Ben Long: The Art of Fresco & The Role of Patronage
March 28 - May 25, 2025 | Mezzanine
Ben Long (American, b. 1945)
Portrait of Edith Allison Shelton, c. 1977
Oil on canvas
Gift of William Sonny Shelton. BRAHM Permanent Collection, E.2013.01.01
Ben Long’s frescoes, celebrated for their technical mastery and expressive depth, are grounded in rigorous drawing and careful study. This exhibition, presented in honor of the installation of his fresco Psalm 23 at Rumple Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock, explores the essential figurative nature of Long’s practice. Featuring preparatory cartoons, figure studies, and selected portraits, the exhibition highlights the artist’s ongoing engagement with the human form.
Beyond their role in refining his figural compositions, Long’s portraits also reflect the interconnected nature of artistic production and patronage. Many of the individuals he depicted were not just subjects but also collectors and benefactors, whose support—both financial and civic—helped make his large-scale frescoes possible. Through this lens, the exhibition considers the relationship between private commissions and public works, offering a broader understanding of the networks that sustain monumental art.
This show is briefly in conjunction with the new permanent installation of The Good Shepherd fresco at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church.
Hours of operation at Rumple
Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday: 1 pm to 4 pm
