ÆRENA Galleries, long a steady presence in Napa, Healdsburg and St. Helena, has wasted no time ingratiating itself to the art lovers of the 94941 since its arrival in 2022 at 53 Throckmorton Ave., a block that includes the Sequoia Theatre and many of the most vibrant retails shops and restaurants in town.
Now the gallery is unveiling its latest showcase of art, including from the likes of David Tanych, Rob Snyder, Mariella Bisson, Chase Langford and Kevin Box.
“I’ve selected several new works to the gallery that I hope will inspire you to bring new art into your life,” says Gwenda Joyce, Gallery Leader & Art Consultant.
Santa Fe-based Kevin Box‘s sculpture of cranes – birds that convey a message of peace and hope – are perfect for art lovers. “It took two years of tireless experimentation for me to develop the process of casting paper into bronze, another seven years to perfect, and it continues to evolve today,” Box says.
Box pushes the boundaries of traditional metal casting by creating sculptures that are so delicate, detailed, and weightless, that they appear to be made simply of paper. After studying the graphic arts in New York, Box’s practice transformed during a trip to Greece when he decided to transition from graphic art to metal casting – a medium that will withstand the centuries and provide inspiration for generations to come. His exploration of working with metal lead him to study at foundries in Texas for three years, a move that afforded him the freedom of experimentation to grow his skills and eventually open his own studio.
After acquiring a treasure trove of paper found in the warehouse of an old print shop near to the foundry he rented, Box decided to test mixing the two mediums by casting paper in metal. The unique combination of the delicacy of paper with the fortitude of metal creates whimsical, fun, and beautiful pieces with surprising weight, both literally and figuratively.
Box’s monumental sculptures can be found around the U.S., including the Austin City Symphony, TX and the Four Seasons Hotel, Washington D.C., and internationally including Australia, Morocco, and Japan.