For the Love of Art: Herb & Lucy Pruzan Collection at Tacoma Art Museum
FOR THE LOVE OF ART: HERB AND LUCY PRUZAN SHARE THEIR DYNAMIC COLLECTION AT TACOMA ART MUSEUM
An in-depth look at
the design, materials, and whimsy of the history of Northwest art through a collection 50 years in the making
TACOMA, WA
– The art collection that traces the rapid evolution of Northwest art began in 1958 with the purchase of one oil painting that Herb and Lucy Pruzan selected
to help make their first apartment feel more like a home. In the years that have followed, the Pruzans have built a distinguished art collection that reflects the advancement of artistic excellence in the Pacific Northwest. From June 15 through October 6, 2013, Tacoma Art Museum will share more than 100 works from the Pruzans’ collection, in Creating the New Northwest: Selections from the Herb and Lucy Pruzan Collection. The exhibition includes works in all media by some of our most beloved regional
artists, such as William Cumming, Gaylen Hansen, Paul Havas, William Ivey, Fay Jones, James Martin, Alden Mason, Ginny Ruffner, Preston Singletary, Akio Takamori,
and more.
Creating the New Northwest shares the story of how Northwest artists have shaped new perceptions and a new sense of artistic identity. The Pruzans continue to support artists who live and work in the Northwest with an eagerness to embrace new opportunities that artists signal through innovative approaches.
“Art brings
you out of yourself and into something else that has meaning,” said Herb Pruzan. “We’re interested in the artist and the work that they produce, regardless of the style or fashion.”
Many of the
artworks in the exhibition are early works and in some instances are the first works sold by the artists. These foundational works give an insight into the artists’ career and influences. The Pruzans have followed the work of some artists since the beginning of their careers, allowing us to see the transformation and growth of such artists as Joseph Park, Jeffry Mitchell, Akio Takamori, and Whiting Tennis.
“They came to understand that artists were finding materials to help express the experience of the Northwest: water, forests, and earth were literally being formed into a new sense of identity,” wrote Rock Hushka, Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art at Tacoma Art Museum for the exhibition’s catalogue, available for sale in the Museum Store.
Although the Pruzans never set out to specifically form a collection or “accumulation” (as Lucy calls it), it stands as a testament to their passions and reflects their belief in the essential contributions of art and artists that strengthen our communities and improve the human condition.
“Even
today, the Pruzans remain constant in their support of our region’s artists, galleries, and museums,” said Stephanie A. Stebich, Director of Tacoma Art Museum. “Their commitment to new trends and ideas strengthens the Northwest artist community.”
Creating the New Northwest marks an auspicious moment in the
growth of Tacoma Art Museum’s permanent collection. Herb and Lucy Pruzan have promised nine iconic works of Northwest art to the museum, in addition to five gifts already in the permanent collection. Their generosity helps advance the museum’s progress toward developing the premier collection of Northwest art.
The
exhibition catalogue, Creating the New Northwest: Selections from the Herb and Lucy Pruzan Collection, featuring photos of the artwork and essays by Curator Rock Hushka and Art Critic Matthew Kangas is available for purchase in the Museum Store for $29.95.
Creating the New Northwest:
Selections from the Herb and Lucy Pruzan Collection is organized by Tacoma Art Museum.
Related programs and events:
Curatorial Talk: Creating the New Northwest
Wednesday, June 12, 10:30–11:30 am
Learn about Creating the New Northwest:
Selections from the Herb and Lucy Pruzan Collection exhibition before it opens with a lecture from Rock Hushka, Director of Curatorial Administration and Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art. Lecture is free with museum admission.
Art+Sci Salon: Art, Ecology, and Community
Thursday, June 20, 6–8 pm
Join us during Third Thursday as we view Creating the New Northwest with a focus on art, ecology, and the community. Art+Sci is a collaboration with University of Puget Sound. It is a new venture to bring scientists, artists, and interdisciplinary thinkers together through conversations and the emergent collaborations. Come, converse, and collaborate! The Art+Sci Salon panel will include:
- Amy McBride, Tacoma Art Administrator
- Elizabeth Connor, Artist and Adjunct Instructor at University of Washington Tacoma
- Vaughn Bell, Artist and Adjunct Instructor at University of Washington Tacoma
Summer Camp: Art Adventures
Tuesday–Friday, August 13–16, Ages 9–14
Campers will be introduced to a new art technique each day from painting, sculpting, drawing, and printmaking. Local artists will guide lessons and the
museum’s art collection will offer inspiration for campers to create their own masterpieces. A student exhibition and celebration will be held at Tacoma Art
Museum on the last day of camp. Cost: $290 ($260 for members)
(Image: Fay Jones, Big Fish-Small Pond, 1996. Acrylic on paper mounted on board, 45 x 46 inches. Collection of Herb and Lucy Pruzan.)