The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is pleased to present an exhibit by German artist Susanne Roewer and American artist George Beasley Elemental Attraction: Works in Iron and Steel by George Beasley and Susanne Roewer from April 23-July 10. The two artists are collaborating for an exhibition that presents their creative intersections, grounded in the exploration of elemental materials such as iron, steel, and stone. Both artists combine these materials with others in small- and large-scale sculptures, each drawing inspiration from their material properties as well as their conceptual implications.

Roewer studied sculpture and graphic arts at the Berlin University of the Arts. Her sculptures include representational motifs and combine a variety of materials and techniques. She also experiments with painting on hard, tactile materials such as aluminum, steel or stone.

Beasley was born in Ironton, Ohio in 1943. He achieved a BFA at the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1968 and started teaching at GSU in the Fine Arts Department in 1970after receiving a MFA in sculpture from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He was instrumental in incorporating iron casting into the University’s sculpture program 43 years ago. He is an internationally respected sculptor known for his work in iron and spectacular iron-pour performances. Inspiration for imagery in his sculpture and drawings has been developed through research into Celtic influences on European foundry history and practice.

April 19, Iron Pour: In celebration of the exhibit, Beasley will demonstrate a site-specific iron pour at Fort Wayne’s Guldlin Park. Guldlin Park is located at Van Buren Street and Michaels Avenue along the St. Mary’s River. Beasley was the creator of one of GSU’s most loved traditions, the Holiday Iron Pour, which began in 1972 and is now the second oldest public iron pour in the country. The event is free. Furnaces will be lighted at 8:00pm, with first taps occurring at 8:20 and every 15 minutes after until roughly 9:00pm. Remnants of the pour will be moved to FWMoA for display in Elemental Attraction, opening April 23.

This event is produced in collaboration with the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Dept. and in collaboration with Riverfront Fort Wayne.

April 20, Artist Discussion: Beasley and Roewer will present an artists’ discussion, moderated by FWMoA Chief Curator Charles Shepard, at 6:30pm at FWMoA. Cost is free with FWMoA admission.

­General admission to see this exhibition at the museum is free for FWMoA members, $7 adults, $5 students and seniors 65+, and $20 for families. General admission is free for everyone on Thursdays 5-8pm. Veterans, active military personnel, and their families receive free general admission. FWMoA gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-6pm, Thursdays 10-8pm, and Sundays 12-5pm.

About the Fort Wayne Museum of Art: Beginning with art classes in 1888 given by J. Ottis Adams and later William Forsyth, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art has evolved into a center for the visual arts community in Northeast Indiana. Regularly exhibiting regional and nationally acclaimed artists, the FWMoA also boasts an extensive permanent collection of American Art, including the Steven Sorman Archives and more than 300 pieces of Brilliant Cut Glass. The Museum is committed to the collection, preservation, presentation and interpretation of American and related art to engage broad and diverse audiences throughout the community and region, and add value to their lives. The Fort Wayne Museum of Art is a funded partner of Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne. This activity made possible, in part, with support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.