New Streaming Documentary at Canton Museum of Art Combines Blue Collar Art and History

Passionate Artwork. Thought-provoking History. Identical Twin Brothers. The Blue Collar Experience: Honoring the Working Class in History and Ceramics is the new documentary video based on the figurative sculptures of twin artists Kyle and Kelly Phelps and their relationship to rust belt manufacturing work.

Organized by the Canton Museum of Art and funded by Ohio Humanities, this captivating video is now available free to stream on computers, tablets, smartphones, and smartTVs:http://www.cantonart.org/bluecollar. The documentary will also be available for circulation on DVD via the Stark County District Library and the Canton Museum of Art beginning, September 1, 2016.

The documentary was developed in conjunction with the Phelps' exhibition, Blue Collar, which was on display at the Canton Museum of Art from December 3, 2015 through March 6, 2016, featuring figurative sculptures of men and women in manufacturing and service jobs - from coal mining to auto assembly and more. With the help of historians Judith Sacks and Bill Wyss, the documentary was created to share the Phelps oral history, allow a winder audience to experience the CMA exhibition, and connect the story of the artists to the industrial roots of Stark County. Historic images are featured in the video that were provided by Massillon Museum, the Hoover Historical Society, and the McKinley Presidential Library and Museum.

From historic images of a Timken steam engine to heartwarming conversations with the twin artists themselves, The Blue Collar Experience will continue to tell the important history behind these remarkable modern masterpieces for future generations.

Growing up in a small town, identical twins and African-American artists, Kyle and Kelly Phelps were part of a family and community defined by factory and farm work. Much of the twins' work is about the blue collar working-class, race relations and the everyday struggles of the common man and woman. The twins grew up in a blue collar environment in Indiana where they were inspired by family members and friends who worked in various manufacturing plants, steel mills, and foundries. As in most U.S. factory towns in recent years, closures came and jobs disappeared. These everyday people became working class heroes that has inspired over a decade of working class art.

Today, Kyle is an associate professor of art at the University of Dayton; and Kelly is an associate professor at Xavier University, where he oversees the sculpture department.

"The Phelps' story has resonated within our community-with their exhibit and now viewers of the documentary, drawing back on their memories of family and friends working in manufacturing." said Max Barton, CMA Executive Director. "This project will live on and reach new audiences because of the generous support for this video documentary from Ohio Humanities."

Established in 1972, Ohio Humanities is a private nonprofit organization and the state-based partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Ohio Humanities increases Ohioans' appreciation and understanding of the humanities through grant funded projects like The Blue Collar Experience. Operating statewide, Ohio Humanities promotes the humanities in Ohio through collaborations with cultural and educational institutions like the Canton Museum of Art.

The Canton Museum of Art (CMA) is one of Ohio's premier museums for an exceptional visual arts experience. CMA is recognized for powerful national touring exhibits; dynamic CMA-original exhibits; an unrivaled Permanent Collection of American watercolors and contemporary ceramics; and innovative education outreach programs, in-Museum classes, and workshops. CMA is one of only two Stark County museums accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

For more information, including hours, exhibits, classes, and special events, call 330.453.7666, visit www.cantonart.org, Facebook at "Canton Museum of Art," or @CantonMuseum on Twitter.

 

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