof wood,wire,waxorpaper(Barrie113).
Shims
Amaterialthatseparatesordividesamodelfordifferentareasofamold.Generally,aclayormetal materialplacedonthemodeltobecast(Barrie115).
Plastilina
x OilͲbasedmodelingmaterialalsoknownbythenamesPlasticumandplasticine. This material will not harden, cannot be fired in a kiln and generally is used in model constructionthatwillrequireamoldtobemade(Barrie114).
32 Rasp
Acoursemetalfilewithsharpprojections.
File
Asteeltoolwithhardened,ridgedsurfacesusedinsmoothing,polishing,grindingorboring.
RubberMolds
Rubber molds are made from the original model, then plaster is put on the exterior of the rubber to support it. Boththeplasterexteriorandrubberareremovedfromthe original model.Plaster, sometimes wax, is put on the interior of the rubber to keep it firm. The rubber is obtainedinaliquidformandappliedtothesurfaceofthe originalmodelandallowedtoharden.
Patinas
Patinas can be made in every color of the spectrum with the proper chemical and heat.A patina is induced corrosion; the corrosion is the color.Chemicals are applied with heat to the surface of the metaltoacceleratetheprocess.Differentmetalscorrodeindifferentcolorswithmoistureandhumidity.
Grinder
Grindsoffmetalpieces.Also,it’susedascutterofrisers,ventsandflashing.
LiftandStairs
ThisliftisbelievedtobesculptorCarlMilles’personalliftbecauseitappearsinaphotographofMilles studioatCranbrook.FredericksmusthaveacquireditwhenMillesleftCranbrookforFrance.Itallows himtoworkonlargeͲscalesculptures.Bycrankingthehandleinthestandingbucket,hecanloweror raise himself to work at any height. Two wooden staircases were used to reach high areas of the sculpture.Theyoriginallyhadwheelsthatwereremovedforsafetyreasons.
Sisal
Sisal is added to the plaster mix when making a mold to give it additional strength. Sisal is a
33 Mexicanplantthatyieldsastifffibermainlyusedforcordageandrope.
Polisher
This tool was used to polish and shine the surface of metal and stone. Different polishing tips are available.
Lathe
Amachinethatspinsapieceofwood,metalorothermaterialforshapingbyafixedcuttingorabrading tool.
Welder
Amachinethatjoinsmetalbyapplyingheatwithafillermetal.
DrawingTable
Alarge,facedtablewithanadjustablesurfaceformakinglargeͲscaledrawings.
Molds/Moulds
Anegativeformmadefromtheoriginalclay,waxorplastermodel to use in casting the sculpture in another material. The mold consistsoftwoormorepiecesandmaybemadefromsand,plaster, ceramic,rubberandothermaterials.
ModelingTable
A stand with a tabletop, sometimes rotating, for sculpting.Some havethreeorfourlegs.
AnatomicalModel
A small, plaster model of a human with emphasized, prominent muscles.Itisusedformusclereferencewhensculptingthehuman body.
DrillPress
Amachineusedforboringholesinmaterials.Differentdrillbitscan produceholesofdifferentsizes.
“Sausage”Grinder
34 Fredericks must have purchased this from a restaurant. He used his “sausage grinder” to mix clay preparationforsculpting.
References:
Website:www.artlex.com
Barrie,BrunerFelton,MoldMaking,CastingandPatina,PublishedbyAdams,Barrie,FeltonandScott Publishing,Princeton,NJ1992.
Hoffman,Malvina,SculptureInsideandOut,PublishedbyBonanzaBooks,NY,1939.
35