The Demuth Museum is pleased to announce a special performance of Harry Bertoia’s sound sculptures on Tuesday, October 8, 2013.  This is a rare opportunity to hear Harry Bertoia’s sound sculptures played by his son, Val Bertoia, in a unique performance at the Demuth Museum. 

Harry Bertoia (1915-1978), the twentieth century artist and designer whose contributions to modern sculpture and furniture design in America are of great importance, was a pioneering artist and designer. In 1950, Bertoia moved to southeastern Pennsylvania to design furniture for Knoll.  In his nearby studio, he created hundreds of sculptures made with steel wire, beryllium copper, nickel alloy and bronze.  Bertoia played these “tonals” and recorded eleven Sonambient albums in his sound barn. 

“The sound sculptures are an iconic segment of Bertoia’s body of work, and hearing the sounds that these sculptures were designed to produce will provide the fullest experience of these works of art, as intended by the artist,” explains Executive Director Anne M. Lampe.  Standing and tabletop versions, as well as a gong, will be played.  Val Berotia will provide a first-hand knowledge of these sculptures and perform the concert in the museum, followed by a catered dinner.  Limited tickets are still available for this event; please call the Museum staff at (717) 299-9940 to reserve your seat.     

This event is being held in conjunction with the current exhibition, The Sound of Art: Selected Works of Harry Bertoia. This exhibit offers an overview including 55 examples of Bertoia’s inventive sculptures, furniture designs, and print making, plus a never before publically exhibited steel wire mobile that illuminates the artist’s range in thinking.  The exhibit is on view through November 17, 2013. Regular Museum Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10-4 and Sunday, 1-4.  

The DemuthMuseum, established in 1981, is dedicated to developing awareness, understanding and appreciation of the artwork and legacy of Charles Demuth (1883-1935). As a leader of the American Modernist movement, Demuth is best known as a pioneer of the precisionist style and a master watercolorist. Located in the artist’s former home and studio in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Demuth Museum has a permanent collection of over 45 Demuth works, along with an extensive archive and library. The Demuth Tobacco Shop, the oldest operating shop of its kind in America, and other historic buildings surround the museum; all are open to the public. All exhibits are supported in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Council for the Arts. The DemuthMuseum is also supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Demuth Museum, 120 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA  17602

www.demuth.org

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