FREDERICKSBURG ENTERTAINMENT
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Arts: Late patron gives back to FCCA community
‘Tuscany Fields’ by Dee McCleskey is on display at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts
BY LIANA BAYNE
THE FREE LANCE-STAR
The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts is honoring a late patron in its August show. The show, “John Holmfeld Art Collection Exhibit and Sale,” features 61 paintings from Holmfeld’s personal collection. Holmfeld lived in Fredericksburg for 15 years before dying suddenly last November after a short battle with cancer.
Carrol Morgan, curator for the Frederick Gallery, where the exhibit will be shown, said Holmfeld was a great supporter of the FCCA.
“He was a friend and a wonderful person to have as a patron,” said Paula Rose, a local artist and owner of P. Rose Gallery on Caroline Street. Holmfeld also sat on the board of directors for art galleries at the University of Mary Washington and supported other arts such as symphonies and ballets in Richmond and Fredericksburg, Morgan said.
“He loved to encourage artists, and that is worth so much to artists,” said artist Barbara Taylor Hall. “Wherever there was an art event, you’d find John Holmfeld,” Morgan said. “He gave back again and again.”
The exhibit is one of Holmfeld’s last acts of support for FCCA. Holmfeld’s family donated most of his collection to the FCCA. Now, all of the paintings in his collection are for sale. The prices range between $50–$300, and the proceeds from the sales will go to support the building fund of the Silversmith’s House, where the FCCA is located on Sophia Street.
The building dates to 1785, and Morgan said it’s constantly in need of repairs.
Taylor Hall said Holmfeld’s taste was very diverse, although, she said, “You’ll immediately notice he enjoyed the female form.” She said he had pieces in nearly every style, from abstract to realistic, and he appreciated the human body. “It shows the breadth of his appreciation,” Taylor Hall said.
Morgan said 13 paintings had already sold online as of Monday. “Our goal is a complete sellout,” Morgan said.
Almost all 61 pieces are from area artists, Morgan said. They were mostly painted within the past 15 years. Although people can purchase paintings online, the exhibit will be officially open from July 29 until Aug. 24.
The FCCA is also hosting a special event during First Friday on Aug. 3. Artist Cathy Herndon, whose work is featured in the collection, will speak about the pieces at 6 p.m. The First Friday reception will be held in the gallery from 6–8 p.m. The reception and the gallery are both free and open to the public.
Other local artists with works in the exhibit include John Darling, Dee McCleskey, Taylor Hall and Rose.
Taylor Hall said she’s grateful to Holmfeld for being a generous patron during his life, and to his family for donating his collection to FCCA after his death.
“We feel very proud to be part of his collection,” she said of herself and other local artists. “He didn’t buy anything unless he loved it.”
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Liana Bayne: 540/374-5444
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Permalink: http://news.fredericksburg.com/weekender/2012/07/26/arts-late-patron-gives-back-to-fcca-community/
