The Fitchburg Art Museum presents The Magic of Antarctic Colors: David Abbey Paige, Artist of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition 1933-1935, an exhibition on view from April 15- June 24, 2012.
David Abbey Paige Group of penguins, 1934 Pastel Ohio State University Libraries.
Fitchburg native David Abby Paige (1901-1978) painted the strangely beautiful polar region with gestural and technical virtuosity. Commissioned by the Luna Amusement Company, Paige created a “Panorama of the Antarctic,” for the Coney Island Amusement Park. His transcendental group of watercolors and pastels are imbued with opalescent colors, shapes, and scintillating effects. Paige’s undeniable talents documented for the first time the vast, vacant, and subtle intensity of Antarctica. It is easy to understand why later in life he worked as a scenic artist for the motion picture industry in California. The exhibition will also include an array of important artifacts including an Antarctic sledge, dog harnesses, skis, and other historic items of interest.
The Fitchburg Art Museum, North Central Massachusetts’ oldest and most treasured cultural institution, is a world-class family-friendly museum with a permanent collection spanning 5,000 years. Visitors can experience a wealth of masterpieces in 12 galleries that feature American, European, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Asian, and Pre-Colombian art. Award-winning educational programs inspire all to learn about the importance of world cultures, art history, and contemporary life.
Museum Hours: Wednesday – Friday, Noon – 4pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. Closed Monday’s. Admission: Free for members; $9 for adults, $5 for seniors and students are FREE from 4.00 p.m. – 7 p.m. every first Thursday of the month. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. For more information visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org