MASTERS OF ILLUSION CREATE BACKGROUNDS FOR HISTORIC FILMS AT BOCA MUSEUM OF ART
Do you remember where you were when The Ten Commandments came to the Big Screen? I was 12 and with my grandmother at the Lowe’s Paradise Theater in Flushing. That film, to this day and way into our future, is one of the greatest films every made. How breathtaking was the scenery? It is the artists we thank for creating the backdrops of these memorable films.
The beauty of the scenery of another of our greatest films ever made, The Sound of Music, is breathtaking. We all wanted to live in this mansion with lake views surrounded with nature. How ‘real’ was the spectacular views and scenery? Real enough for to win multiple Academy Awards.
Alfred Hitchcocks’ famous films such as North by Northwest. How did Cary Grant get to climb Mt Rushmore? Above you see part of the artists work.
All this and so much more is on display at one of the most beautiful museums in the country. The Boca Museum of Art is quite proud to be the displaying what is one of the most comprehensive display of HOLLYWOOD BACKDROPS ever seen.
What a beautiful view as the Von Trapp family sings together in front of one of the most beautiful scenes in film. You may not be able in swim in this lake but you can certainly stand in the front of this hand-painted background. All this and more created and painted by many artists who have not been acknowledged until Mr. Walsh & Ms. Maness created this project for public view.
Singin’ in the Rain is another infamous movie. Everyone talked about how talented Donald O’Connor was when he danced on the walls and ceiling of the actual backdrop used in the movie (below). How DID he do that?
The Boca Museum and its’ staff, with a multitude of thanks, acknowledge the contribution of Lynne Cookley, who heads up J.C. Backings Corporation, which acquired over 2,000 backdrops from MGM Storage in the 1970’s. In 2012, the Art Directors Guild Archives, then under the Guilds’ President, Thomas A Walsh, launched the Backdrop Recovery Project. in partnerships with J.C. Backings. Karen Maness, Assistant Professor of Practice and Associate Director of Texas Performing Arts Fabrication Studios, saw the opportunity to use the artifacts as part of a learning laboratory where students could use them for visualization and inspiration to succeed in high-realism scenic painting. Photos Courtesy of J.C. Backings Corp., Thomas A Walsh, Karen Maness, Boca Museum of Art.
Recently Ms. Maness was interviewed by Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning about her passion and venture that put her unforgettable exhibit at The Boca Museum of Art. You can watch the interview below.
Interview – Jane Pauley, Karen Maness, CBS Sunday Morning.
This exhibit will be running from April 20, 2022 – January 22, 2023
Hours
Wed – Fri – Sat – Sun: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm –
Thurs, 11:00 a.m.
Mon.-Tues: Closed
Adults: $12.00
Seniors: (ages 65+) $10.00
Students (with ID): Free
Children: Free
Members: Free
Boca Raton Museum of Art
501 Plaza
Boca Raton Florida 33432
561-392-2500 https//bocamuseum.org
The museum is closed for exhibition changeout until April 20, 2022
Splash Magazines
Be the first to comment