Exhibitions
Main Gallery:
Don Hisaka | The Cleveland Years | Jan 22 - March 4
In 1960, Harvard-trained architect Don M. Hisaka
opened a practice the Cleveland and began the work of transforming the
architectural landscape of Northeast Ohio. Influenced by modernists
such as Le Corbusier, Breuer and Yamasaki, Mr. Hisaka brought to our
region a new aesthetic, one that spoke to the shifting social and
political challenges of the next 20 years in structures that radiated
comfort, durability and stability. In Cleveland his creative genius
registers most powerfully in the glass atrium that connects Case Western
Reserve University’s Thwing Center and Hitchcock Hall; in Beachwood’s
Signature Square; in Cleveland’s Temple B’nai Jeshurun; and locally in
the Mansfield Art Center as well as dozens of other mid-century
buildings and homes throughout our region.
Mr. Hisaka has received numerous awards for his life’s work—a roster of stunning achievements in Europe, Asia, and our own country. The Mansfield Art Center, which won a Progressive Architecture National Citation Award in 1971, was recognized by the architectural community as another example of Hisaka’s “unique ability to synthesize the best of disparate influences and deliver tasteful and charming buildings that compliment rather than overwhelm their surroundings.”
The award, just one of the nearly 50 citations for merit with which Hisaka’s work has been honored over the years (including the 1970 Cleveland Arts Prize for Architecture), was truly special to him because of the unique challenges presented by this commission; not the least of which was an incredibly modest budget. Because of the nature of the building as an art center, architect Don Hisaka felt that, given the site, the programmatic content of the structure could be extended visually so the building itself could become a piece of art.
Now, more than 40 years after its inception, the Mansfield Art Center is the most notable work of mid-century architecture in North Central Ohio. The building is a living, breathing work of art, a home for artists and those who appreciate art; a real treasure for us all to enjoy. We are pleased to host this exhibition celebrating Mr. Hisaka’s work as it has become a powerful force in so many lives.
*This exhibition was made possible by: The Cleveland Artists Foundation.
Foundation Gallery:
Frank Daniell | Let it Run, Let it Run, Let it Run | Jan 22 - March 4
The life of an artist is one where the line
between avocation and vocation is blurred at best. Passions and
principals, labors and loves all blend in marvelous ways when you
experience Frank Daniell’s life and work.
Frank’s art education began when he was just 11 years old and he had the opportunity to learn from John Bernat, one of the artists whose work adorns St. Peters Catholic Church in Mansfield. Daniell graduated from Mansfield Senior and then went on to Ohio University where he earned both his B.F.A. and Master of Arts in Art Education degrees. His graduate work included classes at the University of Colorado and drawing at the Ecole Julien in Paris.
Travel was instrumental to his early career and at the age of 25 he spent 5 months in Western Europe studying French chateaux, cathedrals and approaches to art education. Frank’s relatives in England afforded him several trips to Cornwall in addition to his travels stateside.
These experiences piqued a special interest in liturgical symbolism and the sacred act of self-expression. Frank views the act of self-expression as personally sacred, “For we are the only creatures on earth that have such a potential, “says Daniell. “I believe that we are only fully human when we create or are able to enjoy what has been created.”
Frank certainly takes this philosophy to heart. He has devoted over 52 years to inspiring others to express their own creative potential. He has taught every age from kindergarten through adults both in school settings and private lessons.
It is hard to know where the artist ends and the educator begins when one looks at Frank, he is the embodiment of the vision that drives his life and that vibrancy flows through his work."
Don Hisaka | The Cleveland Years | Jan 22 - March 4
Mr. Hisaka has received numerous awards for his life’s work—a roster of stunning achievements in Europe, Asia, and our own country. The Mansfield Art Center, which won a Progressive Architecture National Citation Award in 1971, was recognized by the architectural community as another example of Hisaka’s “unique ability to synthesize the best of disparate influences and deliver tasteful and charming buildings that compliment rather than overwhelm their surroundings.”
The award, just one of the nearly 50 citations for merit with which Hisaka’s work has been honored over the years (including the 1970 Cleveland Arts Prize for Architecture), was truly special to him because of the unique challenges presented by this commission; not the least of which was an incredibly modest budget. Because of the nature of the building as an art center, architect Don Hisaka felt that, given the site, the programmatic content of the structure could be extended visually so the building itself could become a piece of art.
Now, more than 40 years after its inception, the Mansfield Art Center is the most notable work of mid-century architecture in North Central Ohio. The building is a living, breathing work of art, a home for artists and those who appreciate art; a real treasure for us all to enjoy. We are pleased to host this exhibition celebrating Mr. Hisaka’s work as it has become a powerful force in so many lives.
*This exhibition was made possible by: The Cleveland Artists Foundation.
Foundation Gallery:
Frank Daniell | Let it Run, Let it Run, Let it Run | Jan 22 - March 4
Frank’s art education began when he was just 11 years old and he had the opportunity to learn from John Bernat, one of the artists whose work adorns St. Peters Catholic Church in Mansfield. Daniell graduated from Mansfield Senior and then went on to Ohio University where he earned both his B.F.A. and Master of Arts in Art Education degrees. His graduate work included classes at the University of Colorado and drawing at the Ecole Julien in Paris.
Travel was instrumental to his early career and at the age of 25 he spent 5 months in Western Europe studying French chateaux, cathedrals and approaches to art education. Frank’s relatives in England afforded him several trips to Cornwall in addition to his travels stateside.
These experiences piqued a special interest in liturgical symbolism and the sacred act of self-expression. Frank views the act of self-expression as personally sacred, “For we are the only creatures on earth that have such a potential, “says Daniell. “I believe that we are only fully human when we create or are able to enjoy what has been created.”
Frank certainly takes this philosophy to heart. He has devoted over 52 years to inspiring others to express their own creative potential. He has taught every age from kindergarten through adults both in school settings and private lessons.
It is hard to know where the artist ends and the educator begins when one looks at Frank, he is the embodiment of the vision that drives his life and that vibrancy flows through his work."
The Mansfield Art Center. 700 Marion Ave. Mansfield, OH 44906
Hours of Operation: Tue - Sat 11am - 5pm, Sun 12-5pm Closed Mon
P: 419.756.1700 F: 419.756.0860
Copyright . The Mansfield Art Center. All rights reserved.