Bert Gallery

Art Gossip: Behind the Providence Art Scene in the Late 19th Century
January 11 – March 10, 2012

Gallery Reception / Spotlight Tour:
Thursday, January 12 from 5:30–7:00pm

Gossip: Idle talk or rumor, especially about the personal or private affairs of others…

Providence, RI. Bert Gallery, located along the Providence waterfront at Corliss Landing, 540 South Water Street, opens the 2012 Season with the exhibit Art Gossip: Behind the Providence Art Scene in the Late 19th Century. The exhibit runs from January 11 – March 10, 2012. Gallery hours are Wednesday–Friday from 11am-5pm, Saturdays 12-4pm, or by appointment. Exhibits are free and open to the public.

The art profession is not immune to one of the most common means of sharing facts and views – gossip. In fact the Providence Journal during the late 19th century had just such a column – “Art Gossip” published weekly. Reviewing both the Providence Journal Art Gossip column and personal writings by artists from the 19th century gives you a clear insight into the dynamic art world of Providence. More importantly, one hundred years later this “gossip” is the glue that binds the facts, that creates the narrative.

This exhibit will look into the relationships between artists in Providence during the dynamic cultural development of the art community in the late 19th Century. Who were the power brokers behind exhibits, what did artists think of other artists works, who had the best studio, where was the best place to show, how did artists sell? And more. Friendships and rivalries abound. When Thomas Robinson (1834–1916) was on a buying trip for Seth Vose in Europe – did he abscond with the funds? Charles Walter Stetson (1858–1911) reveals in his diaries that he adored Edward Bannister but loathed E. C. Leavitt (1842–1904). Why? How did Burleigh (1853–1931) become the whirling dervish around town charming clients and getting jobs for his Art Workers Guild? How did Emma Swan (1853-1927) promote herself, launching studio sale after studio sale, unable to keep up with inventory for clients?

As the stories unfold, you will look at the paintings of these Providence artists in a new light within a context of a complex and ever-changing Providence art scene. Twenty paintings by historic Rhode Island artists will be on view along with documentation and quotes on Providence artists of the late 19th century. For more information on Bert Gallery and our historic Rhode Island artists, contact Catherine Bert at 401-751-2628 or email at bertgallery@conversent.net.

Our pocket show, Collect Contemporary, is now open, and runs from December 1st through 23rd. The exhibit features artworks by contemporary Rhode Island artists for $500 or less. If you always thought buying a great Rhode Island contemporary artist was unaffordable, stop by and see our “$500 or Less” exhibit.

The struggle of the creative soul has been the topic of many a book over the centuries. Bert Gallery works closely with a few of the talented artists in the region who are promoted regularly at the gallery through exhibits. The gallery primarily works with seven contemporary artists: Frank Gasbarro, Kathy Hodge, Kenn Speiser, Dana Levin, Paula Martiesian, Robert Thornton, and Carmel Vitullo. A selection of works by each artist priced at $500 or less on view. Visit the exhibit page and view the virtual slideshow here.

Imagine that you are a young girl in 1934-1935, an 18-year-old are student at RISD, studying drawing from old plaster casts, still life arrangements, and models. What could be a more interesting diversion than painting the glamorous move stars of the day? So, Louise Marianetti (1916-2009) did a series of 13 charcoal/pencil studies of various stars from the 1930s era, plus a collage of those images, as seen above. But who the heck are these 1930s beauties? We have done a little research, but hoping many of you might help with the identities. Email us your suggestions. Here are the ones we know for sure:

Bottom row: Greta Garbo, Mae West, Joan Crawford autographing her picture (right side).

This painting and the 13 studies of 1930s stars are on view in our Gallery Collection: New Inventory show, on view until October 29th.

Now open is our pocket exhibit, The Artist’s Venice, which runs from September 28 through November 12, 2011. Venice is a magical city whether you visit today or look at 18th Century Venetian paintings by Canaletto. Views of the Piazza San Marco, the Grand Canal, or the Rialto Bridge are popular subject matter for painters. The Artist’s Venice is a small show of 10-15 paintings by a variety of American artists, including Mabel Woodward and Henry Kenyon from the turn of the century, to 20th century painter Gordon Peers and street photographer Carmel Vitullo. Stop by Bert Gallery to see the exhibit. Click here to view the virtual slideshow.

Now open is our main exhibit, Gallery Collection: New Inventory, which runs from September 21 through October 29, 2011. The business of art is always in flux, new paintings coming in while others are going out. Since 1985, Bert Gallery has sold paintings primarily by 19th and 20th century regional artists. There are many reasons why paintings come to the market. People move and need to downsize their painting collection, collectors de-accession to collect in a new area, and kids inherit paintings they don’t want! For all of those reasons the Gallery Collection: New Inventory exhibit will showcase new works that have come for sale in recent months. There will be a selection of 40 works of art on view. Stop by Bert Gallery to see the exhibit and click here to view our virtual slideshow.