Wharton Esherick: An Artistic Legacy Through Necessity examines how the symbiotic connection of fine and applied arts is as relevant for artists today as it was for Esherick, and how artists have used their fine art training to pursue creative careers in design, fabrication, and related fields.

Wharton Esherick was a leading figure in the American Studio Craft Movement which developed after 1945. These artists used new techniques and non-traditional materials, embraced utilitarian aspects of craft, and produced unique art objects that fused abstract form with function. Wharton Esherick: An Artistic Legacy Through Necessity, explores the productive relationship between applied and fine arts within his work, while placing the artist’s practice in conversation with recent alumni from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Curated by John Greig

Exhibition runs January 14, 2020 – April 5, 2020

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
School of Fine Arts Gallery
and Tuttleman Sculpture Gallery

For more visit pafa.org