Sonoma Valley Museum of Art’s newest show is “Arthur Monroe: A Tow to Carry,” a exhibition featuring works of the late Oakland-based artist Arthur Monroe, running May 11 through Sept. 8.
The retrospective draws from a seven-decade span from 1958-2011, featuring more than 25 of Monroe’s pieces. It is a collaborative effort of Monroe’s son, Alistair Monroe, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Executive Director Linda Keato and Anna Valverde.
The collection features Monroe’s works sourced from private collections, museums, and his estate.
Monroe’s art reflects his travels during several major cultural movements of the mid-century. These milestones include the New York School of Abstract Expressionism, the literary scene of New York’s East Village, and the modern Jazz and Beat circle in New York and the Bay Area.
In 1990 Monroe said, “As a Black artist, I might have a tow to carry. I’m prepared to do that.”
The Sonoma exhibit is the most complete exhibition of Monroe’s oeuvre in more than 18 years, Keaton said in a press release.
“SVMA is honored to highlight the significant contributions of this important Abstract Expressionist artist,” she said.
“Monroe’s colorful, spirited canvases are charged with the energy of the cultural crossroads that the artist was part of—his friendship with Charlie Parker, mentorship with the renowned artist Hans Hofmann, a studio facing that of Willem de Kooning’s, and evenings at the infamous Cedar Tavern with other artists, including Franz Kline and Jackson Pollock.”
An opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on May 18 is free for Sonoma Valley Museum of Art members and $10 for nonmembers. Register online at https://svma.org/event/exhibition-reception-arthur-monroe-a-tow-to-carry/.
SVMA is located at 551 Broadway, Sonoma. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.General admission is $10, free for SVMA members and 18 and under. Visit svma.org for more information.
You can reach Staff Writer Emma Molloy at emma.molloy@sonomanews.com.