Ceramic Shrines Come to Life in 'Avatars: Relics from the Future'

Canton Museum of Art invites you to travel through an excavation of powerful talismans, mummies, shrines, entities, and totems . . . through reflections on the ancient and perceptions on the future, all from the creative energy of artist Gary Spinosa. "AVATARS: Relics from the Future" is a new exhibition on view April 29 - July 23, 2017 with a free public reception on May 3 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Within Spinosa's 50 ceramic creations, one might imagine numerous spiritual or philosophical avatars - their embodiments hauntingly stern yet empathetic and even loving at the same time. Each piece compellingly reminds you of the past, perhaps with visions of the Egyptian age and the ornate surroundings of the pharaohs, ritual bronzes of Asia, and even religious treasures. And yet, the works easily ground you in the present while sparking meditations on experiences yet to come.

Relics play an important role in learning from the past and even defining the future. They are storytellers of history, cultures, and world religions. They link people to customs, beliefs, rituals, superstition, and contemplation. Across many millennia, millions of relics stand out for their uniqueness, their intrigue, their ability to expand our knowledge about forgotten civilizations - or to propel us to examine the essence of life. It is a combination of world religions, faith, and philosophy that is eminently approachable.

"[In Spinosa's iconic beings] their eyes hint of a knowing sense . . . their triangular symmetry often gives a Renaissance nod to The Trinity. Animal spirits like hawks, jackals, elephants, bulls, and spoonbills become powerful mythical symbols. His 'masks of God' may or may not represent Christ, Horus, Osiris or Meso-American spirits." - John Bavaro, "Gary Spinosa: The Philosopher's Stone"

Combining human, animal, and architectural forms, Spinosa seeks to materialize spiritual energy through his serene, benevolent figures. In his creative process, he does not start with a concept of what a work will look like. Instead, he just starts... and lets the clay, wood, pigments, and other materials speak to him. He wants to create works that have a presence and will engulf the viewer - making the viewer a participant in, and receiver of, the energy in each piece.

Spinosa is a visionary artist, and by his own acclaim he feels guided by an ancient past. This exhibition covers more than five decades of the artist's work, including pieces created within the last year. You will discover sculptures, from grand constructions to hand sized figures, that are imbued with deep sanctity and stillness, a sometimes disquieting mystery, and an evocation of enigmatic narratives. In each piece, Spinosa invites us to engage in a relationship with the art he creates, to conjure our own avatars and storylines of the beings and rituals we discover in these artifacts, and to reflect on those we hold within ourselves.

Gary Spinosa was born in 1947 in Memphis, Tennessee. Spinosa is a distinguished B.FA. graduate from the Cleveland Institute of Art. After graduation in 1972, Spinosa Spinosa won an Agnes Gund Traveling Award and used it to travel all over Europe, exploring museums and cathedrals. He returned to Cleveland to set up a gallery, and in 1981, he won the first place sculpture award at the Cleveland Museum of Art's May Show, and he earned his M.F.A. in 1988 from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Since the early 1970s, he has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions at museums and galleries across the county, including the Speed Art Museum, Tehran Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Art, Butler Institute of American Art, Kenyon College, Sandusky Cultural Center, Erie Art Museum, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia College of Art, The Sculpture Center at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), and more.

In celebration of the exhibition, a free family event "Night at the Museum" will be held on May 20 from 7PM-10PM. More details about the family event coming soon.

About 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.

Admission: Regular admission is $8 Adults; $6, Seniors and Students (with valid I.D.); Museum Members are Free; and Children 12 and under, Free. Tickets are available at the Museum Ticket Office during Museum hours. For group visits, discounts, and tours, please call 330.453.7666 at least two weeks prior to your visit for reservations and/or to request a docent-led tour.

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