Unprecedented “Salon Style” Exhibition Features Over 200 Works at the Canton Museum of Art
“Salon Style” Exhibition is on view for a Limited Time Only
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 7, 2017, Canton, Ohio —
Experience the CMA permanent collection like never before in the new special Salon Style exhibition on view now through October 29. “Salon style” is a way of displaying art in which works are hung higher and lower than eye level and in large groups rather than in a single row. Over 200 works of art are on display in this unprecedented exhibition featuring works by Carolyn Brady, George de Forest Brush, Frank Duveneck, William Gropper, Claude Raguet Hirst, Winslow Homer, Arne Lindmark, Joseph Soleman, and many more.
The style that inspired this exhibition, started in 1737 with the Salon – a public art exhibit that was held annually or bi-annually in Paris. Any artist could exhibit their work if approved, and it was an honor for an artist to be chosen, especially a struggling artist because their work would gain notoriety in the Salon. Since there was an overwhelming amount of artwork to hang, works were hung floor to ceiling and close together. A Hanging Committee decided which paintings were to be displayed at what level. Placement was everything to an artist. Where their artwork was hung would determine who and how many people would see it – increasing or decreasing its chances of selling.
The Salon was unique because it was open to anyone. Before theSalon, it was difficult for the public to see artwork because it was owned by private collectors. Since the Salon exhibitions were free, suddenly anyone could see the artwork regardless of their class, wealth, profession, or gender. Art was being observed by a whole new audience, an audience that wasn’t bound by etiquette or loyalty to the royal agenda. This new audience freely gave their opinions, and some artists began changing their work in response. Even the elite patrons of the arts were swayed by the public’s opinions. Art collectors began to purchase works only if they had received the public’s approval, and journalists and critics wanted to speak with the public who had approved the art. For almost 150 years, the Salon was the most prestigious art event in the world.
Unlike the Salon, today’s trend in museums is to exhibit works of art in single rows with plenty of space around each piece. While CMA almost always follows this trend, the salon style was brought back for this special exhibition. This wasn’t entirely an aesthetic choice – the skylights in the collection vault are being removed, so the paintings needed to be temporarily removed. Rather than store the paintings in the gallery and close it off to the public, the CMA curatorial staff decided to hang the works – all of them – for the public’s enjoyment. This exhibition doesn’t include every piece in the collection, but it provides a good foundation of the CMA collection as a whole. Don’t miss your chance to experience this European-inspired exhibition for a limited time only.
About the Canton Museum of Art
The Canton Museum of Art (CMA) is one of Ohio’s premier museums for an exceptional visual arts experience. CMA is recognized for powerful national touring exhibits; dynamic CMA-original exhibits; an unrivaled Permanent Collection of American watercolors and contemporary ceramics; and innovative education outreach programs, in-Museum classes, and workshops. CMA is one of only two Stark County museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.For more information, including hours, exhibits, classes, and special events, call 330.453.7666, visit www.cantonart.org, Facebook at “Canton Museum of Art,” or @CantonMuseum on Twitter.
Admission: Regular admission is $8 Adults; $6, Seniors and Students (with valid I.D.); Museum Members are Free; and Children 12 and under, Free. Tickets are available at the Museum Ticket Office during Museum hours. For group visits, discounts, and tours, please call 330.453.7666 at least two weeks prior to your visit for reservations and/or to request a docent-led tour.
Canton Museum of Art Hours:Hours – Monday: Closed; Tues – Thurs: 10am – 8pm; Fri – Sat: 10am – 5pm; Sun: 1 – 5pmLocation: The Canton Museum of Art is located in the Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Avenue North, Canton, Ohio 44702. Free onsite parking is available around the Museum. Call 330.453.7666 for information and directions or visit our website at www.cantonart.org.
Rob Lehr
Director of Marketing
Canton Museum of Art
330.453.7666, ext. 102
[email protected]
