By Shelby Clark Petkus
The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is exhibiting works of Midwestern architect Robert C. Metcalf as part of their "Three Michigan Architects: Part 2–Robert Metcalf" series. The exhibit is sponsored by University of Michigan Office of the Vice President for Research and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Metcalf is known for his commercial and domestic buildings, serving as some of Michigan's most recognizable architectural pieces.
Metcalf was born Nov. 7, 1923 in Ohio, though his works have been based primarily out of Ann Arbor. The architect studied at University of Michigan before serving in Europe during World War II. Upon graduating from U-M in 1950, Metcalf began teaching at the university while apprenticing under George B. Brigham, known for his residential building designs and also the focal point of the next installment of the "Three Michigan Architects" series.
Eventually working on his own, Metcalf has since completed over 120 project in Ann Arbor, metro Detroit and his native Ohio.
Metcalf's works in the ongoing exhibition, which were preceded by the works of David Osler, are composed of 13 domestic projects over a period of six decades. According to UMMA, the exhibit will focus on "highlighting Metcalf's straightforward design aesthetic, featuring many of his iconic flat-roofed houses. Each project selected exemplifies Metcalf's mid-century modern architectural vocabulary that results in functional, minimalist spaces for living."
The series will finish with a symposium in the fall, followed by the publication of Three Michigan Architects: Osler, Metcalf and Brigham. Both the book and symposium will further explore Ann Arbor-based architects and architecture, with comparitve work to the architecture on the West and East Coast of the United States during the same period of the 1930s to 1980s.
UMMA is considered one of the finest university art museums in the country, complete with over 150 years of art on display. An ever-changing schedule of special exhibitions, visual art and more make the university landmark a dynamic experience. The museum is free, with suggested donations of $5.
The exhibit runs until July 13 at UMMA. UMMA is at 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday and 12 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 734-764-0395 or visit http://www.umma.umich.edu.
