The destruction of the distinction between high art and popular culture is one of the accomplishments of modernity. Inaugurated by Charles Baudelaire’s essay “The Painter of Modern Life,” this populist bent can be seen in Andy Warhol’s screen printings of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and Campbell Soup as well as Roy Lichtenstein’s adoption of the halftone dots characteristic of newspaper comics.
“A Whole Other World: Sub-Culture Craft,” opening on May 24, is in this venerable tradition. But instead of just celebrating celebrities, the Racine Art Museum is equally interested in the fanatics that have given life to franchises like Star Wars and “Doctor Who.” Twenty-five artists have contributed works in different media that transport the viewer to worlds of space aliens, superheroes and steampunks. Free admission is being offered to those who come dressed as a science-fiction character. “A Whole Other World” is on display until Sept. 6.
Mark Forth “Modern Ballads” and Harold Gregor “Midwestern Master”
Tory Folliard Gallery
233 N. Milwaukee St.
From May 29 until July 4, the Tory Folliard Gallery will be featuring new works by two modern Midwestern masters. The lush coloration and atmospheric rendering of light in Mark Forth’s “Modern Ballads” recall Dutch Masters of the 17th century. The comparison doesn’t stop there: Forth also favors the everyday subject matter of Dutch Golden Age painting—albeit the ballads he paints are modern and Midwestern. Paired with Forth’s canvasses, Harold Gregor’s show, “Midwestern Master,” demonstrates the varied nature of Midwestern art. Gregor renders the American Heartland with careful brushstrokes and almost psychedelically vibrant colors to paint landscapes that, in the artist’s words, are “of our time and perhaps even beyond our time.” The exhibitions open with an artist’s reception on Friday, May 29 from 5-7 p.m.
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53rd Season Kick-Off Celebration and Wall-to-Wall Salon
The Hardy Gallery
3083 Anderson Lane, Ephraim
Situated on the scenic shore of Eagle Harbor, the Hardy Gallery boasts enchanting views both inside and outside. Since the mid-1900s the space has featured up-and-coming artists along with their more established counterparts, many of whom got their start in the annual, open-submission, Wall-to-Wall Salon. On Saturday, May 23, this Door County institution kicks off its 53rd season with a celebration from 5:30-7 p.m. Attendees will be the first to set eyes on all the submissions for the gallery’s annual Wall-to-Wall Salon. Don’t put off your visit for too long—after May 28 jury selection will have winnowed away many worthy works.
