Elemental Attraction: Works in Iron and Steel by George Beasley and Susanne Roewer

German artist Susanne Roewer and American artist George Beasley collaborate 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: Site-Specific Iron Pour by George Beasley at Guldlin Park
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 incorporated the iron casting art form into the Georgia State University’s sculpture program 42 years ago. He was also 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, 6:30-8pm
The collaborating artists, George Beasley and Susanne Roewer, join for a discussion on their exhibit, moderated by Chief Curator Charles Shepard. The discussion will be held at FWMoA and is free with gallery admission.