News & Events

Current Exhibit

Treasures of Zimbabwe

African Shona Stone Sculpture. This extraordinary show of over 250 stone sculptures from Zimbabwe, ranging in size from six inches to over seven feet, and weighing from ten to 1,500 pounds, includes work by both established masters and remarkable emerging artists. It is a celebration of the oldest, noblest, and perhaps most demanding discipline of the visual arts…hand-carved stone sculpture. Against all odds, through political turmoil, poverty, famine, and AIDS, these determined Zimbabwean artists are able to produce some of the most powerfully expressive and unique contemporary sculpture in the world today. The work of these sculptors has been exhibited in prestigious museums such as the Rodin Museum in Paris, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Artists include Witness Bonjesi, Washington Msonza, John Takawira, Jonathan Mhondorohuma, Gerald Takawira and Colleen Madamombe. Small scale sculptures available at the David Barnett Gallery; large scale sculptures available for viewing by appointment only.

Coming from Labor by Colleen Madamombe black serpentine, 2004 15 1/2" x 11" x 10" (11612g)

Judge by John Takawira serpentine, 1987 27" x 17" x 8" (11586g)

Daughter-in-Law by Jonathan Mhondorohuma opal, 2003 57" x 17" x 9" (11423g)

Traditional Dresser by Washington Msonza opal, 2002 37 1/2"x12 3/4"x13" (11092g)

Dancing Lady by Canaan Ngandu opal, signed 57 1/2" x 18" x 7" (11465g)

Meditation by Tendai Mushawepwere opal, signed 2003 33" x 21 1/4" x 3 1/8" (11478g)

Helping Brother Fly Overseas by Farai Darare serpentine, 2001 9" x 9" x 3" (10978g)

Landing Dove by Joel Nhete springstone, signed 2003 14 1/2" x 18" x 14" (11482g)

Flower by Aaron P. Chikumbirike opal, jade, cobalt, signed 2004 11 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 4 1/2" (11448g)

Special Catch by Chemedu Jemali serpentine, signed 2003 31" x 13 1/2" x 10" (11441g)

Shona Chief by Chemedu Jemali serpentine, signed 2002 25" x 12" x 10" (11442g)

Scratching Bird by Rangarirai Makunde serpentine, signed 2004 38 1/2" x 30 1/2" x 15" (11556g)

A New Bride by Tafadzwa Mandala opal, signed 2004 49 1/2" x 22" x 12" (11535g)

Mother Holding A Pumpkin by Colleen Madamombe black serpentine, signed 2004 33" x 12" x 12" (11647g)

Proud Lovers by Washington Msonza opal, signed 2004 77" x 17" x 14" (11412g)

Sunflower by Tendai Mushawepwere opal, signed 2003 39 1/2" x 15" x 18" (11473g)

Creation/Lovers red jasper, 2001 11 3/4 " x 6 1/2" x 1" (11131g)

Me & My Special Sight by Chemedu Jemali serpentine, signed 2004 46 1/2" x 19" x 11 1/2" (11438g)

Judge by Luckmore Joseph opal, signed 2004 43" x 15" x 11" (11803g)

Women Standing in Line by Colleen Madamombe black serpentine, signed 2003 14 1/2 " x 7" x 12" (11608g)

My New Hairstyle by Witness Bonjesi springstone, signed 2003 40" x 14" x 11" (11399g)

Mother Lifting a Baby by Colleen Madamombe black serpentine, signed 2004 43" x 20" x 12" (11642g)

Famine by Rangarai Makunde springstone, signed 2003 42" x 18 1/2" x 14" (11553g)

Owl by Joel Nhete opal, signed 2004 36" x 22 1/2" x 11 1/2" (11483g)

Woman w/ Ankle Length Hair by Tendai Rukodzi opal, signed 2003 76" x 21" x 13" (11710g)

My Spirit by Wilbert Samapundo black serpentine, signed 2004 33 1/2" x 13 1/2" x 5 1/2" (11429g)

Boxer by Lawrence Sandarama opal, signed 33 1/2" x 16" x 9" (11484g)

