Dail Dixon: Modern at Scale

Nov 20

Written By BRAHM

November 23, 2024 – May 11, 2025 | Shaeffer Gallery

Dail Dixon, *Blowing Rock*, 2009, poplar, vellum drawing sheets, and steel wires. Collection of Dyke & Deborah Messinger. Photo: Artie Dixon

Dail Dixon, FAIA, is an architect, craftsman, and a modernist at heart. This installation, featuring works from his woodworking studio, explores how this celebrated North Carolina architect, known for his innovative design sensibilities, translates modernist principles into playful, functional artworks. Dixon’s birdhouses—originally developed to benefit the Penland School of Craft—are more than whimsical objects; they reflect a refined mastery of proportion, material, and form. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Case Study Houses and a family history of birdhouse design, Dixon’s work bridges architecture and craft, modernity and tradition.

This exhibition also includes Dixon’s chair designs, lovingly crafted each year for his late sister, and his speculative patent models that blend humor with inventive problem-solving. Together, these pieces highlight Dixon’s enduring commitment to creating objects that are as thoughtful as they are delightful, embodying his belief in design’s power to enhance our everyday lives.

Modern at Scale offers a glimpse into Dixon's creative practice. While many of the structures he has designed throughout his architectural career often remain unseen—private residences that are not accessible to the general public—the sculptural and speculative objects seen here provide viewers an opportunity to appreciate the breadth of his design thinking and the fluid boundaries between art, architecture, and craft.

Dail Dixon, *Chairs for Various Moods* from the series *Chairs for Marilyn*, 1999, oak, poplar, and nails. On loan from William Blankinship. Photo: Artie Dixon

For those who want an in depth information about Dail Dixon and other exhibitions around ther museum consider coming in for our Docent led tours. Docents are ambassadors for our exhibitions. They are knowledgeable guides who share the history of individual objects and artists, inspirational stories, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes as you explore the galleries. To schedule a private Docent-led tour please reach out to Reagan at pettyre@BlowingRockMuseum.org.