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Out of the Ashes – Artist Andrew DeVries Rebuilding After Loss

As many art enthusiasts and Berkshire County residents have heard, celebrated sculptor and artist Andrew DeVries suffered a devastating loss last November – his River Studio, with all of his casting equipment and many original works of art, burned to the ground

River Studio after November 2016 fire (photo courtesy of Patricia Purdy)

Andrew and Patricia have long been respected and much-loved members of the Berkshire business and art communities. From a GoFundMe campaign, to their many patrons and friends donating funds, grants, and Visit Lenox holding a benefit gala at Ventfort Hall Gilded Age and Museum (where Andrew and Patricia got married!), many rallied together to help them rebuild. While there is much left to be done, and more money needed to be raised, they have been able to raise a total of 85% to date of rebuilding costs. “We are grateful for each gift we receive. You have all touched our hearts and that kindness fills us with inspiration and the courage to forge ahead!” says Andrew.

(L) Patricia Purdy (R) Andrew DeVries at Benefit Gala, Ventfort Hall, 3/3/17

 

Other Side of Eden 

The colossal Other Side of Eden stands over 15′ in height

Started as a commission in 2014, Other Side of Eden has been a lifetime dream of DeVries to create. Over forty years ago, DeVries was “sketching a dancer doing his grand jetes diagonally across the studio. He ran into the wall on the last one, but I saw him go through the wall (in his mind’s eye)… I saw this sculpture, complete and at this monumental size.”

Due to the fire, the only existing Other Side of Eden left is the 15’ colossal that will soon be on its way to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

But fear not – it can be seen here in the Berkshires this weekend, August 12th and 13th, 2017 at DeVries’ annual Open Studio. The studio will be open both days 2-5pm with light refreshments served, and with a bronze pour beginning promptly at 2:30 on both days (barring inclement weather), so come join the fun!

Find the studio at 42 East River Road, Middlefield, MA 01243, (413) 238-7755. Andrew and Patricia note to please use the directions on their mobile-friendly website (www.andrewdevries.com) as GPS sometimes leads visitors astray.  

DeVries Fine Art International Gallery is at 62 Church Street, Lenox MA 01240, (413) 637-3462.

(L) Echo, bronze (R) one of DeVries’ beautiful pastels (photo: Jamie Trie)

Detail of Dance of Morning outside of DeVries Fine Art International, Church St, Lenox (photo: Jamie Trie)

 

–  Jamie Trie is the marketing director of Visit Lenox. You can reach her at jamie@lenox.org.