John Robert Weaver Retrospective at Sheldon starting Sept. 9

Lincoln, Neb., Aug. 31, 2005 -- The exhibition "John Robert Weaver: American Artist -- A Retrospective" will be on display at the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery Sept. 9 through Dec. 18.

The exhibition addresses how Weaver's work has developed over the past decades as he has pursued an individualistic course in his Nebraska studios. While Weaver has focused on a myriad of subjects, he nonetheless is noted for returning to favored themes in his productive career. His interest in further exploring motifs has led him to create works in series, often in many media and over an extended period of time. The exhibition focuses on Weaver's in-depth involvement with subjects that have engaged his sustained attention. It likewise demonstrates the fundamental role of drawing to his practice, often melded with abstract elements in his mature work.

Cited as one of Nebraska's most accomplished artists, Weaver is best known for his expressive portraits and for his straightforward depictions of mechanical objects, ranging from small-scale children's toys to monumental Union Pacific trains. He has also ventured into narrative painting and landscape, and used animals -- from Minerva the cat to the cranes that populate the Nebraska flyway -- as subjects.

Images of Weaver's work can be viewed online at the Sheldon Web site.

A biographical film by Robert Starck will be presented at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center on Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m.; admission is free. In addition, consulting curator George Neubert will conduct a walk-through of the Sheldon installation on Sept. 11 at 2 p.m., and a closing reception will be hosted at Sheldon on Dec. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.

"John Robert Weaver: American Artist -- A Retrospective" is made possible through the generous support of Robert and Karen Duncan, Kathy and Marc LeBaron, Carl and Jane Rohman, Lincoln Plating, the Nebraska Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nebraska Art Association.

The Philip Johnson-designed Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery houses a permanent collection of more than 12,000 pieces focusing on American art. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Admission to the Sheldon is free of charge and the building is accessible to those with special needs. For information or to arrange a tour, please call the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden at (402) 472-2461.

CONTACT: Toni Kuchar Nielsen, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, (402) 472-3258