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Past Exhibitions


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Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act

Oct 15 2009 – Apr 11 2010

Seattle Art Museum

Simonyi Special Exhibition Galleries

From miniature maquettes, works on paper and jewelry to monumental sculptures and one of the artist's largest mobiles, this exhibition offers viewers a sense of the range of Alexander Calder's work from 1927 through the mid-1970s. More than forty original works of art—many of them from Jon and Mary Shirley's extensive collection, which is rarely seen by the public—trace the development and amazing creativity of the American master sculptor, with particular depth in his most celebrated period, the late 1940s. Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act is complemented by a related exhibition of photographs showing the artist at work, organized with the help of the Calder Foundation.

–Michael Darling, Jon & Mary Shirley Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art

Educational Resources
To explore this exhibition a little deeper, attend some of the related programs and events for kids, teens and adults or download our bibliography. Teachers, integrate Alexander Calder: A Balancing Act into your classroom with our school tours and educator resources.


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