By Angela Romeo
Arte Vita Gallery is located in the burgeoning art district of Perez Road in Cathedral City. The gallery shares space with Belgian design firm, Joannes Lucas. The gallery is presently featuring Something is About to Change, selected works from the estate of Canadian artist Gerald Zeldin. “These works are stunning examples of the talent of Gerald Zeldin,” noted Gallerist Judy Hall Stapes.
Gerald Zeldin was born on Oct. 6, 1943, and died on May 20, 2010. When he died he left behind a rich legacy of work, the love and respect of students and the devotion of his wife, Madeleine. He studied at the Ontario College of Art and in 1967 he received his Masters of Fine Art at the Claremont Graduate School, Claremont California. From there Zeldin embarked on his career.
During the next twenty years he completed nine public commissions. One commission is at the Harvey Mudd College, Claremont. He participated in 23 group shows and 25 solo shows. His work was widely collected by private collectors and several museums. Zeldin started teaching at Ontario’s Sheridan College in the early 1990s.
Zeldin was surprised how his students reacted to him. “What he did not know was how many students he would inspire. Gerald taught life drawing to animation students. He was more than a teacher or a mentor. He cared about his students and instilled in them a love of art, a love of life and belief that talent can always improve. His former students have gone on to very success careers in animation – from major Hollywood studios to their own businesses.”
While very accomplished as an artist Gerald Zeldin maintained his humbleness. His passion is art not his ego. He loved life -sports cars, motorcycles, movies and music. He embraced fatherhood at age 51 when he married Madeleine. She had an 11-year-old son who today is a documentary filmmaker. “Gerald used to say that we were more than in love,” says Madeleine. “We were ‘in magic,’ and magic it was with him. I was attracted to his honesty, kindness and passion for life from the moment I met him.”
And magic was the way Zeldin inspired students and others around him.
His art has been described as though “Objects appear to be in transition, something is toppling, something just fell and things are waiting for events, forces. Something is about to change.” It was this mix of surrealism, color, shape and the ordinary turned extraordinary that caught Judy Stapes Hall’s eye. “Each piece is able to stand solidly on its own. Each piece reflects the artistic skill and talent of Zeldin. Each piece captures forever a moment in time that seems to transcend time. We are pleased to be able to bring this work to the Valley.”
Madeleine Zeldin is happy to have his work here. “Gerald always wanted to return to the Valley. His piece at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont brings Gerald’s circle to a close.”
Something is About to Change, selected works from the estate of Canadian artist Gerald Zeldin is currently on display at Arte Vista Gallery 68 845 Perez Rd, Ste H-28
Cathedral City, California 92234. It will run through the month of August. For more information visit facebook.com/ArteVitaGallery.
