Max K Elias
b. 1940 – d. 2015 Son of Washington D.C. sculptor Maxim M. Elias
and painter Myra Elias.
Born into an artistic family, Max K, before college, learned welding at a vocational school and began making sculpture out of welded steel and wood. His later works are almost exclusively made of welded steel with etched or incised details.
Max K began exhibiting in 1960 in local galleries in Washington D.C., and began a long and productive relationship with prestigious Georgetown Day School. During the summers while the school was on hiatus, GDS sponsored art shows which included his artwork, work of his family members, and works by other well-known artists associated with the school as parents or faculty (including Ken Nolan, Dante Radice, David Smith, and Pietro Lazzaro). Recently, the school featured Max K's work in 2 alumni art shows. He also taught Science at GDS, and Myra Elias, his mother, for years headed their art dept . A number of Max's sculptures were purchased by, and hang in, the school.
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Max K also exhibited, among other venues, in Rotunda shows at the National Gallery of Art (Smithsonian) in D.C., and at annual Society of Washington Artists shows. His home gallery was the Obelisk in Georgetown, which hosted several of his solo shows.
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He also exhibited in galleries from Boston to Los Angeles. From 2010 through 2016, three of his sculptures were shown in the bi-annual Boston Art and Design of the 20th and 21st Centuries shows. The Couturier Gallery in Los Angleles exhibited 4 of his works in the early 1990's.
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In 2017 his sculpture JONAH IN THE WHALE was accepted into the permanent collection of the American University Museum Art Gallery in D.C.
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In the late 1960's Max K bought a log farmhouse near Frederick Md on 50 acres off the Appalachian Trail, where he set up a studio in the former pig house. There he created sculpture and artwork while raising sheep, chickens , and rare trees -- his artwork is a reflection of his affection for the natural world. A keen hunter and fisherman, many of his subjects are animals and fish.
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Max's enduring works are built to last. With their natural forms and textures, they exhibit a striking union of grace and confidence.
Towards the end of his life, Max K moved to the town of Gettysburg Pa. Several of his final artshows were held there.
EXHIBITIONS (partial list):
Obelisk Gallery – Georgetown (D.C.)
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Twentieth Century Gallery -- Williamsburg VA.
National Gallery (Smithsonian) – Washington D.C.
Jefferson Place Gallery--Washington D.C.
Couturier Gallery –Los Angeles CA
A/D 20-21; 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 (Art and Design of the 20th and 21st Centuries art
shows) – Boston MA.
Several shows at Georgetown Day School – D.C.
(exhibited in their 1960's/70's summer art shows, and in their 1962 Art and Home Show, and created
commissioned works, notably Georgetown Day School's logo, a grasshopper sculpture, in 3
different versions, including a giant weathervane installed on top of a school building)
2013, 2014 GDS Alumni Art Shows; D.C.
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2014, Solo Show; Adams County Arts Council, Gettysburg PA.
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2014, 11th Annual Juried Art Exhibit, Schmucker Gallery
Gettysburg College, Gettysburg PA.
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2014, A.C.N.B. Bank Lobby Show, Gettysburg PA.
2017 "Making A Scene" retro show of Jefferson Place Gallery artists in the Katzen Arts Center at the
American University Museum, Washington D.C.
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--also sold privately to collectors all over the country.
Studied: George Washington University / American University (art studies with Robert Gates and Bill Calfee)-- Washington D.C.
AVAILABLE TO BUY
Cover of program for 2017 Jefferson Place Gallery retro show at the Katzen Arts Center of American University Museum in Washington D.C.
Announcement and description of Jefferson Place retro art exhibit at the Katzen Arts Center of American University Museum in Washington D.C. 2017
"The Allergy God' is one of two sculptures by Max K exhibited as part of the Jefferson Place Art Gallery retrospective at the Katzen Arts Center of The American University Museum 2017
Cover of program for 2017 Jefferson Place Gallery retro show at the Katzen Arts Center of American University Museum in Washington D.C.
In 2017, 2 sculptures by Max K were shown in the Katzen Arts Center at the American University Museum in a retro show honoring the now defunct Jefferson Place Gallery which had originally exhibited Max K's artwork in the early 1960's.
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Max K Elias's sculptures THE ALLERGY GOD, and JONAH IN THE WHALE were exhibited in the show "Making A Scene" --associated with the Alper Initiative for Washington Art, at the Katzen Arts Center in the American University Museum in Washington D.C. This show was a retrospective of artworks and artists who had been shown in the Jefferson Place Gallery during its 20 year run from 1957 through the 1970's.
The show opened Sept. 4 and closed Oct. 22nd, 2017.
Outside banner announcing the show.
Entrance to Schmucker Gallery Gettysburg Pa.
