Art of Metal Sculpture at Featherstone

0
A detail from "Mermaids," Anthony Holand's weathervane, part of the Art of Metal Sculpture show at Featherstone Center for the Arts. — Photo by CK Wolfson

The Art of Metal Sculpture show at Featherstone Center for the Arts has filled the gallery with a diverse and rather ingenious collection of art that demonstrates the wide range of sculptural possibilities in metal.

Curated by Anthony Holand of Tuck & Holand Metal Sculptors in Vineyard Haven, the show features 16 artists whose work includes weathervanes, bronze figures, musical instruments, ornaments, signs, functional hardware, and figures.

It is a gleaming, impressive, and unusual display of the talents of Cape and Island metal artists including Whit Hanschka, Jamie Rogers, Barney Zeitz, and Steve Lohman.

Mr. Zeitz’s bronze dancers seem to soar above their wooden piano-shaped base.

Mr. Lohman’s figures include a wonderful metal scribble horse — in perfect proportion, attitude and movement — that dances on the wall.

Anthony Holand’s “Striper,” a limited edition copper weathervane is arresting in its detail, animation, and color.

Wyatt Burns collected metal remnants of this and that to create his “Clock,” a smart and witty collectible.

Lining the windows in the gallery’s back room are Andy Thurlow’s amplified instruments, a clever and inventive assembly of percussion pieces visitors are encouraged to play.

It is a worthy show, and a compliment to the growth and reach of Featherstone’s program that will run though September 22.

The opening reception this past Sunday was underwritten by “The Sourcebook of Architectural & Design Elements,” a resource book of craftspeople for architects and builders. The book was supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Featherstone Center for the Arts, Barnes Road in Oak Bluffs is open daily from 12 noon to 4 pm. 508-693-1850.