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THE DAYTON ART INSTITUTE TO HOST WILLIAM MORRIS’S EXHIBITION MYTH, OBJECT AND THE ANIMAL

January 2009, (DAYTON, OHIO) –The Dayton Art Institute will host an exhibition of compelling work in glass by William Morris: MYTH, OBJECT AND THE ANIMAL, from February 21 to May 31, 2009.

Featured installations and recent works demonstrate how Morris draws inspiration for his glass works from ancient civilizations throughout the world. This exhibition reveals this practice, notably in three monumental installations, which include Cache with 75 tusks, cradling skulls, bones, weapons and tools extending more than thirty-six feet, transcends traditional limitations on the scale of glass to create an impressive environment. And, Mazorca, or ‘ear of corn,’ influenced by ancient American civilizations, testifies to how the artist incorporates his own personal responses to the products of cultures that inform his work.

“William Morris’s exhibition illustrates his ongoing interest in addressing man’s relationship to nature and his mastery of the medium of glass,” said Janice Driesbach, Director and CEO of The Dayton Art Institute. “As our visitors walk through the Morris exhibition, they will be able to see references to ancient civilizations represented in our collections, including those from South America, Asia, and Egypt, and will marvel at the artist’s ability to mimic diverse surfaces--stone, clay, leather, or metal—in glass.”
William Morris is among the pioneering artists who brought attention to studio glass art as a medium for contemporary expression. After serving as Dale Chihuly’s chief “gaffer,” or master glassblower, he opened his own studio in 1980. Morris, who recently retired from working in glass, has work represented in museums across the United States and throughout the world.
The Dayton Art Institute’s showing of William Morris: Myth, Object and the Animal is presented by museum’s 90th Anniversary sponsors, The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation, The Berry Family Foundation, Premier Health Partners, Dayton Power and Light Foundation and Miller-Valentine Group, with support from DoubleTree Hotel. The exhibition was organized by the William Morris Studio in Stanwood, Washington.

Teen visitors will also have the opportunity to learn glass-blowing skills during a special workshop, Art Lab: The Hot Glass Experience on March 7, 14, and 21. Art collectors will be learn what to look for when purchasing contemporary glass art at the lecture given by Tom Hawk, owner of Hawk Gallery in Columbus, Ohio on March 14. James Yood, nationally-known art writer/critic will be presenting a lecture entitled “William Morris: Time Traveler” on April 5. For more information about these opportunities and other programs at the Dayton Art Institute, please visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.

ABOUT THE DAYTON ART INSTITUTE
As the Miami Valley’s only fine art museum, The Dayton Art Institute—which is in its 90th year—offers a full range of programming in addition to exhibiting its collection. The galleries and Museum Store are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with extended hours on Thursday until 8 p.m. Free parking is available at the museum and the facility is fully accessible to physically-challenged visitors. CAFÉ MONET by Elegant Fare serves lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, please call 937-223-4278 or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The DAI also receives support from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District.

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The Ohio Arts Council, a state agency that supports public programs in the arts, helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.