Youth Museum Rocks as Zimbabwean Stone Sculptures Roll into Town

Here’s one for every big kid, at heart. What did the ruler say to the rock? “You rock-but I rule!” Well, the only rule for the Arizona Museum for Youth’s [AMY] newest exhibition is: “Everything rocks!”

Mesa, AZ – From Africa to Arizona, AMY brings you “Dominic Benhura: African Stone Sculpture.” To celebrate Benhura’s arrival to the Valley of the Sun, the museum invites the community to enjoy a private, after-hours evening of art and culture with the internationally renowned artist on Friday, February 6, from 7-9pm.  There will be an hors d’oeuvre reception and an in-depth tour of the exhibition will be led by the artist, personally.

From his stone depictions of a charging elephant, gargantuan black scorpion and menacing king cobra to the elegantly carved sculptures of adoring families and children at play- Benhura will enthrall you with glimpses of his native homeland while eloquently bridging the divides of an ocean and cultures. “Dominic Benhura’s love for his family and homeland is showcased throughout this exhibition of extraordinary stone sculptures,” explains Exhibition Coordinator Andy Behrle.

The universally identifiable images and accompanying, hands-on art activities will help the local community connect with the fantastic people, animals and artistic world of Benhura, the love of his family and the natural resources of Zimbabwe.

“From the time I started sculpting, a day could not go by without using my hammer and chisel,” explains Benhura. “It has become my life. I work nearly every day, Sunday to Sunday. I cannot do without it.”

The larger artworks will be available to touch and further connect families to this magical land. Accompanying the artwork will be photographic and textual panels showcasing the geology, geography, and sociology of the region, artist, and stone.

“Benhura’s elegant talent and vision brings the best of Zimbabwe to the Valley of the Sun,” says Behrle.

Journey to the great lands of Africa through the art of Dominic Benhura, and let the Arizona Museum for Youth be your tour guide. You’ll be amazed at how much this community has in common with your friends on the other side of the globe. Finally, we’re all a world apart no more!

“Dominic Benhura: Stone Sculptures from Africa” runs through Sunday, March 29th, 2009, thanks, in part, to the generous collaboration of Scottsdale’s Zuva Gallery, an award-winning destination for contemporary art.

Please call the museum at 480.644.4129 to make reservations for the Evening Reception with Dominic Benhura for Friday, February 6 from 7-9pm at the Arizona Museum for Youth. The fee is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Pre-registeration is required. The event is limited to adults and children over 12.

ABOUT AMY
The Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY) is a fine arts museum for children and families and serves as a terrific place to introduce life-changing art. The museum hosts 6 world-class exhibitions, annually, and features ArtVille, a special art township for kids under 4 years of age. As part of the exhibitions, a dynamic array of art classes, fun workshops, and family programs are available to teach basic art principles and techniques. Located at 35 N. Robson in downtown Mesa, AMY is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. AMY is closed most government holidays. Please visit www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com or call 480.644.2467 for current information.

“Inspiring children of all ages to experience their world differently through art, creativity and imagination.”

ABOUT ZUVA GALLERY
An award-winning destination for contemporary art, Zuva Gallery has one of the largest collections of contemporary stone sculpture from Africa in the world. All works are originals that were sculpted with hand tools by emerging and internationally recognized artists. Zuva Gallery in Scottsdale is located at the intersection of Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway in North Scottsdale, nestled within the exclusive el Pedregal Shops at the world renowned Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa complex. Founded in 1996, Zuva Gallery’s owners spend several months in Africa each year procuring art and working with our artists to prepare for exhibitions in America. Zuva Gallery is also dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of Africa and its people through charitable and educational exhibitions of contemporary African art. For more information, visit www.zuvagallery.com.

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