After months of home isolation during the Covid epidemic, we took a bit of a risk to get down to the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art to see their new exhibit “Athos Menaboni, Framing His Journey” organized to celebrate “the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of a Georgia Artist.” The guest curator of the show, Russ Clayton, conducted a tour for us. Russ and I have become friends though our love for Georgia and its people. It is largely Russ’ devotion to the work and memory of Menaboni that this show has come together. And, it is a wonderful show, thanks to Russ’ patience and persuasiveness in getting so many individual and corporate owners of Menaboni’s work to let the paintings out for display. Take note that the spaces and small tour groups are arranged with precautions reflecting the museum’s sensitivity to current health concerns.
Athos Menaboni was an Italian imigrant who came to America, settled in Atlanta, married a young woman from Rome, Georgia and devoted his life to capturing in paint the natural environment and wildlife of his adopted home. Many of his works were done on commission and there developed a great demand for his bird paintings and these are really majestic. Many Georgians grew up with the famous painting Menaboni did of the state bird, the Brown Thrasher, on prominent dispaly in their classrooms. But Menaboni is more than “Georgia’s Audubon,” as he is oftened called.
With Russ’ careful arrangement of the paintings and his commentary, visitors can see the remarkable range of Menaboni’s interests as an artist and the diverse methods and materials he employed. As most of us who grew up in Atlanta realized, Coca Cola executive, Robert Woodruff was the sponsor of much of the art that came to represent Georgia. Woodruff was not only intrested but actually involved in the selection of much of Menaboni’s subject matter and even composition, most apparent in the Christmas cards he commisssioned Menaboni to paint for Coca Cola. Thankfully, Russ has provided his own collection of these cards for display, along side many of the original bird paintings from which they were created.
Architects and institutions called on Menaboni to provide murals and commemorative paintings and several of these are on display. More surprising are a few of Menaboni’s early watercolors and nautical scenes. Russ’ descriptions of the paintings and their origins inspire curiosity and admiration. I understand that guided tours are available by reservation.
It is unfortunate that the health crisis has foreshortened the showing, but there are still a few days remaining to take in what I assure you will be a memorable experience. If you can not make it, there is a catalog of the exhibition for sale for only ten dollars-a keepsake that belongs on the shelf of art lovers and those who care for Georgia’s natural environments and traditions.
Congratulations to Russ Clayton, the staff at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art and the generous lenders who made this all work so well.
Glad you were able to go.
Thank you so much for your gracious remarks. I am grateful that you and Mrs. Kitchens took the time to drive to Marietta to see the Menaboni exhibition.
Russ,
I wrote this late last night and (with Karen’s prompting) had to correct three errors in the text. I hope you will not not allow my mistakes to detract from your wonderful work in creating this landmark exhibition. I am inspired by the results of all the time and effort that went into this exhibit. I have curated many art exhibitions and my praise is informed by experience. Thanks so much for your warm reception and knowledgeable commentary.
Joe
That would be a lovely show to attend.