Carole Wantz
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Carole Wantz | |
|---|---|
 Carole Wantz at the Indiana State Museum in 2021 in front of one of her artworks. | |
| Born | Carole Golay 25 March 1940 |
| Known for | Painting, drawing, printmaking |
| Movement | Contemporary art |
| Children |
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Carole Wantz is a folk artist from Richmond, Indiana.[1] She specializes in creating portrait paintings of people and families that highlight their lives, accomplishments, and contributions to their communities.[2]
Background and history[edit]
She began painting in her early thirties following an art class taught by Anthony Vestutto. She found inspiration in the work of Grandma Moses.[3] One of her first commissioned portraits was for J. Irwin Miller, an industrialist in Columbus, Indiana, and a prominent figure at Cummins. She was also commissioned by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce to create a painting to depict Miller's life story.[4]
After being commissioned by Miller to create a portrait for his home, Wantz completed the painting, which he hung in his home. Wantz went on to complete over 150 commissioned art pieces in the 1970s and 1980s.[5]
Artistic approach[edit]
Wantz's artistic style draws inspiration from everyday life, portraying people engaged in playful activities. She conducts research and interviews the subject beforehand, gathering details about their life, achievements, and relationships, often studying family home videos of her subjects.
Her portraits incorporate background elements depicted in equal scale to foreground items, and incorporates recognizable Columbus landmarks into her work, such as the Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, the Large Arch sculpture, the tower of First Christian Church, and North Christian Church. Another characteristic of her work is the faces of individuals in her portraits lack distinct features. Wantz's portraits often include the subject as well as significant figures from their life, such as family members or pets.[6]
Exhibitions[edit]
Wantz's work has been featured in several media outlets and exhibited in various art museums. In 2021, her portraits were displayed at the Indiana State Museum in a collection called The Artwork of Carole Wantz: Collected Stories from Columbus, Indiana, as well as in a temporary exhibition at the Richmond Art Museum from February to April 2022.[7] Her paintings were also displayed at the Bartholomew County Historical Society, where her paintings were used contributed to frame Columbus's history.[8][9] Wantz was also featured in an article in The New York Times in May 2021.[10]
Collections[edit]
Wantz's work is held in the permanent collection of the Indiana State Museum.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Blair, Brian (12 February 2024). "Ex-Columbus folk artist's work becomes a part of permanent collections". The Republic. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "The T List: Five Things We Recommend This Week". The New York Times. 27 May 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ Emery, Mike. "Carole Golay Wantz thrilled about returning home for Richmond Art Museum exhibit reception". Palladium-Item. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ Blair, Brian (9 July 2021). "Ex-Columbus painter reception Saturday | The Republic News". Retrieved 26 July 2023.
- ^ Pollard, Bekah (21 April 2021). "Discover the Art of Carole Wantz at the Indiana State Museum|Discover the Art of Carole Wantz at the Indiana State Museum". Indy Maven. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ "The Stories Behind Our Newest Experience". Indiana State Museum. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
- ^ "Homecoming: The Artwork of Carole Wantz". Richmond Art Museum. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
- ^ Blair, Brian (2024-02-12). "Ex-Columbus folk artist's work becomes a part of permanent collections". The Republic News. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ^ "Historical Society hosts Christmas Trees through Time". Local News Digital. Retrieved 2024-04-01.
- ^ The New York Times (27 May 2021). "The T List: Five Things We Recommend This Week". The New York Times.