The printmaker and artist Jon Fasanelli-Cawelti has a solo exhibit entitled “Atlas” on display at the Muscatine Art Center. Consisting of over 40 large-scale drawings and prints, the work in this show was created over the past five years despite — and perhaps because of — Jon’s diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
The title of the exhibit, “Atlas”, refers to the Greek figure who carried the weight of the heavens on his shoulders, an homage to his wife and caretaker, Diane Calzaretta. It also reflects the topographical maps, circuitous pathways, and new geographical /physical terrain that Jon has been learning to navigate in his life.
Listen to our conversation here about the content of his work in the show, how Jon’s medical diagnosis has changed the way in which he expresses himself artistically, and about his pride in the community of Muscatine, including the Muscatine Art Center.
The exhibit will close on March 24, 2019, so visit the Muscatine Art Center soon at 1314 Mulberry Avenue. On-street parking is available across from the main entrance, and off-street parking can be found in a lot off Cedar Street, behind the Stanley Gallery where the exhibit is located. Admission to the Muscatine Art Center is free. Hours are Tues./Wed./Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thurs. from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sat./Sun. from 1 to 5 p.m. They are closed on Mondays.
A buoyant, joyful spirit, a conversation with Jon Fasanelli-Cawelti is endlessly fascinating.
