July 18, 2006 > Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition

by Irene Jordahl

The 9th International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition will be one of the most popular exhibits for young and young-at-heart alike.  Olive Hyde Gallery presents dozens of small sculptures from around the world showing how artists have handled the challenges of space and scale dictated by the size of an ordinary shoebox.

An invitation-only exhibition, this triennial has attracted a large number of well-known artists from Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Mexico, Norway, The Netherlands, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Each sculpture speaks for itself.  Some works are conceptual, some reflect the artist's cultural heritage, and others are universal in expression.  Collectively the sculptures are a powerful commentary on the state of humankind at the end of a century driven by industry and technology and at the beginning of a new millennium that is already marked with strife, uncertainties, and tragedies.

To create their sculptures, artists have used almost every imaginable medium. Cast metal, carved wood, blown glass, woven fiber, paper machŽ, molded clay, found objects, glass beads, feathers, and human hair have been components of Shoebox sculptures. Visitors can easily find more than one favorite work and some have been inspired to make their own small-scale sculptures.

The City of Fremont Parks and Recreation Department offers just that opportunity for youth as part of the Young Artist's Studio Camps. The Shoebox Camp is offered as a one-week long art camp from August 14 to 18, 9 a.m. to noon. Those interested may register at www.regerec.com

July 21 - August 20
Opening Reception: Friday, July 21
7 p.m. to 9 pm. (public invited)
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 494-4357
Thursday through Sunday 
Noon to 5 p.m.
Closed Monday through Wednesday.
Admission is free.