Drawn Into Form: Sixty Years of Drawings and Prints by Beverly Pepper

A selection of 70 works from American sculptor Beverly Pepper from the early 1950s through present day. From sketches capturing scenes of everyday life and landscape views to abstract explorations of space and form to technical drawings and independent prints, the exhibition will evidence one of the most profound artistic careers in recent memory.

Born in 1922, Pepper is among the most prodigious and prolific sculptors in Contemporary art and a pioneering female force in the visual arts. Her career spans more than six decades and her work is found in many of the world’s most important public and private collections, including a significant number of civic and government plazas and courtyards across the United States and Europe.

In addition to her sculptural endeavors, Pepper has quietly developed an extraordinarily vast and dynamic repertoire of drawings and prints. Despite the renown of her sculpture, including those at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, her two-dimensional oeuvre is less well known. 

Timed to coincide with her 95th birthday, the ever-active artist has gifted her entire body of graphic work to Meijer Gardens. Nearly 900 objects, including drawings, sketchbooks, prints and some models have been given, creating one of the most important resources for graphic work related to Contemporary sculpture anywhere in the world. Drawn Into Form: Sixty Years of Drawings and Prints by Beverly Pepper will premiere nearly 70 works from this exceptional gift.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website