The human figure has captured the imagination of artists and viewers for centuries. It represents both a tangible and intangible reality; a scientific and spiritual wonder; a microcosm of the macrocosm. Artistic depiction of the human figure allows us to see and appreciate what we already know about ourselves in private in a completely public way. This collaborative interaction between artists and models is a major reason why the human figure is still so central to the creative process.
This exhibition, curated by artists Stephanie and Ken Goldman, highlights the historic impact that model Pam Whidden had on San Diego’s art modeling community.
In the early 1970’s, it was difficult to find good models. Pam was an exception: an expressive sitter with a reliable work ethic. By the 1980’s, Pam not only made a living for herself, but also began training friends to be art-models. Through this entrepreneurial effort, she single-handedly changed the art-modeling world by creating The San Diego Artist Model’s Guild. This new guild solved two major issues: ensuring that models were paid a fair wage by artists and that models would show up on time and work in a professional manner.
In the late 1990's and early 2000’s Pam became a part of the Athenaeum, working tirelessly by assisting at events, scheduling models, and monitoring the Sunday sketch group which is still active today.
The curators of this exhibition conducted an open call to receive submissions of artwork that depicted Pam during her modeling years. Although the artists vary in style and medium, the subject’s gifts are evident in each depiction, showing the versatility and range of talent in Pam’s modeling and the enthusiastic, expressive responses she evoked from the artists.
PLEASE NOTE: Ticketholders for the Art of Elan concert on Wednesday, January 23rd, will get a sneak peak of this exhibition. Doors open at 6:15 P.M. and tickets are $10. Reserve Tickets Here.
Paired Programs
January 24: Opening Reception
January 24-February 3: Still Life Drawing (included with admission)
January 30: Live Figure Drawing ($25)
Artist List
Amy Whidden Winter
Annie Fagan
Barbara Trzcinski
Bronle Crosby
Carol del Tufo
Cheryl Tall
Cindy Zimmerman
Eleanor Antin
Ginger Rosser
Ilse Taylor Hable
James Hubbell
Jean Krumbein
Julianne Ricksecker
June Rubin
Kaye Benton
Ken Goldman
Kirby Kendrick
Kyle Cooprider
Larry Caveney
Linda Volz
Lorenzo Foncerrada
Lori Mitchell
Marie Huggin
Marion Mettler
Mark Adams
Mark Cohenour
Mary Pennell
Michelle Gonzalez
Michelle Gregoire
Richard Glassman
Sandy Bornstein
Shahla Dorafshan
Stephanie Goldman
Susanne Stanford
Teresa Costello
Virginia A. Bendik
Vivien Ressler