SMALL WONDER
Carved Whimsies from the Collection of Jay Wehnert
Curated by Cody Ledvina
On View May 31st - June 24th 2019
Flatland Gallery

In a not too distant past, the practice and production of handmade things was more popular and satisfied desires for both creativity and function. For instance, quilting and woodworking were means of making useful household items, combined with a deep sense of creative expression. In these seemingly antiquarian folk arts there was often a strong balance of utilitarian and creative impulses. Perhaps, this may have also been a time when a sense of wonder was more commonplace.

The tradition of the hand-carved or whittled wooden whimsy is rooted in the sole purpose of giving just that brief moment of wonder to its beholder. The whimsy is meant to simply and directly, often while being held in your hand, offer a momentary flash of puzzlement that such a thing even exists, much less how it was made. As such, a whimsy lacks the usefulness of a carved box or picture frame. Its essence is to surprise and delight.

Dates to Note & Public Programming

Friday, May 31st 6-9pm /// Opening Reception

Sunday, June 2nd 12pm-4pm /// Open House
*Meet Collector / Author Jay Wehnert & Curator Cody Ledvina
*Book for Sale: "Outsider Art in Texas: Lone Stars" by Jay Wehnert

Tuesday, June 18th, 7pm-10pm /// Film & Late Night Open Hrs
*Meet Collector / Author Jay Wehnert & Curator Cody Ledvina
*Book for Sale: "Outsider Art in Texas: Lone Stars" by Jay Wehnert
*Film Screening 8pm: "Make" , https://shrine.nyc/make

Monday, June 24th 10am-5pm Last Day to View

Learn More About Jay Wehnert:
https://www.pbs.org/video/jay-wehnert-outsider-art-in-texas-lone-stars-pcuyx4/