The Winslow Studio Artist (WSA) gallery at the east end of the museum was a new addition during the rehabilitation of the depot, designed by Allan Affeldt with the help of architect Max Licher. The gallery features the work of artists associated with the preservation of La Posada and resurgence of Winslow Arizona.
Paul Ruscha LIFE MASK exhibition now open!
LIFE MASK explores the many facets of artist Paul Ruschá, from his calligraphy and photography to his paintings and transformative creations made from everyday objects. Paul sees art in everything, including what many might disregard, like the random product stickers that cover every inch of his kitchen cabinets or the plastic packages he turns into sculptures through his photographs. Paul is an artist, a muse, a raconteur, and a collector, not just of art, but of moments. He sees to the depths of people in those silent gaps between conversations and brings them to life in the flourish of his calligraphy pen. He is the kind of man who will dance with reckless abandon and thrill in outrageous antics and clever turns of a phrase. His unselfconscious joie de vivre comes through in the art he makes as well as the art he collects and the stories he tells. Perhaps that is why he has been the subject for so many artists over the years.
An exhibition on the creative life of Paul Ruschá, entitled LIFE MASK, featuring his work as a calligrapher, photographer, painter, and his fascinating ability to create art out of things other people might throw away.
For Paul, there is no joy in life without art, whether creating or collecting.
If the name Ruschá sounds familiar, Paul is indeed brother to world-renowned artist Ed Ruscha. Paul has documented Ed’s work full-time for more than thirty years. But Paul is also an intensely creative and independent thinker with a lifelong curiosity to explore a vast array of mediums.
We hope, in this overview exhibit, to provide a glimpse into the artful creations of the extraordinary Paul Ruschá. Because Paul himself is a piece of art as much as he creates, you will also find a film about Paul in the gallery, or you can watch it here.