Clear Lake, Iowa artist Jaclyn Garlock will present a gallery talk in conjunction with her exhibition Words We Know the Songs To: Paintings by Jaclyn Garlock on view through October 4, 2015 in the Kris Mozena McNamer Gallery and sponsored by Cottingham & Butler. The gallery talk is free and open to the public. Also on the 23rd, to celebrate the connection with the Surf Ballroom, the Museum will host a special display of 1950s era cars in front of the Museum on 7th Street.
Garlock’s larger-than-life paintings are inspired by North Iowa’s iconic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, the site of the last performance of musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper, who died tragically in a plane crash following their performance at the Surf in February 1959. The Surf Ballroom has received state and national registry recognition and in 2009 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Landmark Series. This special exhibition includes recent works from the artist’s series Hang 10, depicting people and performers the artist has encountered at the Surf.
“The Museum is delighted to present Jaclyn Garlock’s work, which fits perfectly with our mission to cultivate artists from our region,” said Executive Director David Schmitz. “Garlock’s subject – the Surf Ballroom – also speaks to the rich culture and heritage of our state.”
Jaclyn Garlock, Honkey Tonk Women, 2011, acrylic on canvas, 55×94 in., collection of the artist.