The Exhibitions:
Jesse J. Aaron: Spirit in the Wood explores the artist's intent to release, through carving, the spiritual forces he believed were inherent in the trees of his Florida environment, forming captivating yet recognizable animals and human shapes. Guided by the natural beauty of Florida hardwoods, such as cedar and cypress, Aaron described his journey into art as a spiritual calling that compelled him to carve wood, responding to its shapes and grain. Celebrating the skill, imagination, and impulse behind Aaron's prolific work, the sculptures gathered here seem to bring to life character, personality, and most importantly, protective qualities.
John D. Gerdes: Sacred Algorithm: John D. Gerdes' Kaleidoscope series explores perfect perspectives and pure geometries, in which the kaleidoscope's creative vision produces symmetrical, mirrored, and reflective shapes and patterns. These evoke highly symbolic traditions like Buddhist or Hindu Mandalas or Celtic knots, encouraging viewers to contemplate their connections with technology, art, and spirituality.
Faith and Vision: Spirituality in Self-Taught Art: From intuitive messages to peaceful kingdoms, the artists featured in this exhibition created otherworldly visions inspired by their faiths, cultural practices, deep southern heritages, and social and geographic environments. Among the renowned artists from the American South are Gail Campbell, William Edmondson, Minnie Evans, Howard Finster, Regine Gilbert, Alyne Harris, Bessie Harvey, Sister Gertrude Morgan, Nellie Mae Rowe, Ellis Ruley, Mose Tolliver, and Purvis Young.
Jesse Aaron: Spirit in the Wood; Faith and Vision: Spirituality in Self-Taught Art; and John D. Gerdes: Sacred Algorithm are organized by the Mennello Museum of American Art.
Mennello Museum of American Art and its exhibitions are generously supported by the City of Orlando and Friends of the Mennello Museum of American Art. Orange County Government provides additional funding through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program and United Arts of Central Florida. These exhibitions are made possible with support from the Frank Holt Fund.
