art Archives - The McFaddin-Ward House

JAMES EVANS SPEAKS ON PHOTOGRAPHING THE BIG BEND

July 21, 2016

James Evans, Big Bend photographer, comes to the McFaddin-Ward House sharing his wit, humor, and life’s work capturing images of the formidable Big Bend, Texas.

Evans fell in love with the Big Bend on a hiking trip 28 years ago, so he set up camp…permanently. He’s been taking stunning pictures ever since, has authored two books, and finally got married this year.

His work is featured regularly in Texas Monthly Magazine among other notable publications. His photographs hang in prestigious galleries, museums, hotels, and private collections all over the country, yet he is too humble to tell you about it.

A PREVIEW, book signing, and reception will follow the lecture.
Mr. Evans’ works will be on view until August 4th.

If you like our events, this is the one to attend.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. at the Visitor Center.

For further information about James Evans and to see some of his work, visit his website at http://jameshevans.com.

Art Greats of Southeast Texas Lecture

June 16, 2016

The art scene in Southeast Texas is alive and well. Does that surprise you? For more than a century, great masters have lived among us, leaving behind brilliant works and respected reputations. We at the McFaddin-Ward House are proud to keep legacies alive through education and community events. This month is no exception as our 2016 Lecture Series continues. The McFaddin-Ward House is excited to host leading museum authority, Sarah Beth Wilson, who will speak about Southeast Texas’ hidden treasures in her lecture entitled “Golden Triangle Greats: A History of the Arts in Southeast Texas”.

The Golden Triangle is known around the world for its crucial role in oil refining. It all started when the Lucas Gusher blew in 1901 and birthed the modern petrochemical industry. What most locals don’t know is that Southeast Texas has been a hotbed for artists since the 1800’s…those who possess a wealth of original genius. Ms. Wilson’s presentation will explore the genesis of the Golden Triangle art scene. She will highlight pivotal figures like John Alexander, Katherine Green Baker, Patricia and David Cargill, Maudee Carron, Lorene David, Frank Gerrietts, Lilian Hayes, Herman Hugg, Jerry Newman, Will-Amelia Sterns Price, Robert Rogan, Richard Stout, Lynn Sweat and many others. These greats helped establish Southeast Texas as an integral part of the history of art in the Lone Star state.

Sarah Beth Wilson is Curator of Exhibitions and Collections at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, http://www.amset.org/. Prior to coming here, she worked at various galleries in Houston and taught art history with Lone Star Community College. She received her Bachelor of Arts in both art history and museum studies from Baylor University, Waco, Texas (2006), and attended Texas Christian University for graduate school, where she was awarded a full fellowship, travel grants and graduated with her Masters of Arts in art history (2009).

Fakes and Forgeries in the Art Market

January 30, 2014

Join us for an exciting evening with Meredith Meuwly to learn about Fakes and Forgeries in the art market!

Meredith earned her Bachelor’s degree in Classical Studies and Art History from Duke University in 2000, and a Master’s degree in Modern Art, Connoisseurship, and the History of the Art Market from Christie’s Education in New York in 2001. She spent the next five years in the Christie’s New York Antiquities Department as sale coordinator and cataloguer of ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Near Eastern works of art. During her time at Christie’s, she worked on numerous high profile auctions including the Doris Duke Estate, Ancient Egyptian Art from the Harer Family Trust, and the John W. Kluge Morven Collection of Ancient Art.

Meredith joined Heritage Auctions in 2007 as Senior Consignment Director in the Fine & Decorative Arts Department, overseeing two auctions each year. In January 2010, she became the Director of Appraisal Services, preparing formal appraisals for more than 35 specialist categories.

In addition to her duties at Heritage, Meredith participates as an appraiser for the Antiques Roadshow on PBS, specializing in Glass, Silver, and Decorative Arts. Meredith is an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers, serving on the Fine Art committee. She is also a board member of the Foundation for Appraisal Education.

Lively Tableware — Past Visitor Center Exhibit

January 10, 2014

The McFaddins collected a lot over their years spent in the house, including many pieces destined for the two dining areas of the home.If you’ve visited the museum, you’ve seen examples of these lavish tablescapes, often set with exquisite pieces of china, silver, cut glass, and others.

A new exhibit at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum’s Visitor Center is showcasing a few items that brought color and playfulness to these elegant table settings.

“Lively Tableware” features food-themed serving pieces from a variety of countries, including Japan, Czechoslovakia, Italy, and the United States.

These colored glass marmalade jars were made around 1918, by the Steuben Glass Company in Corning, New York. They were given to Mamie and Carroll Ward in 1919, as wedding gifts.

They were produced about the same time the Steuben Glass Company was purchased by the Corning Glass Works. At that time, Corning halted all production of the Steuben’s colored glass. It wasn’t until 1921 that production began again, but was stopped completely in 1933.

This ceramic fruit was probably produced in the Italian town of Bassano del Grappa, located in the northeast Veneto region. These pieces are marked only “Italy,” but are almost certainly products of Bassano del Grappa potters, probably dating from the 1920s or 1930s.

The town is very old, dating back to at least the 2^nd century. In the 15^th century, it developed a community of artisans noted for their work in wool, silk, and especially ceramics. These fruit pieces are indicative of that thriving industry.

There are many other pieces on display. The exhibit is located at the Visitor Center, located at 1906 Calder. It can be viewed anytime the museum is open, and will be on display through May. Come by and check out the “lively” pieces!

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