We are delighted to present Retrospective – 40 Years of paintings and drawings, a solo exhibition featuring the work of former board member, William Benson!
Opening reception: Saturday, May 4, 4:00- 7:00pm
Gallery Hours:
Sun, May 5, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Sat/Sun, May 11 – 12, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Sat/Sun, May 18 – 19, 12:00 – 5:00pm
Closing reception: Saturday, May 25, 12:00 – 5:00pm
This is William Benson’s first solo exhibition since 1998 at the State of the Art Gallery, where he was a founding member along with Andrew Gillis and Mark Callisto. Bill graduated from the School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Planning at Cornell in 1972 with dual majors in Graphics and Art History. Two great teachers he had while at Cornell were adjunct drawing instructor, Gillian Peterson Craig and painting Professor, Norman Daly whose portrait hangs in this show. But Bill did not formally begin to paint in oils until 1978, a medium in which he is basically self-taught. He was accepted by the prestigious portrait firm, Portrait’s Inc., in 1990 and it was this lucrative part of his career which enabled him to paint almost full time. However, landscapes, obviously inspired by the beauty of our natural surroundings, are what has led to this show.
At both the opening and closing receptions, Bill will be offering samples of some rare and wonderful bourbons that highlight what he considers some of bourbon’s greatest attributes: an enticing nose, a full and soft mouth feel, a sweetness produced by age and charred oak, and a lingering finish. Each 1⁄2 oz taste will be served in small, one-shot glasses in three ways: neat, with a bit of water or with an ice cube. Bourbon cocktails will not be offered.
These events are free of charge, wheelchair-friendly, and open to all. Saltonstall Foundation is located at 435 Ellis Hollow Creek Road, just eight miles from downtown Ithaca.