Sculptures and paintings of cityscapes, figures, and nature can be enjoyed at the exhibit titled “Porreca + Kesler: Abstract and Tangible,” that opens Friday, March 19, from 5-8 pm at the Garrett Museum of Art. 

Robert Porreca is from Columbus, OH, and has been a high school art instructor in the Columbus City Schools and an adult sculpture instructor at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center. Robert creates outdoor and indoor sculptures out of various materials from fiberglass to metals. His outdoor sculptures are made of industrial strength materials created for the automobile, marine and aerospace industry. His indoor sculptures range from fiberglass and Kevlar cloth to metals. 

Robert was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, where his love of art began early. He earned his MA in sculpture and woodworking at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He is a prolific sculptor who never stops producing art or exhibiting it. His outdoor sculptures are currently on display in several cities in the US.  He has been widely exhibited in numerous shows in Colorado, Oregon, Missouri, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, and West Virginia, to name a few.  His sculpture “Elongated Triangle” has been on loan and displayed in the upstairs gallery at GMoA for all to enjoy. 

WanChuan Kesler has been painting since childhood and she is passionate for her chosen career. She strives to evoke emotion in her paintings by capturing moments with people she meets or by immersing herself in her surroundings. Oil painting is her favorite medium and her subjects include nature, figures, and cityscapes. WanChuan was born in Taipei, Taiwan.  Growing up there, she was introduced to the lavish colors and textures of the ocean and the mountains. She also found inspiration in the city life in metropolitan Taipei.  

WanChuan now lives in a rural area near Detroit, Michigan, where the multicultural environment adds another dimension to her artistic talents.  She studied at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center in Michigan for five years and participated in plein air landscape painting workshops in Italy. She works primarily in oils with bold brush strokes and expressive textures.  WanChuan has exhibited in many galleries and shows in Ohio and Michigan as well as curated solo exhibits in galleries and museums. She has been an award winner in numerous reputable fine art competitions.  

Robert Porreca + WanChuan Kesler: Abstract & Tangible runs from March 19, 2021 through May 16, 2021. The Opening Reception is on March 9th from 6PM – 8 PM. It is free, open to the public, and all ages are welcome.

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A Note About COVID-19:

We will have hand sanitizer available in various locations throughout the museum. We will not have snacks and drinks available during the Opening Reception. Please remember to practice social distancing to keep yourself and other guests safe and healthy while viewing the artwork on display.

A kind reminder: per Governor Holcomb’s order, face masks are required at this time to help combat the spread of COVID-19. You must wear a face mask to enter the museum and view the exhibition. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Regular Museum Hours:

Friday 5PM – 8PM
Saturday 4PM – 7PM
Sunday 1PM – 4PM

Private tours are available Monday through Thursday by appointment only. Please call 260-704-5400 to schedule yours today.