Magazine Jul/Aug 2017

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37 THE AMERICAN CLUB JUL / AUG 2017
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 .
COMMITTEE
FEATURE Fine Arts
COMMI T TEE
ART THAT PLEASES, IN YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Written by Jim Tietjen
FINE ARTS Committee Member
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?