Art by Architects Exhibit Celebrates Architecture Week

Eye On Art | 04/05/2012

In celebration of Architecture Week!, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library is pleased to host the exhibit Art by Architects: Contrast, Commonality, and Unlikely Juxtaposition, coordinated by members of AIA Toledo (a local chapter of the American Institute of Architects). The display of artwork by local artist/architect members of AIA Toledo and affiliated firms, who often “make no distinction between art and architecture,” is on view now through Saturday, April 14 in the Gallery at Main Library, 325 Michigan St.

The exhibit contains some 25 pieces of mixed media.

This exhibit is FREE and open to the public during normal Main Library hours. If you are interested in purchasing a piece of available artwork from the exhibit, please contact AIA Toledo directly @ 419.255.7884 or [email protected] and officials will put you in touch with the artist.
For information and to register for events, like the one below, during the 8th Annual AIA Toledo Celebration of Architecture Week! (April 9-13), please visit a detailed calendar at www.aiatoledo.org

Register for AIA Toledo’s Celebration of Architecture ?Featured Lecture with Paul Ostergaard, AIA, of Urban Design Associates in Pittsburgh, scheduled from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10 in the McMaster Center at Main Library, 325 Michigan St. This is a FREE program.

From AIA Toledo on the exhibit Art by Architects: Contrast, Commonality, and Unlikely Juxtaposition:
The works represented in this collection at Main Library were created by people in the field of architecture. They are our equivalent of our ancestral artist/architects. Their interests, influences, and backgrounds enjoy as great a range as their media; metal, glass, paint, and more are many of the same materials that are used in the buildings they create.

Throughout history, humankind has progressed from basic needs for shelter and protection from the wilds, to incorporating elements of beauty and delight into our environment.

Architecture, the first influence of livable art, goes back almost as far as the built environment itself. The practice of communicating architecture to describe how to build a given structure is older than the ancient Greeks of western culture. The art of describing architecture was practiced by almost all cultures since the dawning of humanity. As humans’ simple needs for shelter gave way to embellishing our environment, Art and Architecture became entwined as one. As little as 4,000 years ago the Egyptians built incredible pyramids clad in marble and topped in gold, great statues, and intricate carvings. Stone carvings and wall paintings of their gods adorned their palaces and tombs and were integrated with their structures. These works of art were not only intended to serve a functional purpose, by honoring a god or king or telling a story, they were also intended to delight and inspire.

The Ancient Greek architect Vitruvius described architecture as firmness, commodity and delight. There was no distinction between art and architecture at that time.

Because of the seamless bond between art and architecture, these early architects were also adept at creating great works of (fine) art as well. During the Renaissance Period, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci designed buildings as well as sculptures and fine works of art. The needs of the people had progressed, and these architects accommodated them.

Today, we find that this need is still present. We have learned that thoughtful design can change the way people use spaces and can help enliven neighborhoods.

The architect's tools are the same as the artist’s; the hands, the eyes, and the spirit all work together to bring an idea to reality, and to communicate the vision to others. A simple sketch on paper expresses an idea from one mind so that it may be understood by another. A model built of wood, plastic, or paper has the qualities of a sculpture with careful attention to detail as it reveals form through light and shadow. Creative skills are used in expressing a building’s forms, drawn with detail so that another might build it. The act of conveying the ideas of architecture take on an artistic expression of their very own.

The day-to-day role of the architect is to create built environments that protect, shelter, preserve life, and enliven the spirit. Projects range from the practical and commonplace to the extravagant and breathtaking.

NOTE: For additional information visit www.aiatoledo.org