Fred Becker, Printmaker

Fred Becker, Printmaker

A Retrospective from the WPA to the Millennium

October 3 - November 17, 2014

American artist and printmaker Fred Becker, was featured in an exhibit in the newly renovated gallery at The Umbrella. The exhibit was on display at The Umbrella Community Arts Center from October 3 – November 17, with an opening reception on October 19 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Becker’s innovative drawings and prints span seven tumultuous decades, from New York City’s jazz clubs and the Works Progress Administration in the 1930’s through World War II, and until his death in 2004.

“Fred Becker was inspired by Surrealism, Constructivism, and Abstract Expressionism while working with Stanley Hayter, but what set him apart from his contemporaries are his fantastic individualism, irrepressible energy, and dauntless approach to highly technical compositions,” says Umbrella Resident Artist Kayo Burmon, who is leading the project.

With the assistance of the artist’s daughter, Carla, and grandson, local chef, Dave Becker, The Umbrella displayws a wide range of Becker’s works including etchings, wood engravings, innovative intaglio prints and several of his printing plates dating from the early years with the Works Progress Administration to his last years at The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he taught until 1986.

The Umbrella was honored to present this exciting way to explore the history of Fine Art Printmaking in America with an artist who was involved at its inception. Dave Becker, chef and owner of Sweet Basil in Needham and Juniper in Wellesley, caterws the October 19 opening reception for his Grandfather’s exhibition. 

Becker’s work is included in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney, The Smithsonian and a multitude of other highly regarded institutions.