The Art of the Brick will be on display at the Mansfield Art Center (MAC) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning September 21, Tuesday through Sunday, and running through November 16. The Art of the Brick is an exhibit by New York based artist Nathan Sawaya. He creates large sculptures using one simple tool: LEGO bricks.
In 2011, The Art of the Brick was named by CNN as one of the top 12 must see global exhibitions.
This will be the first time that The Art of the Brick is featured at the MAC. The Art of the Brick exhibit has been shown throughout the world including North America, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
“The trucks have arrived and we are getting everything unpacked and ready to go. This will take a lot of time because these sculptures must be handled in a precise way. The sculptures are bigger than I could have ever imagined,” said Judy Francl of the Mansfield Art Center.
“This exhibit will bring something absolutely remarkable to the community; we just had to go for it,” said Francl.
“We booked this exhibit about a year ago, but it will be well worth the wait. We have a great team working. This is one of the biggest exhibits because it is international. We are thrilled that we are able to have The Art of the Brick here,” said Francl.
There will be a sneak preview of The Art of the Brick on Friday, September 20 from 6-9 p.m. The cost for the sneak preview will be $25 per person for members and $30 per person for non-members. There is limited space. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Ed Picken’s Café on Main.
Regular admission prices for the exhibit will be $10 for individuals who are 16 and older and $5 for those under 16. Tickets are on sale now.
“We have sold a number of tickets. We actually got a call from a resident in Toronto wanting to purchase tickets for the exhibit. We also have had schools from around the state book field trips to come and view the sculptures,” said Francl.
A Brick Building Interactive Area will be on display outside of the MAC for both children and adults. In this area, participants will be able to make their own creations using LEGO bricks. This will only be available outside and will be set up weather permitting.
Sponsors for the event include LIND, Adena Corporation, Ed Picken’s Café on Main, and Summit Brokerage Services, Inc.
Along with The Art of the Brick, the Mansfield Art Center will be displaying Ohio BRICK Creation Challenge. In this challenge, residents from across the state are invited to create their own LEGO pieces. The age categories for entries include 6-10, 11-15, 16 and up, organizations, LEGO clubs, and businesses. Entries must be delivered in person on Saturday, October 19 or Sunday, October 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be a $5 entry fee and $20 for other. Portions from the entry fee will be directed towards the MAC’s children and youth scholarship fund. The pieces will be displayed in the classroom gallery at the MAC Saturday, October 26-November 8.
All participants will be awarded a certificate of acknowledgement at the awards presentation on October 26, where prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m. Prizes include a $50 cash prize to the first place winner and a one year individual membership to the Mansfield Art Center will be awarded in each category. All entries must have a completed registration form and forms can be picked up at MAC or online at www.mansfieldartcenter.org. For more information, call 419-756-1700.
“This exhibit will bring something absolutely remarkable to the community; we just had to go for it,” said Mansfield Art Center’s Judy Francl.
