From Swords to Plowshares: Metal Trench Art from WWI and WWII Traveling Exhibit

From February through April, 2017 – see this traveling exhibit. The metal trench art objects in this exhibition are as varied and unique as the military and civilian artists who created them. The works date from the origins of this brass art form in the trenches of France during the First World War, to post World War Two pieces. Makers of trench art utilized artillery shells, bullets, shrapnel, aircraft parts, currency and other miscellaneous metal scrap and applied materials. The ingenuity and skill ranged from primitive artillery shell vases to elaborate lamps, cigarette lighters and ashtrays exhibiting high artistic craftsmanship. The captivating decorative appeal of trench art often reflected stylistic influences of the time, such as Art Nouveau. Often folk art designs with elaborate engraving and repoussé work were included. www.hollingsworthfinearts.com – included with regular museum admission