Laguna Art Museum
The Fusion of Art and Nature in the Jewelry Designs of Adam Neeley
Now through July 29
Adam Neeley is an award-winning artist-jeweler who transforms precious metals and gemstones into wearable art by traditional goldsmith techniques and modern technologies. His unique designs are inspired by the vast variety of shapes and colors found in the natural world. In fact, it was his childhood interest in collecting rocks that eventually drew Neeley to the master goldsmiths in Italy, where he would study the art of jewelry making. Eventually he developed his own style and techniques of goldwork that have won him international acclaim, as well as prestigious awards across the jewelry industry.
Through many years of trial and error, Adam Neeley developed a never-before-seen technique that he calls Spectra Gold, which seamlessly changes one color of gold into another. This is accomplished by a labor-intensive forging process to create a subtle gradient, or ombré, of color from yellow gold to white gold and more. This, along with his creation of totally new colors of gold, adds to the sense that his jewelry is created by a modern-day alchemist.
This exhibition will explore both the creative working processes of this innovative jeweler, and some of the raw and faceted gems and minerals used by him to create his art. Collaborating with world-class lapidaries, such as Stephen Avery, Neeley creates truly imaginative pieces that go beyond contemporary designs into the realm of dreams and fantasy inspired by imagination and the world around him. Artist-jeweler Adam Neeley is a true twenty-first century alchemist.
Los Angeles Art from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection
Now through September 2
Joan and Jack Quinn represent a crucial moment in art history, as Los Angeles came to symbolize an innovative and prolific brand of creative freedom. On the Edge: Los Angeles Art from the Joan and Jack Quinn Family Collection, explores the experimental approaches to minimalism and new materials from the 1960s to 2000s, the diversification of practices and makers, and the vital role the Quinns played in both documenting and contributing to the story of Los Angeles art. Revealed is a period of artmaking that is pivotal to understanding current practices and the west coast mentality, and collectively exudes a unique spirit of anti-conformity and the “California Cool” ethos.
This exhibition brings together an outstanding collection of artworks that define the history of contemporary art in Los Angeles as it came to symbolize an innovative and prolific brand of creative freedom found nowhere else in the world.The exhibition highlights the family’s collection, primarily amassed from the 1960s to 2000s. Works in the exhibition will explore what have become today’s mainstream themes in art movements and highlight how the Quinn family has formed friendships, supported and promoted major artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Larry Bell, Lynda Benglis, Vija Celmins, Billy Al Bengston, Kenneth Price, Frank Gehry, David Hockney, Carol Caroompas, Ed Moses, Astrid Preston, Ed Ruscha and many more.
The exhibition is divided into three sections: artworks made for or that depict the Quinn family that share the personal relationship between artists and family; exceptional examples of artwork acquired by the Quinn family; and a third section of portraits of Joan. Andy Warhol first encouraged Joan Quinn to have her portrait created, a tradition she has continued which forms a large portion of the collection.
Laguna Art Museum is located at 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach 92651 www.lagunaartmuseum.org
