James Tellen (1880-1957) was one of those eccentrics whose bizarre but beautiful art inspires future generations with an interest in the artist’s life. But in Tellen’s case, facts are lacking, leaving us to marvel at the art and speculate about its creator.
What we do know is that Tellen was probably born in 1880 and relocated early on from Michigan to Sheboygan when he was adopted. For much of his life, Tellen worked in a factory, where he meticulously painted stripes, curlicues and other decorative details on furniture. When the Great Depression cut back on work hours, Tellen took to woodcarving and, later, while convalescing from an illness at the age of 62, he began crafting large-scale, concrete sculptures. Art for Tellen was a deeply personal pursuit. Aborted works were buried instead of destroyed, and successful works were exhibited—not publicly but around his family’s summer cottage near Sheboygan.
The James Tellen’s Chair City Cookout is an opportunity to discover one of Wisconsin’s underground artistic treasures. From 11-7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, visitors to the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden (5634 Evergreen Drive, Sheboygan) can peruse the 30 works populating the grounds and, duly inspired, can engage in art-making activities of their own. Admission to this family friendly event is free.
‘Much Ado About A Lot of Things’
Gallery 224, 224 E. Main St., Port Washington
William Shakespeare may have exhausted the theme of “nothing,” but three Milwaukee artists are making Much Ado About A Lot of Things in a new exhibition at Port Washington’s Gallery 224. Hot off a retrospective at RedLine MKE, JoAnna Poehlmann will be adding another line to her illustrious curriculum vitae. In addition to being the executive director of Woodland Pattern Book Center, Anne Kingsbury is a master beadworker who creates complex tapestries from intricately sewn beads. The canvasses of Gina Litherland recall Renaissance depictions of human beings but are infused with a whimsy that is decidedly modern. Much Ado About A Lot of Things opens with a reception on Aug. 7 from 5-7 p.m.
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Richard Drew on International Photography
Chai Point Senior Living, 1414 N. Prospect Ave.
Richard Drew’s photographs are worth more than a measly one thousand words. The Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist has snapped some of the most iconic images of modern times. For instance, Drew captured “The Falling Man” at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, and he was one of only four photographers at the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. At 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 7, Drew will be speaking about his life, work and international photography. The talk is open to the public and admission is free.
