FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beat Artist Showcased at Crocker

April 13,2005 – Sacramento , Calif. – In the sculpture of Los Angeles artist George Herms, the debris of 20 th century prosperity is repackaged into a new poetry of juxtaposed objects. The Pandora’s Box exhibition features works by this Woodland native dating from the 1960s to the present, and reveals the artist’s gift for composition, selection and contrast. Through his ingenuity and unique arrangements, Herms’ work offers a sense of renewal by uncovering the surprising beauty hidden in everyday objects.

Throughout his career, Herms has moved seamlessly between sculpture, poetry and performance. Inspired by Beat culture and the bohemian atmosphere of San Francisco during the 1950s, Herms began experimenting with poetry and performance pieces and eventually gravitated toward assemblage art, bestowing new life upon used items.

Contrasting various objects such as tools, clothing and other “trash” to construct his sculptures, Herms became fascinated with the transience of manmade materials. The renewal and decay of his media often becomes integral to the meaning of a piece. Rusty door knobs, expired license plates, bed springs, faded denim scraps, musty books and worn shoes form his vocabulary.

Through his sculptures, these banal objects of everyday life are transformed into works of art that provoke the viewer into rethinking the compelling possibilities of the ordinary.

Pandora’s Box: The Sculpture of George Herms includes more than 30 works of art from the 1960s to the present. Among works featured in this exhibition are sculptures that pay homage to friends, artists and musicians that have inspired Herms’ creativity.

Exhibition Related Programming

Saturday, May 28, NOON
Meet the Artist: George Herms
Come experience George Herms, live and spontaneous at the Crocker. He has been offered an open invitation to talk about his art, share his poetry and perform as he desires. Free with admission.

Saturday, June 11, NOON-3 PM
Second Saturday for Kids: Make a Sculpture
Transform both unusual and ordinary “junk” into a work of art. Think about line, space and balance as you create a three-dimensional piece. For inspiration, tour the special exhibition Pandora’s Box: The Sculpture of George Herms. Free with admission.  

Tuesdays, June 14, 21, 28, NOON
& Thursday June 30, 6:30 PM
Film Series: Who Made the Beat, “The Beat?”
Four films explore the people and places that influenced the culture of the Beat generation. Free with admission.

June 14, NOON
Jack Kerouac: King of the Beats

June 21, NOON
New York in the Fifties

June 28, NOON
Let It Come Down:
The Life of Paul Bowles

June 30, 6:30 PM
The Source

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The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday; Thursday until 9 p.m. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 264-5423 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

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Media Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti
Media: (916) 264-1963
Mobile : (916) 213-9402
Public: (916) 264-5423
216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.crockerartmuseum.org