“New World Hoarder” is Larry Fuente’s first solo exhibition at the Mendocino Art Center since 1980. His assemblage works – adorned with beads, rhinestones, shards of pottery, buttons, statuettes, religious icons, symbolic features and other ornamental objects – include refrigerators, cows, guitars, horses, motorcycles, ducks, mannequins and cars, including his “Mad Cad,” which will be on show August 1 through September 3.
“Calling myself an ‘Artist’ is not something I am ... view more »
“New World Hoarder” is Larry Fuente’s first solo exhibition at the Mendocino Art Center since 1980. His assemblage works – adorned with beads, rhinestones, shards of pottery, buttons, statuettes, religious icons, symbolic features and other ornamental objects – include refrigerators, cows, guitars, horses, motorcycles, ducks, mannequins and cars, including his “Mad Cad,” which will be on show August 1 through September 3.
“Calling myself an ‘Artist’ is not something I am terribly comfortable with,” Larry reveals. “It feels like a judgment call that I prefer others who view my work to make. I will occasionally identify myself in that way as a matter of convenience and to save myself from having to explain. That said, I do make ‘Art.’ I’m comfortable working in many mediums. I paint, I sculpt, I build, I modify, I record, I write and I enjoy playing music and dancing. I have a basic knowledge of how things work and how they are made which can be very helpful when I want to move a dream or vision I have, into the realm of reality. My curiosity is boundless and I can become fascinated by nearly any topic. I feel drawn to ‘beauty’ and realize it can be found almost anywhere that a person will take the time to carefully look.”
Fuente, born in Chicago, Illinois, is arguably the most well known Mendocino artist. As a young adult he attended the Kansas City Art Institute where he studied painting for several years in the mid-1960’s. Moving to the Bay Area in the late 1960’s, Fuente moved from painting to three-dimensional works. He then relocated to Mendocino, where he continues to work in the medium of assemblage. One of his artworks, “Game Fish,” a sail fish encrusted with game pieces, is one of the few artworks on permanent display at the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, home to the collection of American contemporary craft and decorative art in Washington, D.C.
In conjunction with Fuente’s exhibit there will be several opportunities to meet the artist, including:
Artist Reception: August 3, 5 pm – 8 pm
Artist Larry Fuente will host a free opening reception for his exhibit, “New World Hoarder.”
2nd Saturday Gallery Reception: August 10, 5 pm – 8 pm
The Mendocino Art Center hosts a free Second Saturday Artists Reception each month. Enjoy snacks and wine, and meet the exhibiting artists.
Artist Talk with Larry Fuente: Friday, August 16, 3 pm – 5 pm
The artist will discuss works in the exhibit.
Artist Storytelling: Saturday, August 24, 3 pm – 5 pm
Mendocino storytelling with Larry.
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