Ben Westbrock, John Landino & this art center’s founder Michael Tillyer met as mates at WAVE Gallery in 1980s New Haven, CT.
Westbrock, a veteran of the Cold War, moved into publishing in India after his service. Then, on a sojourn to a tropical rainforest, he had a vision: to become an artist, and so he did. He met Henry Moore and Willem de Kooning on the way, taught in a Connecticut private school, moved his studio to settle here in Massachusetts before moving on to live with his son in Las Vegas where he passed in December.
Landino, a gymnast in his youth, shifted into art in a community class where he was offered his own room to weld in. He went on to innovate in metal sculpture on many levels. He worked in other genres too. His most famous performance work was The Last Man On Earth, a silver space suit he wore, encroaching on many art receptions. Landino died after fighting a long illness in January.
This select exhibit honors the passing of both friends.
March 5 through March 31
