The Notebooks of Frank Novel

Frame Shop Gallery
January 23, 2009 – April 18, 2009

A public reception will be held during
Gallery Night, Friday, March 6, 2009 from 7–10 p.m.

Frank Novel is a natural artist. Art is the means by which he engages with the world. Making art is a daily activity for Mr. Novel, and over the past several decades he has filled dozens of sketchbooks with detailed drawings. In many ways, his experience reflects basic truths about art. Not all people think of themselves as artists, but art-making is a basic human activity. Art is the way we react to what is happening around us. As communication, art also becomes the way that we affect the world. Frank Novel is not concerned with the romantic vision of “the artist” as someone apart, someone special--he just draws. He is not someone who spends a lot of time talking, and in fact, the best way to engage him in a conversation is to ask to see his current sketchbook, which he always carries. Through his sketches one can see a record of his musings. They are not usually a direct comment on current politics or his personal life, but they are fabulous drawings that give us a peek into Frank’s creative and intuitive world. The exhibit features over 20 of his notebooks, the first time they have been shown to the public.