Out of the Woods exhibit features contemporary artworks in wood and educational displays about forest conservation

TEMPE, Ariz. – Visitors to the ASU Art Museum’s Out of the Woods exhibit will experience more than rich, hand-crafted contemporary artworks made of wood; they can learn about woodworking processes and the environmental issues of deforestation and conservation. The educational art exhibit opens with a Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., July 10 and runs through Oct. 2.

Beautiful turned wood bowls by Ed Moulthrop, David Ellsworth and Bob Stocksdale will be on exhibit as well as contemporary hand-made baskets by John McQueen and Dorothy Barnes. Romanticized nature paintings by Thomas Moran and O.E. Berninghaus, and modern sculptures by Louise Nevelson and Deborah Butterfield also will be featured in the family-oriented exhibit. Most of the artwork is from the museum’s permanent collection.

“ Every artwork in Out of the Woods links back to the forests,” says curator Jean Makin, whose goal was to create a visually stimulating exhibit that also references environmental issues. “Deforestation is happening at a rapid pace throughout the world. This exhibit’s exquisite art objects remind us of the beauty of the forests and their importance as natural resources, while information panels educate about ecological issues and conservation efforts.”

Family Fun Day is a free event for museum visitors that will include hands-on projects, puppet shows, free refreshments and performances by local musicians, dancers and magicians. The annual event is always a crowd pleaser and a great way to escape the Arizona summer heat.

The ASU Art Museum, named “the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona” by Art in America, is part of the Herberger College of Fine Arts at Arizona State University. The museum is located on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street in Tempe and entry is free. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and until 9 p.m. Tuesdays during the academic year. For more information, call (480) 965-2787 or visit the museum online at http://asuartmuseum.asu.edu. 

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