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“Turning Point” presents a rich display of art in wood at the Arizona State University Art Museum


David Ellsworth
Eliptical bowl, 1983
Spalted sugar maple
Collection of the ASU Art Museum. Gift of Edward C. Jacobson.



Photo courtesy of Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.

March 22, 2006

TEMPE, Ariz. - The Arizona State University Art Museum presents a varied collection of contemporary art in wood with Turning Point: Inspired by the Edward Jacobson Collection of Turned Wood Bowls, running April 22 - Aug. 12, 2006. An opening reception for members and invited guests is April 22, 6-8 p.m.

Noted Phoenix collector, arts supporter and attorney, Edward "Bud" Jacobson, who died in 2005, assembled one of the first comprehensive collections of turned wood bowls by contemporary American artists. In 1989, he generously gave that collection to the ASU Art Museum, influencing the museum's collecting and exhibiting of art made from wood for the next 16 years.  

The Turning Point exhibition of 60 works from the museum's permanent collection is visually dominated by newer work that represents a variety of forms and scale, along with selections from the Jacobson collection.

Artists in the exhibition include Abel Barroso, David Ellsworth, Giles Gilson, Stephen Hogbin, Robyn Horn, Todd Hoyer, Mel Kendrick, Ronald Kent, Mark Lindquist, Ed Moulthrop, Merryll Saylan, Claudette Schreuders, Tommy Simpson, Bob Stocksdale, Del Stubbs, Howard Werner and others.

The Jacobson Collection was the subject of one of the first books in the field, traveled nationally and internationally, and was reviewed in theNew York Times. It continues to be recognized as a benchmark in the recent history of the field.

"Bud Jacobson's passing last year was deeply felt at the ASU Art Museum, in our community and in the national community of wood turners," said curator Heather Sealy Lineberry. "The museum will create a permanent display to salute Bud Jacobson's contribution to the woodturning field, his support of the artists and the emerging art form."

The ASU Art Museum is part of the Herberger College of Fine Arts and has been called "the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona" by Art in America magazine. It is located on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street in Tempe. Exhibition hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Tuesdays and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call 480-965-2787 or visit the museum online athttp://asuartmuseum.asu.edu .

Media Contact:
Denise Tanguay 
480.965.7144
denise.tanguay@asu.edu