The New Bellevue Arts Museum presents Travelers: Objects of Dream and Revelation. On view at BAM August 26 ‐ December 31, 2011.

Margarita Cabrera Bicicleta Azul Platino, 2006 Vinyl, thread, wire, foam 41 x 78 x 20 in. Collection of Driek Zirinsky Courtesy of Walter Maciel Gallery

The idea of travel always captures the imagination with its alluring offer of an escape from the routine and a promise of change. It encompasses both the anticipation of the journey, the “dream,” and the confrontation of the reality we find, from expectation to revelation. Travelers: Objects of Dream and Revelation, BAM’s newest exhibition, brings together nine contemporary artists who explore the ambiguous motif of travel and the objects associated with it. Featured artists include Janice Arnold, Margarita Cabrera, Marc Dombrosky, Erika Harrsch, Timothy Horn, Cal Lane, Walter Martin & Paloma Muñoz and Robb Putnam.

Mini‐dioramas encapsulated in snow globes, bicycles constructed out of vinyl and foam and a life‐size carriage made out of crystallized rock sugar are but a few of the pieces selected for Travelers. “While each of the works in the exhibition is loosely associated with travel, they also become a point of departure for a larger investigation,” says Director of Curatorial Affairs/Artistic Director and curator of the exhibition, Stefano Catalani.

The works presented in Travelers emphasize the thriving presence in contemporary art of the surreal object. “Familiar icons like the VW Beetle or a snow globe are transformed into sculptural works and installations that tell stories that are unexpected and revelatory.”
Museum members are invited to join the opening celebration of Travelers on Thursday, August 25 from 6 to 9pm. First Look, BAM’s members‐only preview gallery tour, is held on August 26 at 10am right before the exhibit officially opens to the public. Travelers: Objects of Dream and Revelation will run through December 31, 2011.

Organized by Bellevue Arts Museum, curated by Stefano Catalani. Made possible by The Benaroya Company, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, ArtsFund and the City of Belleuve Arts Program.

Bellevue Arts Museum is the Pacific Northwest’s center for the exploration of art, craft, and design. The Museum connects people of all ages with the extraordinary works of Northwest artists while bringing national and international collections to its community. Dynamic educational programs provide unique opportunities to connect with art and artists; past or present, experimental or established. Each July, BAM hosts one of the largest and most treasured art festivals of the year, the Bellevue Arts Museum artsfair. BAM is located in the heart of downtown Bellevue, provides free parking and is wheelchair accessible. Please visit www.bellevuearts.org for details.

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