The single largest public exhibition of the works of famed sculptor Frederick Hart, whose famed relief sculptures grace the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., is coming to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, for two months this spring. The exhibition, entitled The Creative Spirit: The Sculpture of Frederick Hart, is the central event in a series of arts events sponsored by Belmont’s College of Visual and Performing Arts this semester. The exhibit runs from March 28 through May 28 at the Leu Art Gallery and the Leu Center for the Visual Arts on the Belmont campus. The exhibition is open to the public free of charge.
The March 28 public opening of the Hart exhibit will feature a variety of events, including a keynote lecture by noted theologian, philosopher and author Michael Novak and a performance by School of Music faculty members Kris Elsberry and Emily Bullock of a Song Cycle created especially for the works of Frederick Hart by New York composer Stefania DeKenessey.
Novak currently holds the George Frederick Jewett Chair in Religion and Public Policy at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., where he is Director of Social and Political Studies. He also received the prestigious Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 1994.
Frederick Hart was a novice sculptor in 1974 when he won the competition to craft the sculptures that adorn the western fa硤e of the National Cathedral. His Creation Sculptures, as Hart’s Cathedral works are collectively called, were completed in 1982 and are widely considered to be the most important commissioned religious art work of 20th century America. The sculptures include scenes of the creation of day, of night, and of man, as well as statues of Adam, St. Peter and St. Paul. Hart went on to international fame for his many endeavors, but these sculptures, his first major works, remain among his crowning achievements. His other most notable work is the Three Soldiers monument that is part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C.
The exhibition at Belmont will feature more than 40 bronze, marble and acrylic pieces by Hart, which will be accompanied by historical and biographical information on the artist and his sculpture. The exhibition will also highlight the progression of Hart’s life’s work and give insight into his craftsmanship and the ideals that shaped his creations.
Here is the schedule for the public opening event:
Sunday, March 28
For more information, including gallery hours, directions to the exhibit, a photo gallery of some of the Hart sculptures to be on exhibit, and general information about Belmont University and the College of Visual and Performing Arts, see the Hart exhibit website.
For more information about Frederick Hart, go online to www.frederickhart.com.
The exhibition, The Creative Spirit: The Sculpture of Frederick Hart, will be celebrated throughout the campus for the duration of the exhibit with coordinated musical and theatre works that represent and reflect the ideals Hart passionately supported: beauty, meaning, substance and tradition in the arts.
Those events include:
Saturday, March 27 at 8:00 p.m.
15th Annual President’s Concert – honoring the top visual and performing arts organizations in Nashville, including Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Nashville Ballet, the Nashville Opera, the Nashville Symphony, and Tennessee Repertory Theater. The concert will take place in Massey Concert Hall at 8:00 p.m. There is an admission charge and tickets are required. To purchase tickets, please call 615.460.6408.
Sunday, March 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Creative Spirit: The Sculpture of Frederick Hart – The largest exhibit of Frederick Hart sculpture ever mounted opens to the public, with tours, speakers and music throughout the afternoon. The exhibit will be open through Friday, May 28, at the Leu Art Gallery and Leu Center for the Visual Arts. Free admission.
Monday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Faculty Concert Series presents Operatic Tradition and Innovation, highlighting the performers of Nashville Opera, at the historic Belmont Mansion. Free admission.
Monday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Belmont Camerata Musicale: A Passion for Tradition will feature the music of Bach, Mozart and Brahms. At Belmont Mansion. Free admission.
Monday, April 19 through Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 25 at 2:30 p.m.
The Department of Theatre and Drama presents The Diviners, by Jim Leonard, Jr.. The Diviners, winner of the American College Theatre Award, tells the story of a young boy trying to overcome the guilt of being involved in his mother’s death. At Belmont Little Theatre. There is an admission charge and tickets are required. For ticket prices and reservations, please call 615.460.6199 or visit the website, www.belmont.edu/theatre
Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Oratorio Chorus presents W.A. Mozart: A Classical Celebration. At Belmont Heights Baptist Church. Free admission.
