‘Jeweled Objects of Desire’ transforms everyday items to high art

March 9, 2017 | Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com

Sidney Mobell’s interpretation of the classic Monopoly board. Reminder Publications submitted photo

 



SPRINGFIELD – The diamonds are coming. So are the pearls, tourmaline, topaz and sapphires. These precious stones  – and many more – will arrive adorning a bevy of everyday items in a new exhibit, “Jeweled Objects of Desire,” opening in the D’Amour Museum of Fine Art at the end of March.


Highlighting a mix of pieces  – some on loan from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, others from the collection of 86-year-old San Francisco jeweler-to-the rich and powerful –and former actor/songwriter – Sidney Mobell, this exhibit takes bling to the extreme, showcasing award-winning designs that elevate things we take for granted to elegant pieces of art.


More than a dozen pieces from this new exhibit were on preview in the Museum of Art’s Alpert Gallery during the bi-monthly Culture & Cocktails event on Feb. 7. 

According to the museum’s Design and Website Manager Merideth Ross, my husband and I were among 650 patrons who attended the popular Valentine’s Day-themed evening, where we joined the crowd in sampling imported wines, enjoying chocolate hors d’oeuvres by Log Rolling Catering, viewing in-gallery performances by select dancers from the Pioneer Valley Ballet and crafting handmade greeting cards.


We were also among the first museum visitors to get a glimpse of the soon-to-be-opened “Jeweled Objects of Desire” exhibit.


From the precious stone accented gumball machine at the entrance to the Alpert Gallery  – a Sidney Mobell creation – to the back case containing designer Also Cipullo’s famed “Fireworks” brooch encrusted with 11.3 carats of tourmaline mined in Maine, the collection offered a small sampling of the artistry and whimsy visitors would experience in the full exhibit. Selections from Mobell’s collection included ordinary items such as a mousetrap, sardine can, infant pacifier and 1990s era Nokia cell phone that he had transformed into sparkling works of art.


I was most impressed by the freshwater pearl and gold wire-encrusted corncob by designer John Hatleberg, a piece on loan from the Smithsonian. Inspired, according to the accompanying description, by Spanish accounts of Inca nobility’s Garden of Noble Metals, the piece is described as a modern interpretation of ancient texts that told of royal gardens displaying not only beautiful flowers but also plants and corn stalks of silver and gold. Artistic interpretations of Faberge eggs, international award-winning jewelry designs and much more capped off this sneak peek.


Ross said “Jeweled Objects of Desire” would be opening in stages at the D’Amour museum through the end of March, with a final total of 63 items on display – 52 on loan from the Smithsonian (including 17 by Mobell)  – and 11 select pieces from Mobell’s personal collection.


There will be no additional charge to view this exhibit; it will be included in Museum admission. Museum tickets are: $18 for adults; $12 for seniors/students; $9.50 for youths from 3 to 17 years of age, and free for youths under 2 years of age. Springfield city residents are admitted free with proof of residency. The Springfield Museums are open Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.


The next Culture & Cocktails event – the “Festival of Flowers” – is slated for April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. The spring 2017 series concludes June 8 with “It’s Fun to Have Fun,” featuring a preview of the new Dr. Seuss Museum, which is opening in June. For more information on the Culture & Cocktail events, including pricing and reservations, visit https://springfieldmuseums.org/programs/category/culture-and-cocktails/.

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