Select 2016 Gifts

Untitled

Bronze Wall Scultpure 1996

by George Beasley, American b. 1943

2016 Gift from American Airlines

Commissioned during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics

Born in Ironton, Ohio, Beasley achieved a B.F.A from the Cleveland Institute of Art and M.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy of Art. For many years he served as tenured Professor of Fine Art at Georgia State University where he founded the second largest American annual Iron Pour in 1971. Beasley’s sculptures draw inspiration from Celtic influences on European foundry practices and can be found in numerous American and international settings. His monumental Atlanta sculpture forms a city landmark at the intersection of Five Points. The museum gift was commissioned for the exclusive Admirals Club by AA President C. R. Smith in honor of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Both the artist signature and Smith’s name are incorporated in the work. The elegant curved four panel bronze sculpture features a subtle lyrical composition with hand forged iron stakes that integrate an ebonized wooden brace.

Flowered World with Paisley

oil on canvas

by Italian born Cristina Vergano.

2016 Gift form Peactree Capital

The artist created the painting while living in Georgia before relocating to New York City. She is listed by Blouin Art and Auction as one of the top 50 woman artists to watch around the world.

Skaters: The Inlet

oil on panel 1955

Edward Glannon, American (1911-1992)

American artist Edward John Glannon (1911-1992) is best known for his atmospheric images of the varied American landscape and expansive skies, created from memory. He worked in oil, watercolor, and lithography. The artist also authored articles on art and illustrated two children’s books.

Born to a large family in a factory town north of Pittsburgh, Glannon often roamed the hills. Recalled the artist, “I had a feeling even as a boy that nature could give me a symbol to say anything that I would ever have to say." At age 13 he studied art with a Franciscan monk. And at age 21, he claimed the Schnakenberg Fellowship at the Art Students League in NYC where he studied under Kenneth Hayes Miller, Alexander Brook, and Thomas Hart Benton and committed to an art teaching career.

The PBS film The Land I Love: The Work of Painter Edward Glannon received the Medal of Freedom from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge for “an outstanding accomplishment in helping to achieve a better understanding of America and Americans.” In summarizing his career, Glannon observed “Once in all eternity, we all get a conscious look at a world of which we are forever an unconscious part. I loved that world. I loved the chance to see it. I tried hard to record my appreciation of it.” Glannon’s works are held in numerous museums.