Muskegon, Museum of Art

Mirror, Mirror: Art Inspired by Fairy Tales & Inspired: The Corky Tuttle Glass Legacy Opening Event February 18

Explore the legacy of fairy tales, myths, fables, and legends through the talents of 29 West Michigan artists represented in a special invitational exhibition, Mirror, Mirror: Art Inspired by Fairy Tales, at the Muskegon Museum of Art February 18 through May 2, 2010. An opening reception will be held Thursday, February 18, 5:30-7:00 pm.

The reception also celebrates another new exhibition, Inspired: The Corky Tuttle Glass Legacy, which opened February 11.

The Mirror, Mirror artists, selected and invited by Muskegon Museum of Art staff, were asked to turn their creative vision towards classic tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Tom Thumb, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and many others. Artwork in the show includes painting, ceramics, printmaking, photography, drawing, and sculpture. Participating artists were asked to select a classic fairy tale or myth and create a work of art that either illustrated the story or addressed some part of the theme. The result is an exciting array of artworks that highlight some of the best talent in our region and bring these classic tales to life. Folk and fairy tales are found around the world and have been altered and adapted by subsequent generations as tastes and cultures develop and change. Illustrations of these tales have come to define them as much as the words, and many children know these stories only through animated movies and picture books. This show was developed with families in mind, so parents and grandparents can share a unique art experience with children, but visitors of all ages can find something to enjoy, exploring old favorites and finding new perspectives.

Inspired: The Corky Tuttle Glass Legacy is underwritten by the Robert D. and C. Corcoran Tuttle Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Mirror, Mirror: Art Inspired by Fairy Tales was organized by the staff of the Muskegon Museum of Art and made possible through the generous support of the Verizon Foundation.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Cinema Sunday Series
Three upcoming films in this series are related to the MMA’s exhibition, Mirror, Mirror: Art Inspired by Fairy Tales. Cinema Sundays feature famous films of art cinema from all over the world, focusing on the key works of major directors. Films are subtitled unless otherwise noted. Film scholar E. J. Hamacher introduces each film with a short account of its cultural and historical importance and leads open discussion afterward. Film admission is free with Museum Membership or with Museum admission.
February 21, 2:00 pm
Kwaidan (The Woman of the Snow, Hoichi, The Earless, & In A Cup of Tea)
Immaculately composed against otherworldly hand-painted sets, this 1965 Japanese anthology of horror-themed fairy tales is one of the most meticulously crafted fantasy films ever made.
March 7, 2:00 pm
Alice (Něco z Alenky)
Master animator and puppeteer Jan Švankmajer, a member of the Czech Surrealist Party, achieved a lifetime’s ambition in this highly anarchistic adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
March 21, 2:00 pm
The Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête)
Lush adaptation of the classic French fairy tale.

March 13, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Fairy Tale Super Saturday
MMA themed Super Saturdays feature free family activities and admission. Underwritten by the Alcoa Foundation, supporting Howmet communities. In March, take guided tours of Mirror, Mirror, see the film, Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child in which classic fairy tales get a new twist with upbeat songs and lively characters with musical animation and drop in to make and take crowns, swords, and wands. Fairy tale attire is welcome!

Thursdays, April 1-29, 1:00-3:00 pm
Open Tours
Drop in every Thursday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm for free guided exhibition tours led by MMA docents. In April, guests will tour Mirror, Mirror: Art Inspired by Fairy Tales. Reservations are not required.