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Rediscovering Emil Milan and
His Circle of Influence

November 07, 2014 – January 24, 2015

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Andrew Willner
Barry Gordon
Bill Chickillo
Craig Edelbrock
Edgar Anderson
Emil Milan
Evelyn Yonkin
J. A. Valasquez
John Sheridan
John Young
Joyce Anderson
Karl Seemuller
Machado
Norm Sartorius
Phil Jurus
Rebecca Dunn Penwell
Tom Noone
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Wayne Raab
Emil Milan
Rediscovering Emil Milan
The Mid-Century designer craftsman Emil Milan described his work as functional sculpture. His carved wooden objects for the home are works of art that represent the influence of Modern Design along with a reverence for wood and the skills necessary to shape it. This landmark exhibition, being held nearly thirty years after his death, will introduce new information about, and insight into, the career of this important, yet often overlooked, maker. For the first time, Milan’s work will be shown alongside pieces created by those whom he taught and influenced.

Milan showed artistic promise from an early age and, after serving in the military during World War II, used his G.I. Bill funds to enroll at the Art Students League in New York City. Studying sculpture among some of the most important artists of the post war period, Milan combined the artistic energy of Modern Art with his exceptional wood carving skills and a desire to make art for everyday life.

Rediscovering Emil Milan and His Circle of Influence celebrated the life and work of this influential artist, maker and teacher.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHtNa46SaaI
In January 2015, the Center held a Symposium at WHYY titled Connecting Circles: The Art, Craft, and Design of Emil Milan. This was the first symposium to address the work of Emil Milan and his circle of influence.
https://youtu.be/tto_ZKfrlaY