Celebrating the Art of O.V. Shaffer

July 9, 2015

Vern Shaffer Beloit Wisconsin | Mark Preuschl

The Beloit Fine Arts Incubator (BFAI) is planning a year-long series of events designed to educate the public about the work of O.V. (Verne) Shaffer, to expand recognition of his art and to preserve his legacy.  BFAI will use a unique blend of modern technology and traditional art exhibitions to increase awareness and appreciation of Shaffer’s art.  Shaffer (87) continues to create and work in his studio in his hometown, Princeton, Illinois.

Four Simultaneous, Month-Long Exhibits of Privately-Owned Shaffer Art – July, 2015

The retrospective exhibits will span many decades and will provide an opportunity for people to see the abundance of Shaffer privately-owned art in these once-in-a-lifetime-exhibits.

  • The Beloit Fine Arts Incubator – Beloit
  • Beloit College Wright Museum of Art – Beloit
  • The Janesville Art League Woman’s Club Gallery – Janesville
  • University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Gallery – Oshkosh

The Road Trip, Technology and Map

  • Shaffer has more public art than any other artist in Wisconsin. A self-guided road trip to fourteen cities in Wisconsin to view Shaffer’s public art has been developed.
  • Each piece will be marked with a QR code allowing the viewer to connect to You Tube via a smart phone to see and hear the Shaffer talking about the specific piece they’re viewing.
  • A large, two-foot by two-foot map with corresponding QR codes will be available around the State. The maps will also include QR codes that connect to Google Maps providing turn-by-turn directions to each of the public pieces.
  • The map will also include an isolated Beloit-Janesville loop to view Shaffer’s public art.

The Talking Book and Calendar

  • A book of photos of the public art is being published that will offer participants an opportunity to take the road trip virtually.
  • In addition, an eighteen-month talking calendar will also be available.

The Bus Trip – July, 2015

  • A two-day escorted coach excursion is planned to ten cities to view the public art and includes visits to each of the four privately-owned art exhibits.
  • V. Shaffer will participate in this personally-guided tour.

 

Contact:         Jerry Sveum, President, Beloit Fine Arts Incubator

                         (608) 362-5906 or (Cell) (608) 751-5458