World-renowned artist Harry McCormick made an appearance at the St. Johns County Administration Building in St. Augustine on July 17 for the opening reception of his “In the Mood” exhibition.
Hosted by the St. Johns County Cultural Council as part of its “Art in Public Spaces” series, the exhibition features some of McCormick’s latest works, including those from his bold and lively “Circus Suite,” as well as many detailed depictions of interiors.
“It’s sort of a retrospective, really,” McCormick said of the collection. “There’s so many pieces and each one of them has a different story.”
With a particular penchant for bar room scenes, McCormick seems drawn to the study of the human condition. In fact, throughout the whole collection, there are only two paintings that do not include people — “My Father’s Chair” and “Abandoned” — and in those cases, their absence would indeed appear to be the point.
From the sophisticated hostess depicted in “Pierre’s Tea Room” to the poor and aging “Peach Woman,” McCormick’s brush seems to find the beauty in every person and situation. In “Mary Cassatt,” he comments on the tenderness of motherhood while paying homage to another great artist of the past, and with works like “Wailing Wall” and “Birkat Hachamah,” he beautifully depicts the traditions of the Jewish faith and the hope they bring to so many.
McCormick’s “In the Mood” exhibition will be open for viewing weekdays through Sept. 20, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., in the rotunda of the Administration Building at 500 San Sebastian View.