Humble Feeling by Gerald Takawira springstone, signed 2003 22 1/4" x 8 1/4" x 5" (11708g)

Missing You by Tendai & Stanley springstone, 2002 20" x 5 1/2" x 4 1/2" (11010g)

Proud of My New Hairstyle by Jorum Zinyeka green serpentine, signed 2003 51 1/4" x 22" x 13" (11496g)

Eagle Protecting the Children by Thomas Zinyeka serpentine, signed 28" x 8" x 5 1/2" (11574g)

Reginald K. Gee: A Retrospective

After breaking into the art world at a Milwaukee-area outdoor arts festival in 1986, this self-taught artist is emerging as a national tour de force on the contemporary art scene. African American and Native American Milwaukee artist, Reginald Gee, is known for his visionary neo-expressionistic art. Gee incorporates his own visionary images, symbols and numerology into his work. His paintings are figurative, abstract and narrative; they express, through the use of uninhibited color, oil pastel and acrylics, the artist's views of contemporary society. Explored themes include playful musicians, surreal landscapes, seascapes, romance, mystical dreams, fantastic visions and more. Gee's artistic influences are Picasso, De Kooning, Francis Bacon, Jean Michel Basquiat and David Salle. In addition, the Smithsonian Institute show honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. includes Gee's art. Books are available. On Friday, April 18, 2008, gallery visitors can meet Reginald K. Gee at the opening reception. The opening reception for the Gee Retrospective is on Gallery Night, April 18, 2008, 5 pm - 9 pm. The show runs from April 18 through July 19, 2008.

Scared to Dock by Reginald Gee oil pastel, signed, 1992 30" x 40" (11199c)	Some of What I Know by Reginald Gee oil pastel, signed, 1990 30" x 40" (11203c)	Strufonga by Reginald Gee oil pastel, signed, 1991 30" x 40" (11213c)
Sincerely Yours by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed, 1993 30" x 40" (11223c)	Sister Vali by Reginald Gee Pastel on grocery bag , signed, 2000 16 1/2" x 12" (11242c)	Leaning Flowers by Reginald Gee Watercolor, acrylic, signed, 2003 22 1/2" x 18" (11249c)
Truth & Virtue's Room by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed, 1999 13 1/2"x12" (9192c)	Two Foreign Pen Pals Meet at the Airport by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed, 1992 30" x 40" (11222c)	Memory Park by Reginald Gee Acrylic on canvas board, signed, 2004 8" x 10" (11390c)
That Must've Been An Angel by Reginald Gee Acrylic on canvas, signed, 2007 22" x 28" (11258c)	Remembering by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed, 2000 13 1/2" x 12" (10926c)	Laura's Grammy Performance by Reginald Gee Acrylic on canvas, signed 1999 36" x 24" (9215c)
Archaeology Seeker by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed, 1999 14" x 12 " (10866c)	Comedians at the Airport by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed 1999 13 1/4 " x 12 " (10925c)	Citrus by Reginald Gee Acrylic on canvas , signed, 2004 10 " x 8 " (10948c)
The Pentecostal Experience by Reginald Gee Acrylic on canvas, signed, 2003 35 " x 42 1/2 " (10954c)	Transfer of Power by Reginald Gee Acrylic on canvas, signed, 2003 36 " x 48 " (10959c)	Boogaboo Expressions by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed, 1993 40 " x 28 " (11195c)
What Difference Will It Make? by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed, 1993 40 " x 28 " (11196c)	Your Move, Babe by Reginald Gee Oil pastel, signed, 1992 30" x 40" (11197c)

Previous Exhibits

American Pop Art And Pop Art Constructions
by Volker Kuhn

One of the most significant art movements of the twentieth century, Pop Art revolutionized the art world by combining traditional and commercial art trends. With their emphasis on popular culture and their adaptation of commercial methods, Pop artists transformed how the art world viewed art and made high art understandable for the masses. Opening reception is on Gallery Night, January 18, 2008, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The show runs from January 18 through April 12, 2008.

