Brauer exhibits feature photography, floral arrangements
Valparaiso University’s Brauer Museum of Art presents “The Photography of William D. Richardson” and “Art in Bloom: Arrangements by Kenton Johnson, Hidden Garden Florist.” Both exhibitions are on display until Aug. 5, although the floral arrangements will only be viewable from June 8 through June 20.
“The Photography of William D. Richardson” is an exhibition produced in cooperation with the Westchester Township History Museum and co-curated by Gregg Hertzlieb, director and Gloria Ruff, assistant curator, both of the Brauer Museum of Art. The exhibition is on display in the Wehling and McGill galleries.
The exhibition is part of a pair of exhibitions. The Brauer’s show focuses on Richardson’s photography, while the Westchester show focuses on the lives and legacies of William Richardson and wife Flora through archival materials. William Richardson was a Chicago chemist and Pictorialist photographer, seeking to make photography accepted more widely as an art form, rather than simply as a documentary method. His photography consisted of the Indiana Dunes, wildlife, and Chicago and European cityscapes.
“I believe Richardson’s photographs offer fine examples of the Pictorialist style and show a unique approach to photography as an art form from the early 20th century,” Hertzlieb said.
“Art in Bloom: Arrangements by Kenton Johnson, Hidden Garden Florist” is a collaboration between the Brauer Museum of Art and Hidden Garden. Johnson will present nine pieces from the Brauer’s permanent collection to display in Gallery 1212, accompanied by custom-made arrangements by Johnson that were inspired by the permanent collection pieces. The floral arrangements will be on display from June 8 to June 20.
“Visitors will have the delightful opportunity to make visual connections between the floral arrangements and works of art that inspired them,” Hertzlieb said.
The museum’s Gallery 1212 will display “Art in Bloom” at the Brauer, with a floral-arranging demonstration titled “A Walk in the Park” by Johnson at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 24, in Room 1412 at the Valparaiso University Center of Arts.
The opening reception for both exhibitions will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the Brauer Museum of Art. A Gallery Talk with Hertzlieb is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at the Brauer.
The exhibitions were made possible through funds provided by the Partners for the Brauer Museum of Art and the Flora Richardson Foundation.
Visit valpo.edu/artmuseum for a current list of exhibits and events and for museum hours.
About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a comprehensive independent Lutheran university with more than 4,000 students on its campus located in Northwest Indiana, an hour from Chicago. Valpo is a community of purpose-driven, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion. Valpo has been identified as one of the top master’s-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 22 years. Valparaiso University offers 110 undergraduate academic programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Nursing. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college, a School of Law and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education Division. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, and dedication to serving others.