Pictured: "Wickets". Courtesy of Sarasota Sculpture Center

Sarasota celebrates International Sculpture Day with the simultaneous openings of two exhibits at the studio of local sculptor Duncan Chamberlain, son of the late famed metal sculptor John Chamberlain, who made Sarasota his home and workshop through the 80s and 90s. In addition to exploring the latest work from the younger Chamberlain in the “Like Father, Like Son” exhibit, attendees of this limited two-day exhibition will be afforded the chance to see two large-scale never-before-seen sculptures from John Chamberlain in the “Remembering John Chamberlain” exhibit, organized by the Sarasota Sculpture Center with cooperation from Duncan.

“I’ve been very aware of [John Chamberlain’s] contribution to the sculpture world,” said Susan McLeod, Chair to the Board of Directors of Sarasota Sculpture Center and someone who counted Chamberlain as a personal friend. It’s Chamberlain that she credits with vitalizing Sarasota’s art scene and bringing celebrated greats such as Andy Warhol and David Budd to town. “He’s an icon that we had living and working right here,” said McLeod. “It’s always been a big chagrin to me that Sarasota’s basically done nothing to recognize it.”

Contacting the late artist’s son, Duncan, McLeod was shocked to discover that he had two previously unknown sculptures from his father hidden away in the studio. “It was flabbergasting,” she said, and big news travels fast. McLeod is already fielding calls from collectors around the country who want to know what’s been found.

Entitled Elitist Provocateur and Wickets, both are monumental examples of the older Chamberlain’s style - grand in scope with forms torn from the wreckage of discarded auto parts. Provocateur hangs from the rafters of Duncan’s studio, while Wickets splays across the floor like a giant mechanical croquet field. Some of Chamberlain’s memorabilia accompanies the exhibit, such as sketches and drawings and autographed programs from old shows. Photos of the artist at work adorn the walls and a documentary film of an older Chamberlain at work, cane and all, loops continuously.

In the yard behind the studio, Duncan’s work stands on display, including a great looming humanoid figure entitled Camera Man, fittingly composed of discarded cameras. The older Chamberlain’s influence rings clear in Duncan’s metalwork, but the younger Chamberlain still distinguishes himself as an artist in his own right. Working with brushed stainless steel and aluminum instead of auto parts, Duncan’s abstract creations gleam as they tower. “It’s stunning,” said McLeod.

Due to the massive size of the Chamberlains’ creations and the complications that creates with staging, these exhibits will only be open for two days – tonight and tomorrow – before closing down. “We’re fortunate to be able to do this for even that amount of time,” said McLeod. “It’s a very special treat for the community and I hope people take advantage.”

With a complementary beer, wine and water bar and the Clasico food truck bringing tacos of all sorts, they’re making it easy.

“Like Father, Like Son” and “Remembering John Chamberlain” run from Apr. 24-25 and open today with a 4pm reception at the studio of Duncan Chamberlain at 7036 Clark Road, Sarasota. Hours are 4pm-12am both days.

Pictured: "Wickets". Courtesy of Sarasota Sculpture Center