HUNTOPIA - Catalog - Page 10
FORE WORD
T
he Taubman Museum of Art is proud
the windows. I had entered into Hunt’s world—the
to present the exhibition HUNTOPIA
one he had described, where birds of every size and
and this accompanying catalogue.
color sing out through his work space. Hunt has deftly
Both projects represent exciting new
captured this world in HUNTOPIA, and his generous
endeavors—the exhibition being the first to incorporate
spirit has enabled this exhibition to materialize, as
such a comprehensive decorative reinstallation of our
it includes many items selected from his own artwork,
galleries, and the publication being the first exhibition
fabrics, and wallpaper, as well as from his personal
catalogue produced in a decade.
collection of historical furniture and decorative arts.
During the early planning stages of the project, artist
In addition to the artist, it has been a privilege
Hunt Slonem visited Roanoke with his longtime
working with all those who have made HUNTOPIA
friend and member of the Museum’s Board of Trustees,
possible. The Taubman Museum of Art is fortunate to
Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo. Our outings to local
have a dedicated staff of professionals who devote
and regional antique and secondhand shops made for
their specialized skills to organize our exhibitions and
some fascinating adventures, providing me a front-
educational programming and the leadership support,
row seat in the creative process, as the artist carefully
passion, and guidance of our Board of Trustees.
selected items ranging from couches and candlesticks to
Many partners have assisted us with the selection, storage,
top hats and tabletops. It was especially meaningful
transport, installation, and upholstery of locally sourced
to be included in Hunt’s animated conversations as ideas
furniture included in the exhibition. Private collectors,
were explored and decisions were made—and then
museums, and community partners have been generous
unmade—and then remade—into an overall concept that
in lending artworks and furniture. Our deepest
became ever more intriguing as we progressed.
appreciation goes to the lenders and supporters David R.
and Susan S. Goode, Sam Krisch, Julie Lawrence,
Hunt is full of the same zest and energy as the vignettes
Hunt Slonem, John and Kate Turbyfill, Rudy and
he has created in HUNTOPIA. They portray the
Ellen van Thiel, Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at
vibrancy I felt as I walked into Hunt’s Brooklyn studio
Hollins University, History Museum of Western
for the first time last spring, where I was immediately
Virginia, Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College,
struck by his brilliant color palettes and eclectic artistic
Olin Hall Galleries at Roanoke College, Salem
displays, amidst rays of sunlight streaming in through
Museum & Historical Society, Antiques by the Market,
8