Sculptor Kurt Steger Explores New Territory in Solo Show at SoFo Gallery 2 Opening Reception Friday, July 11, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

I was first introduced to Kurt Steger's art in the fall of 1993 in John Kessel's Design 3 class. Our first assignment was hung randomly on the wall in front of us for a group critique, but I couldn't take my eyes off a pair of rough barn wood chicken wired box's, hung above and at a distance from the other students' work. Although the components of the work were old, there was a quiet elegance, illustrating an innate sense of good composition.

I followed his work closely through 1994 and 1995 as he developed strong formal shapes, fastened tightly in a style strongly influenced by his furniture-making background. Kurt's assemblages resembled his Gemini spirit by juxtaposing solidly balanced shapes with soft textures and subtile earthly colors. As he continued his work with natural objects in 1996, the pieces began to be more finished and polished, with less of the rough appearance and more applied consciousness to simple and elegant shapes. Kurt continued to express through the use of natural resources, in the manner of Zen, that there is a perfect proportionate order. His work took on ancient Stonehenge post and lintel structures in finely finished exotic woods with taughtly held earth stones.

Kurt's new work departs from his previous formal style, heading towards an aesthetic combination of shape and movement. Large installations, suspended from the ceiling create an illusion of dance within the structure of stones and sticks. The Cultural Arts Council of Sonoma County is excited to exhibit Kurt Ernest Steger's first solo show, from July 7-Augest 31.

Please join us at the opening reception, July 11, 5:30-8:00 p.m., with a musical performance by Bob B Hobbs. Kurt will present a free Gallery talk about his work on Wednsday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Barbara Thoulion, Curator, SoFo Gallery 2