Magazine Jul to Aug 2017

Fine Arts COMMI T TEE ART THAT PLEASES, IN YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME Written by Jim Tietjen FINE ARTS Committee Member

COMMITTEE FEATURE

Members have likely noticed that from time to time, new artwork appears on the walls of our Club. Specifically, this happens every 2 months, compliments of our Fine Arts Committee (FAC) and management team. Though seemingly easy, adorning our walls is a challenge. Subject matter, theme, style, pricing, relevance, Member tastes, and finding willing galleries are just some of the many issues the FAC takes into consideration monthly. The process – which starts with scouting for a suitable gallery, screening it, scheduling presentations, gathering consensus, to installation, launch and ancillary activities – takes 6 to 12 months for each of our six annual exhibitions. The process has become even more complex considering the current Club renovations – but the FAC is up to it. The FAC – although unable to please everyone – certainly aims to please! Over the past 15 years we have hosted the works of over 50 different galleries (and many more artists) in The Club, usually displaying 30 to 40 pieces every two months. We are glad to share that The Club now has two more venues for art display besides the Lobby: The Commons and the Business Center at Level 3. We began installing artwork on Level 3 late last year. Recently, we added 12 niches in the Business Center for small sculptures or paintings – a first for The Club. We will soon add even more spaces for tasteful artwork in the Business Center and Library, and subsequently, throughout the rest of The Club. Eventually, you may see up to 50 art pieces around The Club – of course, this effort will require more Member involvement.

Besides showcasing artwork, the FAC almost always offers a gallery Art Launch with each new exhibition. Art Launches take place on Friday evenings, beginning with wine, cheese, and a chat at The Commons. The gallerist – sometimes an artist – provides a short tour of their work. If possible, there will be a live art demonstration, so Members can see the artist live at work! In addition, the gallery or artist is always invited to give a relevant art talk at The Club during their exhibition’s tenure. In the near future, we anticipate offering our artistically inclined Members the opportunity to showcase their own masterpieces at The Club. The Club has done this before on an ad hoc basis. Hopefully, a dedicated space for our Members’ beautiful works will become a permanent fixture as part of our new Club. We are also exploring organizing exclusive excursions to local art installations, e.g. Singapore’s new National Gallery, specifically for special exhibitions like the upcoming Yayoi Kusama “Life is the Heart of a Rainbow,” or “Listening to Architecture: The Gallery's Histories and Transformations.” Stay tuned! The FAC is constantly on the lookout for new volunteers to join our tight-knit committee. From getting the word out regarding new exhibitions, raising awareness for Art Launches or simply discussing art and culture in an intimate setting, all interested participants are welcome! Finally, feedback is important to us. If you have any artsy ideas that might appeal to our Members at large, constructive comments, or if you would like to join the FAC, please contact Sandra at sandrac@amclub.org.sg.

Art fact Did you know that the hand-knotted carpets you see on Level 3 – compliments of Hedgers Carpets – are color-coordinated, bi monthly, with our changing artwork?

37 THE AMERICAN CLUB JUL / AUG 2017