Jane Morse Retrospective at Washington Art Association

A new exhibit devoted to the work of Jane Morse will be on view at the Washington Art Association from August 31 through September 22. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Saturday, August 31 from 3-5 p.m.

Jane Morse, a noted fashion illustrator and sculptor, graced the art world and the Washington community until her death in June 2001 at the age of 93. Her "blithe spirit" created emotionally charged figures conveying her "fascination with the human body."

In describing her artistic process, Ms. Morse wrote: "The small nudes are made from slabs of rolled out clay formed as quickly and spontaneously as possible. Because of the limitation of the kiln size, the larger pieces are divided into torsos, arms, heads and limbs. These disconnected body parts have a disturbing element, but it forces the eye of the observer to participate in making a whole of the parts. They could almost be suits of armor to protect the vulnerability of the human body. The clay itself has a sensuousness of its own when it is rolled out and subtly curved. This is what I have tried to capture and retain."

The Washington Arts Association is located in Bryan Memorial Plaza in Washington Depot. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday from 2-5 p.m. For directions or more info, call 860-868-2878, or visit <washingtonart.org>.