September 16, 2006 - January 7, 2007

Harry Bertoia is one of the most innovative American sculptors of the mid-20th century.

Greatly influenced by organic forms in nature, Harry Bertoia successfully explored non-traditional, interdisciplinary approaches to art and design in forms unrelated in function. Bertoia lived and worked for most of his creative life in and around Berks County, PA. This exhibit includes examples of his monoprints, sound sculptures, bundled wire sculptures, willow sculptures, dandelion and welded plant sculptures, brass melt coated sculptures, spill castings, jewelry, chairs and gongs.

Born in Italy in 1915, his work has been displayed at the Guggenheim, the San Francisco Museum of Art and the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. Diaphanous steel furniture and melodious metals are examples of the unique and artful creations of Harry Bertoia. His association with Knoll, Inc. (Bally, PA) in the 1950’s resulted in an immensely popular steel mesh series of furniture, including the iconic “Diamond” chair, one of the most prevalent images of modern furniture design.

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Educational activities in the Gallery include a sound screen and monoprints.

Other workshops include jewelry making and printmaking (see www.readingpublicmuseum.org for details).

This exhibition is underwritten by the Marlin and Ginger Miller Exhibition Endowment Fund and Wachovia Foundation. Additional support provided by Sotheby’s, The Widgeon Foundation, Inc. on behalf of Jennifer and Derek Malmberg, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.