CLEVELAND – The Western Reserve Historical Society presents the art of Albert Krehlik at a new exhibition, The Root of the Matter: Art by Albert Krehlik, opening May 17 and running through Sept. 21.
What’s included. The Albert Krehlik collection consists of more than 30 wood carvings and clocks fashioned by the creative hands of Krehlik, a hardware store owner and self-taught artist who worked in Cleveland from 1891 until his death in 1939.
Like many practitioners of what is now called “found art,” Krehlik saw characters and stories in the twisted roots and branches of the trees he found on his many walks through Cleveland’s parks and wooded areas.
Always engaged with the world around him and with his “roots” in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), Krehlik enhanced his discoveries to make humorous and sometimes pointed comments about the changing world around him.
Other exhibits. In addition to the Krehlik exhibit, the historical society will also explore the ever changing definition of folk art through two small exhibits which draw on the collections of the society.
In The Flower Paintings of Ann Harper and Just What Is Folk Art?, visitors will get a taste of some of the many diverse popular and folk art traditions of the United States.
The Flower Paintings of Ann Harper will feature a set of flower watercolors rarely seen together. And among the many items on display in Just What Is Folk Art? will be a woven coverlet and a hooked rug from the early 19th century, a fanciful assortment of carved canes.
The Western Reserve Historical Society’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, and $5 for students.
Call for details. For additional information call 216-721-5722, or visit www.wrhs.org.
