Les Ménageries de Deux Artistes - An Exhibition by Dawn and John Currie
Join us in discovering Les Ménageries de Deux Artistes, where sister and brother Dawn and John Currie explore their shared passion through paintings, sculptures, and drawings, bridging two countries and two languages!
The opening night reception is free and all are welcome! Registration is not required, but please consider registering and making a $10 donation to support our cultural programs like this one. Your support allows us to continue the presence of cultural programs which benefit our whole community.
About the artists
About Dawn
“I have lived in France since I my first visit in 1973. I fell in love with her, so I stayed and didn’t return to the U.S. for five years! I decided to study art at l’École des Beaux-Arts in Rouen, paying for school by working as an au pair and then in an orphanage, where the children were more than happy to teach me nasty street French which they told me was good French... I later decided that I wanted to focus my life on serving God and helping others, so I became a French citizen, studied to be a nurse and moved to the South of France. Art would always be my second passion, and it is. I love to cartoon, focusing on the delightful faces, charms and eccentricities of my neighbors and friends, with an occasional foray into politics. Sculpting in wood came next, then in bronze after visiting John in his Minneapolis studios. I draw in pen and ink, paint in oils, and ventured into plein aire painting after attending a workshop with John in the Wyoming Rockies led by his mentor, celebrated plein aire painter, Reid Galey. My painting continues today in France as well as here in Minnesota. I pray that we can share our passions for God and art for as long as He gives us the opportunity.”
About John
“I am a Creative. It is in my DNA. I live a wonderfully bifurcated life as a sculptor and painter who also is –gasp! –a graphic artist and designer. Each world poses unique challenges, and I love them all. My creative work is an ever-growing menagerie, as is my sister Dawn’s, as I chase and capture different subjects, mediums and styles. Every new piece we create is better because our interests and curiosity are unbounded. Every new creation is influenced by the experiences that led up to their moment of creation. Were my past different, every new piece would be different. I draw inspiration from many things, including nature, my personal faith and my many months spent living in France and touring the World. My art often reflects my sense of humor, too, because I delight in finding whimsy and joy in life. Most of my work is both representational and gestural. I enjoy the spirit, the movement and the feeling of working in wax, metal and oil. I believe ardently that art is about expression, not facts: a breeze is better felt than explained. You will find me standing as closely as possible to other painter’s art as the docents will allow because I love to see their hand, their fingerprints. Their lives dance in their brush strokes. I hope that you enjoy finding mine in my art.”
After the opening night on July 24 at 6 pm, the exhibition will be open to visitors Monday through Thursday 9 am to 7 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm. The exhibition will be on display until August 23, 2025.