Art Gallery to Display Sculpture and Molds

“Break the Mold: Honoring Walt Zucker” an exhibit that includes molds, along with sculptures by the late master mold maker, by artists that he made molds for, and by artists that took his class, runs from July 12th to August 9th at the Educational Alliance Gallery.

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 16, 2006

Walt Zucker is the inspiration behind the upcoming exhibit at the Ernest Rubenstein Gallery of the Educational Alliance, in which molds will be exhibited along with fine art. Walt Zucker had a hand in bringing many wonderful works of art to life. As a master mold maker and teacher he helped artists realize their work. He was appreciated for his delightful, kind and gentle manner as well as his expertise. As an artist, Zucker made unique pieces out of the materials used in mold making. This exhibit honors Zucker and all the behind the scenes craftspeople who give their skills to help bring works of art to life.

Zucker made molds for world-renowned artists Tom Otterness and Kiki Smith in the 1980s. They are both represented in the exhibit. Included in the exhibit is a piece by the late Sidney Simon, esteemed artist and educator. Also included in the exhibit are works by highly acclaimed sculptors, Ailene Fields and Trudell.

One of Zucker’s special talents was helping artists to learn the often-frustrating mold making and casting process. Exhibiting artists Roy Kortick, Meryl Meisler, Mary Ting, Eileen Weitzman, Kate Moon, and Barbara Lubliner took Zucker’s class at the Educational Alliance and use what they learned in their work. Kortick now incorporates cast elements into his frescos, ceramics, and architectural fountains. New media artist Meisler uses her casting skills to expand her work into sculpture. Zucker’s class inspired Ting to create objects that are extensions of her performance and installation work. Weitzman explored using latex and cast elements in her fabric structures. Moon casts her family of hybrid creatures. Lubliner took Zucker’s class and became his devoted assistant. She casts her pieces in cement and newspaper.

The exhibit is produced by Sculptors Alliance, Inc., a not for profit organization devoted to the promotion of sculpture in the community, of which Walt Zucker was a long time member. His assistant and Board member, Barbara Lubliner conceived of and curated the exhibit.

As an artist, Zucker often used mold-making materials in his work. His light touch transformed humble burlap, latex, plaster and cement into a variety of whimsical animated figures and creatures. Some appear to be flying out of the walls. Others capture a gesture with humor and warmth. They all are tremendously appealing.

In colloquial usage when you say something “breaks the mold” it means it’s a one of a kind, superior and different from the usual, outstanding! Walt Zucker was a unique individual who had a varied and colorful life that included a career as a master mold maker, foundry man, educator and artist. He was a well-loved Educational Alliance mold-making teacher for 17 years. “Break the mold” has another meaning in the realm of fine art casting; when casting a limited edition sculpture, you literally break the mold after completing the allotted number of castings. “Break the Mold” is a fitting name for a show honoring the life and work of Walt Zucker.

“Break the Mold: Honoring Walt Zucker”

July 12, 2006 - August 9, 2006

Opening reception: July 12 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Educational Alliance

Ernest Rubenstein Gallery

197 East Broadway

New York, NY 10002

THE EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE ART SCHOOL is a center for visual arts offering enrichment and instruction in a wide range of disciplines to people of all artistic levels. Since 1897 the school has provided instruction that merges the teaching of traditional materials and techniques with supporting each student’s individual creative expression. Among the artists who have studied or taught here are Louise Nevelson, Adolph Gottlieb, Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, as well as Leonard Baskin, Peter Blume, Elie Nadelman, Elias Newman, Ben Shahn, William Zorach and the Soyer brothers. Today the school continues to advance it long-standing reputation as an art center that supports artists of diverse interests and backgrounds.

THE EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE is a 113 year-old communal institution dedicated to the strength and vigor of the Lower East Side. One of the first settlement houses in the Lower East Side The Educational Alliance was set up to help East European immigrants settle in America. Today The Alliance provides educational, cultural, and social services to the ever changing and diverse population of the New York City with over 85 programs at 24 sites throughout Manhattan.

###