Thursday, April 18, 2024
ON THE LEVEL: Hood County resident James R. Stewart not only is an award-winning, talented artist, he is also an authority on the proper presentation of art.
BY GLORIA LEE HOOD
Gloria Lee Hood is a Granbury artist and publisher for The Eyes of Texas Fine Art Gallery art magazine.
Hood County resident James R. Stewart is more than an award-winning, talented artist. He is also an authority on proper presentation of art.
Stewart began learning the rules and techniques for hanging paintings in college, when the head of the art department tasked him to hang art in prominent display areas including the college library.
During this time he also volunteered at a local art museum and was mentored by the curator in the care and display of valuable works of art. Surprisingly, hanging protocols were created with the viewer of art in mind.
According to Stewart, it is a common practice to hang paintings so that its center is 60 inches above the floor, — which maximizes viewing for all statures. As much space as possible should be given between the works. Also, avoid placing anything closer than 12 inches from an inside corner.
While a museum provides the optimal setting for displaying art, private venues, juried exhibits and craft fairs present significant challenges. Space limitations, architectural features, furniture, light switches and equipment may interfere with proper hanging.
Stewart has curated and has been hanging art since 1962, for approximately 34 juried exhibitions. He will be assisting The Eyes of Texas Fine Art Gallery with its art show opening next month, April 17 through June 13, at Barons Creek Vineyard, 115 E. Bridge St., on the square.
ART IS ALIVE
The Pecan Plantation Art Guild members show “Art is Alive!” continues at the Langdon Center Art Gallery, 308 E. Pearl St. in Granbury, through Sunday, April 18. Open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sundays noon to 3 p.m. Last Saturday Gallery Night art exhibit reception hours are from 5 to 8 p.m.
The Gallery at Granbury Dental Center, 3412 E. Highway 377, features works of local artists each month: March — Shari Edwards; April — Gloria Hood; May — Diane Glowacki; June — Van Johnson; July — Deanna Thibault. Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing at 3 p.m. on Fridays.
The Lake Granbury Art Association meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Shanley House Gallery, at 224 N. Travis St. in Granbury.
Demo artist Lynda Robinson is scheduled to have a follow-up oil painting workshop on March 27. For the April 12 meeting, sculptor Doug Clark is slated to be the demo artist.
Christine Leftwich, M.Ed., contributed to this article. She is a freelance writer, and teacher of mathematics and business courses. Christine.leftwich@gmail.com
gloria@eyesoftxfineart.com | 817-637-0545
