In the article there is a mention of the creation of a "master class" at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (the first offered at PAFA) which would include an exhibition in the museum.
That’s how I got to know Nelson.
His home and studio were located 20 minutes from Philadelphia and there had always been talk around the Pennsylvania Academy of his, then defunct, apprentice-program.
When I first met Nelson he was telling me that he had never been invited to do anything at PAFA in all the years he had lived so close to the school. I thought to request the creation of something he would be willing to teach and took up a petition among the students and some of the faculty ( Al Gury, Deborah Deichler, Edith Neff and others) to have him invited. There was a new President at PAFA, Gresham Riley, and he was receptive to the idea.
When Nelson received a letter from Riley inviting him to teach a workshop/seminar at the academy, which would also include a solo show in the academy museum, he sounded happy to invite me over for dinner (risotto and beer). The following morning, at 6am, I was back there working in his studio and I just kept returning day after day, proving my willingness to be there, working hard. I recall that I lost a lot of weight running for trains and the hours were very long and I eventually stayed there but the education I received was better than I had ever hoped for and I am very grateful to Nelson for taking the time to teach me.
Here is the entire article.
Nelson in the Cast Hall of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts teaching the first Master Class held at the school. The cast hall and two large studios off of it were filled to capacity for the program.
(Image from the artist’s website).
A letter from Nelson Shanks. 9/8/2003
Wilbur Niewald
Edwin Dickinson
Henry Hensche
Thanks for posting that Michael!
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