American Pop Art Artists in our collection include Andy Warhol, who is known as "the Pope of Pop," Roy Lichtenstein, whose work borrows heavily from advertising and comic book styles, Wayne Thiebaud, who is famous for his works depicting cakes, pastries, shoes, toys and lipsticks, Robert Rauschenberg, who is well-known for combining non-traditional materials and objects in innovative ways, James Rosenquist, whose specialty is taking fragmented, oddly disproportionate images and combining, them to create visual stories, Tom Wesselmann, who is known for his ubiquitous images using his wife as a model and Red Grooms, who is best known for his pop-art constructions depicting modern urban life.

We are also featuring a collection of three dimensional pop art constructions by contemporary German artist, Volker Kuhn.

Poster for Frankfurt Museum (Swimmers) by Roy Lichtenstein original serigraph, 1991 31 1/2" x 37 1/4" (10089g)	Italian Desserts by Wayne Thiebaud etching, 16/50, 1979 15 3/4" x 19 3/4" (1396d)	The Garden of Matisse by Volker Kuhn mixed media, signed, 3/150 9 1/2" x 7 1/2" (11249g)
More Points on a Bachelor's Tie by James Rosenquist etching & aquatint, signed, 53/78, 1977 17 3/4" x 35 3/4" (8773g)

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Original Vintage Posters

The collection contains original lithograph posters from some of the artists who made poster advertising classic works of art. Our featured artists include Caron, Cheret, Cassandre, Colin, Fix-Masseau, Freres, Gamy and more. From all over the world, these posters showcase popular movements and stylings of the French, Spanish, American, Le Belle Epoch and Art Deco. Subjects include movies, air and nautical, sports, circus, travel and beverages to name a few. The opening reception will take place on Gallery Night, October 19, 2007 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Original Vintage Poster exhibit will run through January 12, 2008.

Albi Calder by Alexander Calder color lithograph, signed, 3/100, 1969 25" x 35" (254d)	Josephine Au Bal Negre by Caron color lithograph poster, 1927 31 3/8" x 25 9/16" (1555d)	Bal de l'AAAA Festival of Light by Paul Emile Pissarro color lithograph poster, 1930 47 1/2" x 31" (1198d)
Presures Guillien, Dijon Cow by L. Serre color lithograph poster, c.1920-30 45 1/2" x 30" (10384g)

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Haitian Paintings, Flags & Metal Relief Sculptures

This new collection of Haitian art by both new and established artists contains paintings of Haitian life and two art forms that originated in Haiti, Drapo Flags and Metal Oil Drum Art. Unique to Haiti, Drapo Flags, also called Spirit Flags, are hand-sewn works decorated with glittering sequins, beads and pearls, and bring to life the religious iconography of Haiti. The gallery is proud to represent two up and coming flag makers from Port-au-Prince, Moreau and Claude. Metal Drum Art, pioneered in 1899 by Georges Liautaud, is a style of relief sculpture made from old oil drums that are fired and flattened before being hammered and chiseled into their final forms. Artists include Beaufina, J.B. Celestin, Nicolas Dreux, Juvénal Durosaire, Levoy Exil, E. Hyppolite, Philton Latortue, Le Brice, Prospere Pierre-Louis, Sufal, Carlo Brutus, Louicius Antelus, Jean Robert and Fritz Camille. The Haitian art show runs from July 27, 2007 through October 13, 2007.

Sun Totem by Prospere Pierre Louis oil on canvas, signed 1993 62 5/8" x 38 5/8" (5767d)	Sirene with Fish & Turtles by Carlo Brutus Cut out metal relief sculpture, signed, 1998 35" x 11" x 1/2" (5779d)	Haitian Village Market by the Sea by Fritz Camille oil on canvas, signed 2001 32 1/8" x 24 1/4" (5777d)
Granbwa Beaded Flag (Ruler of Forest) by Claude textile, cloth, beads, sequins, signed, 2000 16 1/2" x 19 1/4" (5766d)

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Douglas Smith

An exhibit of 25 Oil on Canvas and Mixed Media Paintings will have its preview opening Friday, April 20 from 5-9 pm, and Saturday, April 21, from 11am-5pm in celebration of Milwaukee’s Gallery Night and Day. The exhibit will extend through Saturday, June 30, 2007.

