On the first Friday of every month, the public is invited to attend Downtown Corpus Christi’s ArtWalk, which showcases artisans and makers of all kinds. Art institutions in the area, such as K Space Contemporary, typically align exhibition openings with ArtWalk to join in on the fun. On Jul. 7, the local gallery will open its newest exhibition, “The Jean Walters Art Collection: 70 Years of Collecting.” With art ranging between a simplified form of realism and visionary symbolism, this exhibition is one art lovers and collectors don’t want to miss!
A non-profit organization dedicated to presenting and promoting contemporary art located in Downtown Corpus Christi, K Space Contemporary will host this exclusive and impressive exhibition from Jul. 7 through Aug. 18. The opening reception will be held from 5:30 – 9 p.m., and works of art will be for sale, with pricing available upon request.
Jean Walters (1930 – 2022) had a sharp eye for fine art and began her eccentric and expansive collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, ceramics and more at the young age of just 20. Having grown up in what Walters referred to as an “artless home” in Lake Charles, Louisiana, viewing or collecting art was not a prominent part of her life until purchasing her first piece as a 20-year-old flight attendant during a stop in Germany. From galleries to craft fairs to artists’ studios, Walters always opted for unique, original designs throughout her collecting journey. She continuously nurtured her passion for fine art throughout her life and in turn, passed that same care and intention on to her three children who now continue to support the arts in varying forms themselves.
Though the majority of Walters’ collection reflects Modern American styles, other styles and cultures such as Haitian, Asian and Native American are represented in the works displayed as well. According to a press release from K Space Contemporary, “an exceptional feature of this exhibition is the large selection of serigraphs by renowned New York artist Will Barnet,” as well as a variety of media and interior decor objects spanning six decades. Painter and printmaker Will Barnet (1911-2012) was known for his artwork depicting the human figure and animals, both in “casual scenes of daily life and in transcendent dreamlike worlds.” With over 60 pieces by Barnet, Walters actually might have held the largest private collection of Barnet’s work in the United States, according to K Space Contemporary.
Walters, an animal lover herself, was especially drawn to Barnets’ art which included many depictions of cats, dogs and birds. Barnet’s work can be found in several major galleries, such as the The National Gallery of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. From printing for Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco to instructing students in graphic art, he is credited for his influence on a generation of artists including the likes of James Rosenquist and Cy Twombly. With K Space’s new exhibition, onlookers will be able to experience “over 30 color lithographs and serigraphs by Barnet created between 1968 and 1985″ and take in a bit of his genius.
This impressive showing is made possible by Walter’s daughter, Janet Laylor, who also aided in the organization of the exhibition. To learn more about the exhibition, visit K Space Contemporary located at 623 N. Chaparral Street in Downtown Corpus Christi, Texas. Gallery hours are Wednesday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Partake in an enriching experience and wander through the gallery to take in this spectacular exhibition.
