VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Archway Gallery presents Visions, featuring metal sculpture by its newest member, Jim Adams. The exhibition will be on view June 3 - 30, 2011.  The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, June 4 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the gallery, with an Artist Talk at 5:30 p.m.

Adams’ takes metal objects or parts that are considered “scrap” and recreates them as art. These utilitarian objects are transformed into works of pure delight or objects that convey a substantive message.  The 'Visions' pieces are inspired by the characteristics of the various industrial scrap items used to create them. Most of the 'Visions' work is minimalist and, to a degree, abstract. The artworks are diverse in theme, from surrealism to thought provoking abstracts. The nature of the work is extemporaneous, raw and powerful.  Most of these works are solid and substantial and can be displayed outdoors as well as indoors. Weathering only adds to the rich coffee colored patina the works possess. Some of the works can become a focal point in a garden, while others are destined to be the center of attention in their own right.

Adams passion for creating these sculptures comes from his life experience. “I see and am troubled by the selling off and shipping away of the infrastructure and machinery which made America strong.” Adams said. “Two decades of my life were spent pursuing a career where, more often than not, there were no tangible results for one’s efforts. Now I can do my part to create and share that which can be meaningful, which is something I’ve always had a strong desire to do.”

As a self taught sculptor Adams took up artistry in iron and steel in 2007 after 24 years in the information technologies field. Prior to his years in IT, he had worked in the welding industry, selling specialty welding items for approximately eight years. During that time, he developed the skill and knowledge of working with metals, and that foundation led to his career as an artist.

Adams has had several solo exhibitions including “Iron and Steel” at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum; “Not Bound by Frames” at H Gallery, Houston; “Another Life” at the Tremont Hotel in Galveston; “Ferro” at Miller Center for the Performing Arts/Railton Gallery in Jefferson City, MO.; and ‘From the Scrap Pile’ at Missouri State Museum/Rozier Gallery in Jefferson City, MO. His work has been shown in a number of galleries throughout the Houston region as well as in Kansas and his home state of Missouri.