Douglas Smith’s style has evolved from an early Plein Air painting tradition that was suitable for the New England environment where he painted for over two decades. His training as a professional illustrator led Smith to produce realistic renditions of many every day scenes whether they be pure landscapes, architectural elements or figures. A dramatic change in his approach evolved when Smith began traveling extensively in France and Italy. He soon discovered that every location has its own special light and atmosphere.

Another major transition occurred when Smith moved to the Southwest and experienced the grandeur of the majestic landscapes. The intense light, monumental forms and extreme sense of space in the high desert of New Mexico posed new challenges. Smith continues to enjoy the experience of traveling and painting the “live” landscape.

Established in 1966, the David Barnett Gallery is Wisconsin’s premier gallery and has the broadest range of art available in any Wisconsin gallery, including works of art that represent more than 400 artists. The gallery specializes in European and American masters, regional and nationally recognized artists, and “emerging” Wisconsin artists. Latin American, Asian, and African American artists also adorn the gallery along with Ethnographic art from Africa, Indonesia, and Oceania. The gallery has a national reputation for its extensive collection of Picasso ceramics and Milton Avery oil paintings.

In addition, the David Barnett Gallery provides professional art consultation, appraisals, restoration and conservation, framing, lighting, delivery, and installation services. The gallery’s Van Go mobile art service brings artwork to residences and offices for “on location” selection.

Viewing hours at the David Barnett Gallery are 11:00am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Friday, 11:00am to 5:00pm Saturday, or by appointment. For further information, please call (414) 271-5058.

Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe, NM by Douglas Smith oil on linen on panel, 2006 16" x 12" (11110c)	Notre Dame, Paris by Douglas Smith oil on canvas, signed 2004 18" x 24 " (11120c)	River Chama, New Mexico by Douglas Smith oil on canvas, signed 2006 24 " x 36" (11115c)
First Snow , Chromo, CO by Douglas Smith oil on canvas, signed 2006 18" x 24 " (11118c)	Valley Forge, PA by Douglas Smith oil on canvas, signed 2005 24 " x 30 "	Tuscan Village #2 by Douglas Smith oil on panel, signed 2005 9" x 12"
Bison Near Jackson, Wyoming by Douglas Smith oil on board, signed 2006 8" x 10"	Santa Fe Hills by Douglas Smith oil on linen on board, signed 2005 8" x 10"	Spring Fields(Study), Chromo, CO by Douglas Smith oil on linen on board, signed 2006 8" x 10"
Pope's Village, Italy by Douglas Smith oil on panel, signed 2002 9" x 12"	Aspens at Sunrise Near Gunnison, CO by Douglas Smith oil on canvas, signed 2005 24" x 36"	Two Trout by Douglas Smith Encaustic, signed 2003 42" x 47 1/2"
The Olive Press by Douglas Smith oil on board, signed 2002 7" x 12"	Cottonwoods at Lamy, NM by Douglas Smith oil on linen on panel, signed 2006 12" x 16"

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Kpetenkple

January 20 - April 14, 2007

Premiering World-Wide Only in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The Gold Coast Exhibition of Kpetenkple

The lively and colorful art of newcomer Kpetenkple pushes thoughts of winter out of the mind and takes viewers on a voyage to the warm beauty of Africa. Kpetenkple’s painterly style captures the lively colors of the Ghana’s Atlantic coastline and the beauty of daily life. Though small in size, his pieces are larger than life as his warm and vivid color palette expands the space of the canvas and pushes the African way of life into one’s room. His abstract and simple looking forms expertly capture in line and layers of paint the look of women at work or the blue shores of the South Atlantic. Kpetenkple’s pieces bring warmth and color to a cold Wisconsin winter. The David Barnett Gallery offers both original acrylic works on paper and fine art giclee prints of Kpetenkple’s pieces. This exhibit will run from January 20 – April 14, 2007.

