Dorothy Gillespie Exhibit at the Arboretum
The Arboretum will be displaying some of Ms. Gillespie's art around the grounds of the Arboretum through the remainder of 2020 until April 2021.
There was an Opening Dorothy Gillespie Centennial Celebration in June, 2020. You can view a 30 minute video of that kickoff celebration. Click here to watch.
Check out the slideshow below to see some examples of her art on display at the Arboretum.
There are five stations of her work displayed throughout the gardens.
Several of the Station Sites below are under construction and will be completed soon. Stay tuned!
Station 1: The Gatehouse
Dorothy Gillespie painted using automotive enamel on anodized aluminum so her work would withstand outdoor conditions. The audio link will tell of the person, her birth, education, career, inspirations and evolution of her art work.
The audio talks about Dorothy: her birth, education, career, inspirations, and evolution of her work.
Station 2: The Welcome Garden
Dorothy Gillespie's art was inspired by the color and motion of her childhood toys; a spinning top, a bouncing ball. Dorothy was a painter first. Over time she manipulated paper before she transferred those skills to metal.
The audio discusses the progress of her art. She was a painter first. Then she manipulated paper before she transferred those skills to metal.
Station 3: Between the Camellia Garden and the Tori Arch
3-D panels, tumbleweeds, totems, hanging banners are all pieces Dorothy first painted then sniped apart, bent, or attached pieces to create colorful abstract sculptures.
The audio talks about how Dorothy's art mirrors her enthusiasm for life, how her art work impacts those who view it, and how the names she gave her pieces reflect her love of the whimsical.
Station 4: At the Edge of the Woodland Garden
These sculptures were part of an exhibit Dorothy created at the age of 83 for the Rockefeller Center in New York City in 2003.
The audio explores Dorothy's contributions beyond her art work: her involvement with the women's movement, how she lectured at colleges, her contributions as she aged, and the foundation/scholarships that exist to support budding artists.
Station 5: Between the Circle and the Back Corner of the Admin. Bldg.
A display of sculptures by Dorothy may also be viewed at the Cameron Museum, Thalian Hall, The Wilson Center at CFCC, and UNC-Wilmington Cultural Arts Building.
The audio discusses Dorothy's connection to Wilmington and why she came to Wilmington to install the "Beanstalks: Colorfalls sculpture.