When you’re anxiously waiting for the doors to open and for the show to start, sometimes it feels like forever! You can pass the time by checking out all the amazing art when you’re waiting to take your seat at the Wharton Center.
Clifton McChesney: Moby II
Located in the Cobb Great Hall lobby near the Orchestra Right entrance.
McChesney was a professor of painting at Michigan State University. This piece was hung in the early 1980s and became part of our permanent collection in 1985.
James Adley: Helios
Located in the Cobb Great Hall lobby near the Grand Tier Right entrance.
Helios means sun. When looking at this painting, you feel like you are standing by the sun with all the rays and different colors of a beautiful sunset. Take a look at the painting up close to see its stunning brush strokes.
Irving Taran: Pemaquid
Located in the Grand Tier Lounge near the Delta Dental Refreshments booth.
Pemaquid is an original by Irving Taran, created as part of a series, and is one of two pieces building! We challenge you to ask yourself, what do you see when you look at this piece?
Stephen Hansen: Coming Attractions
Located in the Grand Tier Lounge near the elevator.
Hansen is a paper mache artist, and you can see his creations all over the world! Coming Attractions is a piece that celebrates the performing arts and makes a perfect photo opp!
Orlando Agudelo-Botero: Unison
Located in the Cobb Great Hall Grand lobby.
Unison is one of three pieces by Agudelo-Botero in the building. It articulates a vision of humanity with dignity. Agudelo-Botero’s work is a vehicle for his self-examination. His pieces often include themes of education, family, spirituality, love of music, and Latin heritage.
Georg Vihos: Temptation
Located in the Grand Tier staircase.
Vihos is a Detroit native! His art is deeply spiritual and uplifting, capturing the essence of things in the air. Temptation is a gorgeous piece that spans across the whole wall.
Akemi Muraoka: Dreamy Cherry Blossoms
Located on the ground level of the Cobb Great Hall lobby.
This piece has many beautiful elements! Up close, you can see the extraordinary detail, texture, and many colors used.
Maria Florenza Ruggiero: Parga Greece
Located on the ground level of the Cobb Great Hall lobby.
This piece is from Florenza Ruggiero’s “Lands and Skies” series. An up-close view showcases the use of textures, highlights, and shadows.
Louise McCagg: Beatrice
Located in the Pasant Theatre lobby near the Jackson Lounge.
McCagg was the first woman allowed to pour metal in the Sculpture department at MSU. This sculpture, ‘Beatrice,’ is life-size and entirely made of aluminum. You can find other pieces from McCagg in East Lansing near City Hall.
Irving Taran: Heavy Weather/Superior
Located in the Pasant Theatre lobby near the Jackson Lounge.
Heavy Weather/Superior is the second piece by Taran at Wharton Center. This iridescent painting is very aesthetically pleasing and detailed with incredible brush strokes.
How many of these pieces of artwork have you seen?
Read previous blog post Dance at Wharton Center: BODYTRAFFIC review.