Legendary Actor Anthony Quinn Honored at Providence Art Exhibit

NEW ART EXHIBIT IN PROVIDENCE HONORS LEGEND

    Powerful, Vibrant Works of Anthony Quinn

On View at Rhode Island Convention Center

            Providence, R.I. – February 8, 2008 – As a legendary actor, Anthony Quinn was known for his powerful, vibrant performances in films such as “Zorba the Greek.”  Yet, Quinn was also an extremely talented painter and sculptor whose strong and vivid works echoed his acting style.   The Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC) will display five sculptures from Quinn’s Monumental Works series in its West Lobby now through March 2008.  It is the first time that the pieces have been on display since the artist’s death in 2001.

            “Anthony Quinn was not only a gifted actor and artist but a beloved figure here in Rhode Island,” said RICC General Manager Tim Muldoon of the actor, who lived in Bristol, RI from 1995 until his death. “We are pleased to honor his legacy and provide the public with an opportunity to view these impressive sculptures.”

            The Monumental Works series began as contour drawings Quinn made while filming a biography of Antonio Stradivari in Italy in 1988.  Inspired by the famous violin craftsman, Quinn began translating his sketches into wooden models upon returning to the United States.  Eight of those models were crafted in metal and enlarged to a monumental scale, for installation in museums and Quinn’s own private collection.

            First unveiled and exhibited in the courtyard of the Plaza Athenee hotel in Paris in 1992, Monumental Works was also displayed in museums in Vienna, Austria and Buenos Aires, Argentina.  In addition to the Rhode Island exhibit, three of the sculptures are also on display at the Intercontinental Hotel in Boston.   An additional exhibit, “Anthony Quinn: A Lifetime of Creating and Collecting Art,” is currently touring the U.S. and a companion book, “Anthony Quinn’s Eye” is available through Bristol House Press.  For more information, visit www.anthonyquinn.com.

The Rhode Island Convention Center is one of New England's premier meeting and exhibition facilities. Situated in the heart of downtown Providence, the center is within convenient walking distance of nearly 2,100 hotel rooms. Owned by the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority, the Rhode Island Convention Center is managed by SMG.  For more information, visit www.riconvention.com.