NORWICH — The Chenango County Historical Society will launch the 2024 museum season with three exhibit openings from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 20.
According to a media release, in the Community Gallery, “Kaleidoscopic Visions: The Architectural Glass Art of David Wilson” is a career retrospective of a stained-glass artist whose work is described as emphasizing the importance of visual harmony in the built environment.
The afternoon will also mark the return of the “Towns of Chenango County” display in the hallway lobby, and a refresh of the “Hometown Health” exhibit in the Commerce Gallery.
Along with impressive stained-glass windows in expansive frames, “Kaleidoscopic Visions: The Architectural Glass Art of David Wilson” features an extensive collection of models and maquettes.
Curated by CCHS Operations Manager Joseph Fryc, the exhibit chronicles the career of a local artist whose work is highlighted in venues across the Northeast, including Corning Incorporated, Merck & Company, Nations Bank, New York City MTA, UNC Chapel Hill, Le Moyne College, and the Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington D.C.
Born in England, Wilson graduated from Middlesbrough College of Art with a National Diploma in Design in 1961. After a year at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, he moved to New York City to work for the Rambusch Decorating Company. He provided space planning, interior and sanctuary furnishing design, mural design, and architectural model building. In 1975, he became head of the company’s stained glass studio before establishing David Wilson Design in South New Berlin.
“While David’s art can be found in significant buildings outside the region, only a handful of people in Chenango County are familiar with his work,” said Fryc. He went on to say, “In collaboration with the artist, we have been given exclusive access to generate content for this unique, once-in-a-lifetime display. David’s harmonious glass designs have transformed commonplace structures into living art galleries, and we are honored to have the opportunity to feature him this season.”
From Afton to Smyrna and all points in-between, the “Towns of Chenango County” display provides an overview of the 21 communities central to the museum’s mission. The “Hometown Health” exhibit shares personal stories of local residents experiencing global historical events, as well as industrial approaches to health care and the legacy of the Norwich Pharmacal Company.
CCHS is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Admission is a free-will donation left up to each visitor’s discretion.