The Museum’s largest collection is of post – World War II art and features some of the most famous individuals from the mid-century art scene. The tour will be at 1:30 pm and is on a first come, first served basis. Admission to the Museum and this special tour is free.
While the 1950’s were marked by overall conservatism and conformity in an attempt to return to post-war normalcy, the art scene, much like the music scene, began to blossom with emerging artists. The focus of the art world shifted from Paris, where it had been centered for centuries, to New York City. This new American – centric vision of art was supported by art movements such as the development of Abstract Expressionism. Artists like Jackson Pollack developed new painting techniques, for example – the splatter technique, that were a far reach from earlier traditional American artists such as Grant Wood and his traditional rolling hills. The Museum holds a variety of work from these ground breaking artists including Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Lee Krasner, Helen Frankenthaler, Jim Dine, and Andy Warhol.
The Museum is open to the public Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am – 8 pm; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 am – 5 pm; and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It is located at 303 2nd Street SE, Mason City, Iowa. More information about exhibits, programs, and events can be found at the Museum’s website at http://www.macniderart.org, its Facebook page, or by calling 641-421-3666.
(PHOTO: Title Unknown, Lee Krasner.)