Women Labour by Kpetenkple acrylic on paper, 2006 16" x 8 1/8" (5726d)

Reflection by Kpetenkple acrylic on paper, 2006 7 7/8" x 13 1/4"

Women Labour by Kpetenkple acrylic on paper, 2006 12 1/8" x 9 3/4" (5723d)

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History of Women Artists from Mary Cassatt to the Present

This October 20th come be inspired by women. The preview opening will be held on Gallery Night, October 20th, 2006 from 5 - 9 pm. Spanning time periods and continents, these women work in various mediums which reflect the world around them. On display will be pieces by Berthe Morisot, Pauline Palmer, Xiao Ming, Colleen Madamombe, Teresa Olabuenaga, Angelika Thusius, Katherine Hartley, Maureen Bergquist Gray, Joan Ward Summers, Leslie Parke, Deirdre Schanen, Helen Rundell, Hollis Sigler, Victoria Ryan, Karen Hoepting, Heather Foster and Catherine Holmburg.

Also featured will be Pamela Papas, Diane Arenberg, Judye Frankowiak, Stacy Wiatrak, Della Wells, Karin Krohne Kaufman, Cathy Holly, Peggy Leonard, Doris White, Jeanne Smith, Christine LePage, Marjorie Mau, Sylvia Spicuzza, Ruth Grotenrath, Kyle Zubatsky, Sandra Sweeney, Joan Dvorsky and others. Our collection includes sculpture, etchings and prints, drawings, pastels, watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, ceramics, tapestries and mixed media pieces. Come experience how women have contributed and continue to shape the modern art world. This exhibition will run through December 2nd.

We Connect by Karen Hoepting acrylic on canvas, 2000 24" x 24"

The Drawing Lesson by Berthe Morisot drypoint, c.1882 7 3/8" x 5 1/2"

I Find Hope on the Horizon of My Tomorrows by Hollis Sigler color lithograph edition of 120, 1996 22 1/4" x 30"

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Katherine Hartley

An exhibit of 20 Mixed Media Paintings by Katherine Hartley had its preview opening on Friday, July 28th in celebration of Milwaukee’s Gallery Night and Day. The exhibit will extend through Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006. This is the premier exhibition in the U.S.A. for this talented young artist from Matlock, England. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Textile Arts from Manchester Metropolitan University. In 2004, Hartley won the Tiger Print Prize at the New Designers Show in London. Her ideas spring from a colorful imagination and a passion for pattern. Hartley draws inspiration from a multitude of places and things, such as recipes, travel books, markets, food packaging, fabrics and holiday photos. She creates her mixed media paintings using inks, crayons, papers, stitch fabrics, and acrylic and gouache paints. Hartley achieves an innocent and childlike style through the arrangement and rearrangement of images until a lovely storyline unfolds.

The Gardeners by Katherine Hartley acrylic & mixed media, 2005 20 7/8" x 13 3/8"

Flower Pots in the Garden by Katherine Hartley acrylic & mixed media, 2005 20 1/2" x 13 3/8"

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John Baughman and Jan Richardson Baughman

An exhibit of Mixed Media Paintings by John Baughman and Pastels by Jan Richardson Baughman was held on April 21, 2006 through July 22, 2006. This dynamic husband and wife duo from Michigan is nationally known for their respective work - John Baughman for his abstract colorful expressionist paintings and Jan Richardson Baughman for her elegant soft pastel landscapes. These soft landscapes create a feeling of bucolic peace and serenity. Janet says of her work, that it is like a dance or conversation in her head, which she expresses through her art. In contrast, John has been more interested in being experimental rather than traditional. His artistry has evolved into a more sophisticated look with his paintings having more layers and texture. John hopes that people viewing his art will find order and peace. Several of John and Jan’s artworks are still on display throughout the gallery.

Colmar CA3 by Jan Richardson Baughman pastel, 2000 22 1/2" x 36"

Shibumi X-15 by John Baughman mixed media, 2002 35 1/4" x 21 3/8"