Martin Schmalenberg – Viewing Stones

October 3-16, 2005
Reception: Thursday, October 6, 7-8 pm
 
The Art of Stone Appreciation – The evocative realization of nature’s natural beauty in stones from around the world.

Martin will provide an opportunity to view stones that “speak” either through their evocative beauty or the memories they evoke. An artist’s reception will be held Thursday, October 6, from 7-8 p.m.
 
Martin is the teacher of Asian Studies at Blair Academy where he teaches Japanese and Chinese history, culture and religion. Martin has been involved with stone appreciation and bonsai for over 25 years and has traveled extensively throughout Asia. He lectures across the country on viewing stones and bonsai and is the organizer and guest artist at the International Viewing Stone Symposium every other October in Hershey, Pa. In addition, he has three stones on permanent display in The National Viewing Stone Collection at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.
 
Martin believes that interest in stones is universal. “Our connection to stones is intuitive,” he explained. “People collect rocks, throw rocks, and touch rocks. The art of viewing stone involves the collection, preparation and appreciation of certain unaltered, naturally formed stones. The entire artistic process – discovering the stone, imagining its artistic potential and ultimately placing it within its setting – can become a source of much happiness and satisfaction.” He added, “Indeed, it is the intangible quality of viewing stones that makes this art so valuable to our hectic modern life.”

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