Three generations of artists exhibit at Vassar’s Palmer Gallery

Marilee Shapiro is the sole surviving member of the family of artists whose work will be exhibited at the James W. Palmer III '90 Gallery in the College Center at Vassar College from Monday, November 26, through Thursday, December 20.

There will be an opening reception on Thursday, November 26, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

At age 89, Shapiro, a sculptor, still spends about 20 hours per week in her Washington, D.C. studio. Her mother, Bonnie Harris, a painter, was born in Chicago in 1870.

Harris's daughter Eleanor who was primarily a painter but also produced sculpture, was born in 1898 and died in Minneapolis in 1994. Eleanor graduated from Vassar in 1920.

One might assume that Bonnie Harris was the pioneer who inspired her daughters to become artists. In fact, it was Eleanor, already a recognized artist, who encouraged her mother, at the age of 79, to begin painting. Eleanor Harris, the talented, admired and considerably older sister, was also the inspiration for Shapiro, who became a sculptor.

Each artist's work reflects attitudes and outlooks characteristic of their generations. What they had in common was that they were inventive and long-lived.

Bonnie Harris was entirely self-taught, but Eleanor and Marilee had professional training. Bonnie came of age during the reign of Queen Victoria and depicted faithfully, colorfully, and rather innocently what she saw or what she remembered: a tea party at her home on the south side of Chicago; a gorgeous bowl of flowers; wash day at the ranch of her son, Harvey.

Eleanor Harris was influenced by the satirical nihilism of dada-ism and painted sophisticated works that could never be identified as anything but 20th century art. She was deeply interested in the relationship between written ideas and art. The papier-mache bottle covers used by French champagne makers to protect their bottles during shipment were transformed by Eleanor Harris into what art critic John K. Sherman characterized as "funny jibes at the human race."

The most spectacular of the large and small bronzes by Marilee Shapiro that are included in the Vassar show is probably "The Dancer," a 53″ high, pirouetting maiden set in ball bearings so that she can rotate with the wind, exposing a rear view as enchanting as the front view. Highly original is the large bronze "Siren Song" which, at the flick of a button in the base, emits music composed by Edgard Varese reminiscent of the song of the sea nymphs feared by Odysseus and ancient Greek navigators. "The Reader" and "Guard Dog" are especially appropriate for a college art show.

The James W. Palmer III '90 Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For information call (845) 437-5370. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings, office of campus activities, (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Monday, November 26th, 2001.