WARHOL: Experience the Creativity and Art of Andy Warhol at Cleve Carney Museum of Art During Summer 2023
** Disclosure: I did receive complimentary admission in order to bring you this review. All opinions are 100% my own. No other compensation was received.
WARHOL now at Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn ignites Summer 2023 with creativity, exploration, and curiosity. The new exhibition launched last weekend and weaves together Andy Warhol's art with his life story and experiential elements. Visitors of all ages will discover elements that speak to them and will even learn about themselves a little through creativity.
Visiting WARHOL last weekend was a true delight, however, until I embarked on my adventure I had no idea how fantastic this new exhibition would be. The highlight of WARHOL is a collection 94 original pieces from the Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America of Collection currently on loan. However, I was surprised to learn that the College of DuPage has its own original Andy Warhol screenprints and photo in its permanent collection. These pieces have been incorporated into the exhibition.
Interesting Fact: The College of DuPage has over 730 pieces of artwork in its permanent collection.
 |
| The history gallery provides insight into Andy Wrhol's life and his foundation as an artist. |
Learning About Andy's Life
Wandering through the years of Andy's life as you explore the history exhibit, you will learn so many interesting foundational tidbits about who Andy was. This portion of the exhibit expertly shares interesting elements of Andy's whole life and how they shaped him and his art. This part of the exhibition easily could have become cumbersome by adding too much detail but this portion seemed to have just the right amount to keep you interested and engaged.
 |
| Hans Christiansen Andersen by Andy Warhol is part of the College of DuPage art collection. |
Within the life history portion, we viewed Andy Warhol pieces that are part of the College of DuPage's own collection. My favorite was of Hans Christiansen Anderson reflecting upon a favorite author that Andy read while he was sick during childhood.
 |
| Campbell's Soup series by Andy Warhol highlights the ordinary in a new light. |
Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America of Collection
The highlighted pieces of this exhibition on loan from Bank of America are presented in their own gallery. We noted so many of our favorites including the famous Campbell's Soup series, Endangered Species series, Marilyn Monroe and more. New to me was a collection of original screenprints depicting the sun setting created for a hotel in Minneapolis. Truly beautiful! In addition to enjoying the pieces ourselves, we loved seeing so many other visitors of all ages standing back and admiring Warhol's work with joy. Warhol really was able to make all sorts of elements, objects, animals, and people we may see in every day life into something extraordinary.
 |
| Sunset by Andy Warhol for the Hotel Marquette in Minneapolis. |
Experience a Little Bit of Studio 54
Studio 54 just dazzled! The music, lights, and costumes sent us back in time. The costumes reflect either a piece that a celebrity wore to Studio 54 or wore during the period. COD's own artists created the costumes. When you visit Studio 54 this summer, you will meet Cher, Diana Ross, Mick Jagger, and more. Of course, Andy makes an appearance!
 |
| Dancing at Studio 54 during WARHOL. |
Silver Clouds
The Silver Clouds exhibit is on loan from the Andy Warhol Foundation. Created in 1966 by Warhol, Silver Clouds is a room full of silver pillow-like balloons filled with a proprietary amount of helium and air. The experience of lightly touching the balloons and seeing them float all around brings out that childhood delight.
Photos by Andy Warhol
College of DuPage holds a collection of 150 photos by Andy Warhol. The photos were used to make screenprints. Exploring the gallery, we learned a bit more about Warhol's process. Plus, it was fun to spot people we recognized.
 |
| Andy Warhol photos of actress Florinda Bolkan to use for screenprints. |
Kid Pop Art Print Factory
When my daughter was in elementary school, she fell absolutely in love with Andy Warhol's art. We even brought her to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. So, I was incredibly thrilled to see an interactive section just for the kids. Immediately when you walk in, the gallery engages your creative imagination. Using stamps, markers, and other elements children can create their own pop art. I love this fabulous way to engage kids.
 |
| Kids Pop Art Print Factory invites kids to make their own pop art! |
Walk in Central Park
Andy Warhol loved New York City, so it is fitting that WARHOL features its own Central Park! An artist-created New York skyline backdrop creates a park area on a patio outside the exhibition. The lampposts are recreations of the actual lampposts at Central Park adding an authentic feel. This is a truly fun space and we spotted others enjoying posing in Central Park. On weekends, keep an eye out for food trucks visiting Central Park as well.
 |
| Visiting Central Park during WARHOL. |
Try the Audio Tour
I did listen to the audio tour while wandering the exhibition. The audio tour provides a little extra insight into Warhol's life and his work. Each portion of the exhibit has a number that indicates the corresponding portion of the audio. If you would like to delve a little deeper into the exhibit, I recommend purchasing the Audio Tour.
 |
| Hometown Heroes features heroes selected by 23 nearby communities. Each hero is portrayed in the pop art style of Andy Warhol. |
Local Community Involvement
At least 23 different communities have gotten into the WARHOL spirit with their own art pop ups and events. Local communities were asked to choose four members of their communities -- past or present -- to make into pop art. Part of the exhibition includes a mural of these community members. I enjoyed seeing the variety of community members profiled -- some present and some from throughout our history. It was interesting to see how each community had a different take.
The larger Hometown Heroes Murals can be found in the participating towns including Wheaton, Lisle, Elmhurst, Aurora, Naperville, Addison, Woodridge, and more.
Other Elements to Note
- Many shows and events are offered at COD and throughout the suburbs in conjunction with WARHOL. You can see the schedule here https://www.atthemac.org/shows/
- The gift shop holds an incredible array of Warhol-themed gift items so don't miss out.
- While visiting WARHOL, also make a plan to visit some of the other pop art experiences in neighboring suburbs.
The incredible combination of local communities, organizations, and artists that worked with the College of DuPage brought together an amazing experiential exhibition highlighting Andy Warhol. WARHOL immediately inspires creativity and discovery when you first enter the galleries. The exhibition truly grabs you, engages you in delighting in Warhol's work, and encourages you to be part of the exhibition by experiencing interactive portions. WARHOL provides such an amazing and enriching experience perfect for a summer adventure!
WARHOL will be running through September 10, 2023. The exhibition is open Tuesdays - Sundays 10AM-6PM and closed Mondays. Please see here for ticketing information https://www.theccma.org/warhol
Post a Comment