Viva Rivera

The Sculptor’s Workshop celebrates the work of controversial Mexican artist Diego Rivera in the EAF Museum Gallery now through July 28.

Through his immense murals Rivera brought colorful history and pride to the Mexican people, including the lost cultures of the indigenous peoples, the Spanish Conquest, the Mexican Revolution, and the Industrial Movement, to name a few. Included in his body of work are hundreds of individual portraits, paintings of women and children and humble, rounded peasants. Calla lilies are a dominant feature.

Some sculptors have created 3-dimensional renditions of Rivera’s paintings. Others have used his work as inspiration to create their own unique works. Artworks are done primarily in clay.

Rivera studied traditional painting in Europe, became one of the great cubist painters, alongside friend Pablo Picasso, and returned to Mexico with his unique vision, style, and passion for his country and its people. He was married to painter Frida Kahlo.

Artists whose work is shown in this exhibit include Rosemary Dally, Robert Dionne, Colleen Duran, Michiko Euling, Denise Heekin, Lennéa Gandee, Kristiana Johnson, Rebecca Newton-Barnes, Paloma Pattis, Barbara Sibley, Terry Sonmore, Patty Steele-Smith, Jerry Stiffler, Janet Still, Masako Thrower, Leon White.

Current coordinator for the sculptors of the workshop, Janet Still, indicated that this group exhibition is dedicated to David Murphey, long-standing leader and co-director of the Sculptor’s Workshop, who retired last year at the age of 87.