You’re probably familiar with Carlton Abbott’s work as an architect, but are you aware of his work as an artist? You might wonder when the architect of the Museum of the Confederacy’s new Appomattox site, the Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia Beach and Jamestown Visitor Centers, the Mt. Vernon Trail of the George Washington Parkway, and the Mariner’s Museum (among many, many other projects) has time to create works of art. After exploring the Virginia Center for Architecture’s newest exhibition Featured Fellows: The Art & Architecture of Carlton Abbott, FAIA you’ll probably wonder when he has time to create architecture! Carlton Abbott, FAIA, winner of more than 80 awards for architectural accomplishments, and son of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s original landscape architect, has enjoyed a brilliant career as an architect and artist. See a collection of his artwork including drawings, models, paintings, mixed media, sculpture and metal work on display at the Virginia Center for Architecture from Jan. 19 through March 25, 2012.
With five decades of art and architecture under his belt, Abbott shows no signs of slowing down. Abbott is a dedicated artist and designer whose career aspirations were inspired by his father, Stanley W. Abbott, the first resident landscape architect and primary designer of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Born in Salem, Virginia, in 1939, Carlton Sturges Abbott attended the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1963. He also studied under a scholarship at the École des Beaux-Arts, Fontainebleau, France and ultimately became an architect, land planner, and president of Carlton Abbott and Partners in Williamsburg, Virginia.
In addition to being elevated in 1983 to the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows, and receiving countless awards for design excellence, he was recognized with the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects’ two highest professional honors: the T. David Fitz-Gibbon Architecture Firm Award in 1995 and the William C. Noland Medal in 1999.
Special Events
The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott Opening Reception
Thursday, Jan. 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Be among the first to explore a collection of Carlton Abbott’s artwork including drawings, models, paintings, mixed media, sculpture and metal work. Enjoy light refreshments. Space is limited. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.
Art with Abbott Workshop
Friday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to get creative with Carlton Abbott. The Williamsburg architect and artist provides an in-depth talk about his works on view and “draws” on his expertise to guide participants in mixed-media projects. The experience includes drawing, painting, and additional creative hands-on opportunities. The workshop is appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about artistic processes, the overlapping fields of art and architecture, and creativity (no previous art or architecture experience necessary). $85 fee includes all supplies, instruction, and lunch. Space is limited. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space.
Carlton Abbott Trunk Show
Thursday, Feb. 2, 4–6 p.m.
Carlton Abbott draws on his architecture background to create captivating hand-sculpted silver pieces. Abbott hosts a trunk show and sale of these wearable works of art as featured in Belle magazine. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.
SocialARCH
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
The Virginia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Virginia Center for Architecture host a social event featuring light refreshments and an exploration of Featured Fellows: The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott, FAIA. Meet Carlton Abbott and see a collection of his artwork including drawings, models, paintings, mixed media, sculpture and metal work. Sponsored by Shade & Wise Brick Company. Space is limited. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.
Carlton Abbott Coffee and Gallery Talk
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9–10 a.m.
Join Carlton Abbott for a gallery talk and exploration of his work featured in the exhibition. Take part in an informal and enlightening conversation of the art- and architecture-based works on view, as well as learn about his inspiration and techniques. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.
The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott Family Day
Saturday, March 3, 1–3 p.m.
Create your own work of art, participate in a gallery tour, and complete a scavenger hunt! Experiment with the ideas from the exhibition Featured Fellows: The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott and design a unique work to take home with you.
The Art and Architecture of Carlton Abbott Departure Party
Thursday, March 22, 4–6:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening with Carlton Abbott, light refreshments, and music as we celebrate the exhibition before it departs. RSVP to aliguori@aiava.org or (804) 644-3041, ext. 100 to secure your space. Free.
The Virginia Center for Architecture is located at 2501 Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia’s historic Fan District. The Center is dedicated to developing the understanding of the power and importance of architecture through programs, exhibitions, and its stewardship of an historic landmark. The Center is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Learn more at www.virginiaarchitecture.org.