BLACKSMITHS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR CRAFT AT CLARK ART INSTITUTE

July 3, 2018

Williamstown, Massachusetts—In celebration of the special exhibition, The Art of Iron: Objects from the Musée Le Secq des Tournelles, Rouen, Normandy, the Clark Art Institute has scheduled free art-making activities on Wednesdays in July and August from 1–4 pm. Beginning Wednesday, July 11, the family-friendly “Form/Function” sessions include a metalworking demonstration by a local blacksmith. Participants create a unique piece of wire sculpture inspired by the intricate forms on view in the exhibition.

The blacksmith in residence from July 11–August 1 is Art Evans of A&E Forge in Williamstown, Massachusetts, followed by Del Martin of Knox Trail Forge in Monterey, Massachusetts from August 8–29. Evans and Martin demonstrate how craftspeople in the Berkshires carry on the ancient tradition of ironworking and encourage visitors to get creative in the outdoor studio. Located outside under the Visitors’ Picnic Tent, these free activities are designed give creative context to gallery experiences. Clark educators provide instruction and all materials.

Art-making activities and demonstrations are free; admission to the galleries is not included. Admission for children and students is always free.

ABOUT THE CLARK

The Clark Art Institute, located in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, is one of a small number of institutions globally that is both an art museum and a center for research, critical discussion, and higher education in the visual arts. Opened in 1955, the Clark houses exceptional European and American paintings and sculpture, extensive collections of master prints and drawings, English silver, and early photography. Acting as convener through its Research and Academic Program, the Clark gathers an international community of scholars to participate in a lively program of conferences, colloquia, and workshops on topics of vital importance to the visual arts. The Clark library, consisting of more than 270,000 volumes, is one of the nation’s premier art history libraries. The Clark also houses and co-sponsors the Williams College Graduate Program in the History of Art.

The Clark, which has a three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide, is located at 225 South Street in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Galleries are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm; open daily in July and August. Admission is $20; free year-round for Clark members, children 18 and younger, and students with valid ID. Free admission is available through several programs, including First Sundays Free; a local library pass program; EBT Card to Culture; Bank of America Museums on Us; and Blue Star Museums. For more information on these programs and more, visit clarkart.edu or call 413 458 2303.

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