Dove/O’Keeffe: Circles of Influence

Georgia O’Keeffe’s evocative abstracts defined her as one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. The new exhibition at the Clark explores an often overlooked influence on her iconic work. From the outset of her career, O’Keeffe credited Arthur Dove—recognized as America’s first abstract painter—as her introduction to modern art, and her inspiration to experiment with abstraction.

The two artists eventually met in 1918, introduced by photographer and gallery owner Alfred Stieglitz, who exhibited both their works at his 291 Gallery in New York (and later married O’Keeffe). The pair established a lifelong relationship and respect for each other’s work. For decades, their artistic dialogue shaped a new form of modernism, their bold colors and dynamic forms direct abstractions of their reactions to the natural world.

Drawn from international public and private collections, the exhibition features works once owned by Alfred Stieglitz and works from the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, highlighting the reciprocal influences and shared aesthetic of two modern masters. Pictured is O’Keeffe’s From the Lake No. 1 (1924), oil on canvas, from the Nathan Emory Coffin Collection of the Des Moines Art Center, Iowa.

Dove/O’Keeffe: Circles of Influence opens to the public at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute (225 South St., Williamstown, Mass.) on Sunday (June 7). On Saturday (June 6), a preview gala, Sunset Supper, Moonlight Magic, will celebrate the new exhibition with a country dinner, drinks and music under a full moon. Tickets to the gala are $100, $85 members. For more info, or to buy tickets to the gala, call (413) 458-2303.

Fly 92 Summerjam

From the looks of this lineup, the Fly 92 Summerjam is going to be like one big daydream. You know—the one you have when you’re lying around in the park, dozing off while somebody a couple picnic blankets over is rocking the radio and you dream that you’re running your fingers through Jesse McCartney’s golden locks.

What? Are we alone here?

Well, this time, when you wake up, you’ll be lying on the lawn at SPAC and the real Jesse will be right friggin’ there onstage dancing and stuff.

The bill reads, properly enough, like a Fly 92 playlist and includes artists ranging from the Coldplay-conjuring Thriving Ivory to classic rapper Young MC (who may, oddly enough, be the oldest performer on the bill). American Idol Elliot Yamin will be there, as well as Flo Rida (pictured), who has accomplished the brave task of sampling that poisonous techno song “I’m Blue.” Throw in Kevin Rudolf, 3OH!3, and the White Tie Affair and you’ve got a genuine afternoon of daydream-haunting, stick-in-your-head, sunny-day pop.

The Fly 92 Summerjam kicks off at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs) on Saturday (June 6) at noon. Tickets range from $15 to $49.50. Call 587-3330 for more info.

Art on Lark

They’re closing down Albany’s Lark Street between Washington and Madison avenues this Saturday for the annual Art on Lark arts festival. More than 100 artists and artisans will be exhibiting their work; and this year, the People’s Choice Art Show is at Upstate Artists Guild. (Vote for your favorite!)

This year’s music acts include, on the Washington Stage, the Urgency, swing-and-blues masters the Jump Daddies, chamber-popsters Eric Margan & the Red Lions, the getdowns, the Foy Brothers and Love for the Masses (who doesn’t have that?).

On the other end of Lark, you can check out such varied offerings as Grupo Capoeira Brasil—Mestre Cabeca, the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe, Jill Castle, a “Divas on Lark” drag show and Lark Idol. Yes, Lark Idol.

For the whole family, eba Dance Theatre will offer the Creative Chaos Zone across from their home base at Lark Street and Hudson Avenue; activities will include chalk art, hip-hop dance, bead art and many other fun things to do.

Some of us think Art on Lark is more fun than Lark Fest. But don’t let that get around.

Art on Lark will be held up and down Lark Street (Albany) from 10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday (June 6). Wander in, everybody; it’s free. For more info, see the special pull-out advertising section in the center of this newspaper, or visit larkstreet.org.