“The Child is Father of the Man”, a woodcut by Donald Axleroad depicting Role Reversal - when parents become like children to their own children
Award winning artist Donald Axleroad will exhibit his work in two new exhibitions this Fall: “Ancient Myths, Modern Messages” at the Byram Shubert Library in Greenwich from September 1 through 28, and “Myth, Reality and the Human Condition” at the Palace Theater in Stamford from October 20th through December 30.
Known for his provocative, superbly crafted woodcuts inspired by Greek Mythology, Axleroad has also developed a body of work in which he explores the human condition and the realities of aging. He sees a connection between the heroic figures of Greek mythology, challenged by the capriciousness of the gods, and the trials, triumphs and tragedies of modern man who is also challenged by forces beyond his control, including war, vengeance, and diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Axleroad explores the loneliness of those with Alzheimer’s in works such as “Identity Theft”, when they are no longer sure who they are, and “Role Reversal”, when parents become like children to their own offspring.
Several special events will accompany both exhibitions.
Dr. Stephen Jones, Director of Greenwich Hospital’s Center for Healthy Aging explains what happens to the brain of an Alzheimer’s victim
At the Byram Shubert Library, a Meet the Artist Reception with jazz piano by Marco Scott will be held on Thursday, September 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. From 7 to 7:45, a slide/talk “Healthy Aging, Memory and Alzheimer’s” will be given by Dr. Stephen Jones, gerontologist and director of Greenwich Hospital’s Center for Healthy Aging, cosponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, free to the public. Dr. Jones is a member of the National Speaker’s Association and has been a TV news medical commentator for Cable Network News and hosted “Medical Journal” on Cablevision. On September 23, Family Music Night at the library, Axleroad will sponsor a free Chamber Music Concert with the Errante/Cho Trio: Richard Errante, violin; Lois Eerrante, cello; Kyong Hee Cho, piano. Refreshments at 6:30 pm., concert from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information: (203) 531-0426 or www.greenwichlibrary.org
At the Palace Theater, the public opening reception is Wednesday, October 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the gallery with live jazz music provided by the Marco Scott Trio. On Friday, November 19, Mr. Axleroad will again host an event with Dr. Jones of Greenwich Hospital who will give a slide/talk and participate in a panel discussion “Art, Alzheimer’s and Spirituality: Finding the Connection,” with Dr. Heather Parkinson-Webb, director of the Greenwich Chaplaincy Service. Co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter, the event includes a reception at 6:30 p.m and program from 7 to 7:45 p.m which is free to the public. Topics will explore the basics of dementia, changes in memory perceptions as they relate to communication, long term memory and the emotions, and finding corridors in which to make connections.
For information: Palace Theater Box office: 203-358-2305 or www.scalive.orgeather Parkinson-Webb, Chaplain, Director of Spiritual Care Greenwich Chaplaincy Services
Donald Axleroad has received numerous awards from local, regional and national arts
organizations including the Salmagundi Club and the National Arts Club of New York, the Audubon Artists of America and the Allied Artists of America. He has exhibited in major museums on the east coast and in a UN sponsored traveling exhibit of 100 American printmakers. In August 2010 he received a Best in Show at the Flinn Gallery, Greenwich Library, and First Prize in Printmaking at the Bendheim Gallery of the Greenwich Arts Council. A graduate of Pratt Institute, he has studied with renowned printmakers Philip Guston, Richard Linder and Antonio Frasconi. He is also the founder/director of the ARI (Always Reaching for Independence) artists’ initiative of Stamford which teaches developmentally disabled adults to draw and paint.
