Bill Hutson: Selections from the Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College
First Lady Frances Wolf has unveiled "Bill Hutson: Selections from the Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College," a new collection of art on display at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence in Harrisburg throughout the spring and summer. In the works chosen for this exhibition, Hutson masterfully creates depth and space in a two-dimensional study, preparing to translate his architectural vision to a three-dimensional finished canvas.
"I am personally honored to share this historic collection, as Bill was my teacher when I attended Franklin & Marshall College, a place where I was nurtured, encouraged, and inspired," said First Lady Frances Wolf. "We are so proud to share this work, and we are grateful to the Phillips Museum and Franklin & Marshall College for making this exhibit possible."
Born in San Marcos, Texas, in 1936, Hutson has traveled to more than 22 countries throughout his career and spent significant time living abroad in England, France, Italy, Holland, Senegal, and Nigeria. His journeys introduced him to influential abstractionists such as Edward Clark and Sam Middleton and sparked an interest in African culture and philosophy that often translated into his work.
Often incorporating symbols, shapes, and numbers, Hutson's work conveys a sense of magnetism while alluding to sacred space, history, or experience. Many of the works featured in this exhibit reflect the architecture and location where Hutson was working at the time of creation, from the rooftops seen in an Indian neighborhood to the skyline visible from his Paris apartment window.
"
The Phillips Museum of Art at Franklin & Marshall College is delighted to share selections from Bill Hutson's important collection," said Director of the Phillips Museum Amy Moorefield. "As a Pennsylvania-based artist, Hutson's work connects us with his love of Lancaster as well as his inspiration and deep experiences from around the globe. The Phillips is both honored to share Hutson's work with the Governor's Residence and excited for our friends in Harrisburg to see such excellent examples while emphasizing our mission of sharing the collection with various communities."
Today, Hutson lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In 2010, the Phillips Museum of Art received a large collection of his life's work, while his archives are housed in the Franklin & Marshall College Library.