therman statom
Cuento Sobre el Aprendizaje: Stories About Learning
February 6-March 24, 2023
Willis Smith GALLERY

Therman Statom, sculptor, glass artist, and painter – is most notably known as a pioneer of the contemporary glass movement for his life-size glass ladders, chairs, tables, constructed box-like paintings, and small-scale houses; all created through the technique of gluing glass plates together. Sandblasted surfaces become a canvas for spontaneous vibrant colors and line work, which take nuances from Abstract Expressionism and concepts of Minimalism, while simultaneously incorporating a twist by using blown-glass elements and found objects.

Born in Winter Haven, Florida in 1953, Statom spent his adolescence growing up in Washington, D.C. His interest in the arts grew from a fondness of painting and he began to investigate ceramics at RISD. However, after an experimental glass blowing session with Dale Chihuly, he was soon hooked on the spontaneity of glass blowing and its limitless possibilities. Statom went on to pursue studies at Pilchuck Glass School during its inaugural year, completing a BFA in 1974 from RISD, and later studied at the Pratt Institute of Art & Design.

 Throughout his career, public artworks have been permanently installed at prominent locations including the Los Angeles Public Library, Corning, Inc. Headquarters, the Mayo Clinic, San Jose Ice Center, the Toledo Museum of Art, and the Jepson Center for the Arts in the Telfair Museum, Savannah as well as several hospitals across the country.

His artwork appears in numerous exhibitions annually, including solo and group shows around the nation and internationally. Much of the latter half of Statom’s career has been focused on the importance of educational programming and development within the arts. He has taken a deep interest in employing workshops as a catalyst for social change and in effect, positively impacting a community.

WHERE:
Ringling College of Art + Design’s, Willis Smith Gallery is located on the first floor of the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center at 2363 Old Bradenton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

ABOUT THE GALLERY:
As the second largest gallery located on the south side of campus, the Willis Smith Construction Inc. Gallery hosts rotating group and solo exhibitions showcasing various mediums and styles of artwork created by visiting artists and student organizations. 

EXHIBITION DATES:
February 6 – March 31, 2023

Mon.-Fri: 9am – 3pm

Sat. 12 – 4pm

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tim Jaeger, Director + Chief Curator, Galleries + Exhibitions
tjaeger@ringling.edu
941.359.7562

THANK YOU:
This exhibition is made possible, in part, with the support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Exchange, Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues, JP Morgan, David Austin Projects, and WUSF 89.7.