CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Hello Manga!
October 15, 2011 – March 17, 2012

Since the 1980’s, Japanese comics (i.e. manga) have been capturing the attention of the American public and inspiring artists and fans. This exhibition celebrates the art of manga and explores its popularity with American audiences. Both longtime fans and those new to manga will enjoy the illustrations, collectibles, and manga-inspired wall murals, all of which highlight manga’s impact on American reading habits, fan culture, and artwork. A special section of the exhibition will include step-by-step drawings to help visitors understand the process of creating manga. The exhibition also showcases nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Japanese prints and textiles that are an early example of how Americans developed a taste for Japanese culture and spurred a market suited to their preferences.

Skateboards: Art on the Ply
September 17, 2011 – February 4, 2012

explores the question “Can a skateboard be art?” Skateboard enthusiasts, students, art lovers, and visitors of all ages will consider this question as they view skateboards designed by contemporary artists, sculptures made from skateboards, and classic decks from the past. While skateboards may seem like an unexpected topic for a museum, there is a growing acceptance of skateboard art in the fine art community. Contemporary artists now regularly team up with skateboard companies to produce limited edition designs coveted by art lovers and skateboarders alike. Additionally, many museums across the country are lining their walls with skateboards, creating a new appreciation for this often-overlooked art. This exhibition builds on this trend, exploring the line where skateboard art meets fine art.

+blackriver-ramps+ Courtesy FlatFace Fingerboards

Damien Hirst/ Supreme Red #7 Skateboard Deck, 2009, © the artist & other criteria. All rights reserved, DACS, 2011