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Chris Mars book signing September 13 in Culver City, California

By 01.Sep.088 Comments

Okay, I don’t do this often, because it’s just not my bag. But I got a press release earlier this week that caught my eye. Mostly because it was about Chris Mars’ new art book Tolerance: The Art of Chris Mars. But more than that it’s because Mars is going to have a book signing/reception on September 13 at Billy Shire Fine Arts in Culver City California.

I think the thing that surprised me the most about this press release is that it was actually interesting. Press Releases are notoriously hokey and poorly written and, well, crap. But this one was good! So I will share with you some of the bits I found interesting, and then give you a link where you can read the whole thing, because I am kind.

Rock star, recluse, brother, activist. Artist. Chris Mars’ work graces the hallowed halls of museums throughout America and is tattooed on calves and biceps throughout the world. “Tolerance” is the long-awaited collection of his work.

Chris Mars was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1961 to parents Constance and Leroy Mars. He is the youngest of seven children. Mars’s eldest brother Joe suffered a so-called Nervous Breakdown in 1966 and was institutionalized at St. Cloud Mental Hospital. The impact of that event, along with Joe’s life-long struggle with Schizophrenia, set the groundwork for a life’s mission of championing society’s downtrodden and outcast. Mars hopes his work causes the viewer to question the nature of evaluation and labels, be it by investigating the meaning of beauty or by casting aside the exclusion of the meek, the forgotten, or the enemy.

Sure, sure you all probably knew that because you’re ‘Mats savants, but I am not. I also liked this part:
Chris Mars was once best known as a musician, being a founder member of seminal indie/punk band The Replacements and subsequently recording four critically acclaimed – and progressively more experimental — solo discs. His drumsticks are enshrined in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (emphasis mine, I didn’t know this. you guys don’t tell me anything!

His paintings are enshrined in the permanent collection of various museums throughout the country including The Minneapolis Institute of Arts, The Erie Art Museum, The Longview Museum of Fine Art, The Tweed Art Museum and The Minnesota History Center. His museum exhibition history also includes The American Visionary Art Museum, The Weisman Museum of Art, Steensland Art Museum, Art Center South Florida and soon The Phipps Center for the Arts.

Anyway, y’all can read the whole thing here. And if you’re in or around Culver City, CA you should go to the signing and then report back about how fabulous it was.

Jodi

I am the queen of the underground, a bad ungrateful bunny.

8 Comments

  • Jimdracula says:

    Me, I’ve always been a fan of Mars’ art…no sunshine & lollies there…& his “State of the Union” piece is epic no doubt…

    now if Chris would only put down his brush, reach for his sticks again & place that call to “the splendid recluse”…it would be the big diggity dig, yo.

  • jay says:

    Agreed. I’ve tried to buy a few of his originals, but have been outbid. So Ill stick with my only Mars limited edition “Bob’s Barbershop.” Still his best….or did bob draw that?

  • Jimdracula says:

    Yeah, Mars’ Bob’s Barber Shop is a work of art indeed…Asylum Cut $20…Beer on Tap…Why Learn…but it’s nuthin’ without Bob’s resplendent tutu.

    Great quote by Westerberg regarding the band’s high threshold for embarrassment: “A dunce cap never fit so well.”

  • Scott says:

    Is the book even available? B&N don’t have it in their system, and Amazon lists it but says it’s not available.

  • Annie A says:

    Here is a preview link to Chris’ show: http://billyshirefinearts.com/08mars/blooddumplingenvy.html

    He will be signing his new book in person at the gallery, Billy Shire Fine Arts, 5790 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 323-297-0600 Book Signing/ Saturday, September 13th, 6-7pm. Call to order a copy – specify that you would like it personalized and your name. Books are $40 + shipping/tax if applicable. Unfortunately, Chris won’t be signing Replacements stuff so leave that stuff safely at home. If you are in the Laguna Beach area, he’ll be signing books at the Museum there on Sunday, September 14 from 3 to 6pm. For more information contact the museum at http://www.lagunaartmuseum.org/ or (949)494-8971, extension 207.

  • Jake says:

    Not signing replacements stuff?? lame….embrace your past chris….it’s who you are i say