Max K checking out JONAH at Schmucker Gallery
Outside banner announcing the show.
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11th Annual Adams County Arts Council Juried Art Exhibition, May 30-June 22nd, 2014
Schmucker Art Gallery, Gettysburg, PA
Max K's Sculpture JONAH IN THE WHALE was accepted into the 11th Annual Juried Art Exhibition of 2014 at the Schmucker Art Gallery on the campus of Gettysburg College, in partnership with the Gettysburg Summer Festival, and the Adams County Arts Council.
The show ran from May 30 to June 22 and included 50 pieces selected for exhibition by Juror Steve Dolbin, professor of sculpture & Chair of the Department of Art at Shippensburg University, including one sculpture of Max's.
Overview of Max K's bank lobby show featuring his 4 sculptures: THE WARRIOR, BIG BLACK I-BEAM BIRD, SILHOUETTE BIRD, and SELF-PORTRAIT in STEEL.
Bank entrance.
View of bank lobby showing sculpture exhibit.
Overview of Max K's bank lobby show featuring his 4 sculptures: THE WARRIOR, BIG BLACK I-BEAM BIRD, SILHOUETTE BIRD, and SELF-PORTRAIT in STEEL.
Bank lobby exhibit A.C.N.B. branch on the Square, Gettysburg, PA. (Gettysburg Summer Festival)
Four sculptures by Max K Elias:
SELF-PORTRAIT, LARGE I-BEAM BIRD, THE WARRIOR, and THE SILHOUETTE BIRD, were exhibited as part of the bank's involvement with the 2014 Gettysburg Summer Festival.
Outside sign announcing Max K's solo art show at Adams County Art Council (A.C.A.C.) 2014, Gettysburg Pa.
View of outside of Adams County Arts Council (A.C.A.C.) gallery, Gettysburg Pa.
Interior of Adams County Arts Council art show in Gettysburg Pa., featuring Max K sculpture VULTURE WITH RIBS.
Outside sign announcing Max K's solo art show at Adams County Art Council (A.C.A.C.) 2014, Gettysburg Pa.
ADAMS COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL SOLO ART SHOW FOR MAX
GETTYSBURG PA. 2014
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This was a large show encompassing over 70 of Max's sculptures and paintings and was personally attended by Max, who was living in Gettysburg at this time.
2014 Georgetown Day School alumni show
2014 Georgetown Day School alumni show
2014 Georgetown Day School Annual Alumni Art Show
19 of Max's artworks were exhibited at this show, including BIRD WITH EGG INSIDE; RUNNING CRAB; AUGAR'S WELL SIGN; HOOD ORNAMENT BIRD; VULTURE; PAN PLAYING PIPES; GEOMETRIC RATTLESNAKE; BULLDOG; SELF PORTRAIT in STEEL; SELF-PORTRAIT (painting); FIGUREHEAD; FOSSIL FISH; BLACKBIRD (CROW); RED WIRE NUDE; STANDING SHEEP; HORSEHEAD; SATYR THINKING; THREE FACES OF EVE; and ELIAS SIGN. 5 were sold. The AUGARS WELL SIGN was bought by alumni Julia Kampelman and donated to the Georgetown Day School newspaper (known as the Augar's Bit) to hang in their office at the school.
GEORGETOWN DAY SCHOOL ALUMNI ART SHOW
in
WASHINGTON D.C. 2013
16 of Max's art works were shown here, including 3 paintings (SELF PORTRAIT, POTOMAC RIVER, and GIANT SALMON aka BIG FISH). Sculptures included THE WARRIOR; the GIANT CRAB; SILHOUETTE BIRD (1); JONAH IN THE WHALE; PROTECTIVE BIRD WITH YOUNG; SMALL SCORPION; ABSTRACT NUDE WITH ARMS OVERHEAD; HEADLESS NUDE HOLDING KNEES; GIANT X-RAY FISH; PHOENIX RISING; GIANT PRAYING MANTIS, and MAJESTIC BIRD.
7 were sold.
ART AND DESIGN OF 20TH AND 21ST CENTURIES (AD 20/21) SHOWS IN BOSTON, 2010, 11,12,13,14,15, 16
3 of Max K's sculptures were exhibited in these twice a year shows, from 2010 through 2016 (and on their year-round website):
- THE AQUARIUM
- I-BEAM NUDE WITH FLOWING HAIR
- I-BEAM NUDE WITH FLAT PONY TAIL
EARLY EXHIBITIONS 1960s - 1990s
Starting in the 1960's, Max K Elias began exhibiting in Washington D.C., his home city.
A piece of his sculpture was shown at the 1960 Annual Society of Washington Artists show (the KATYDID), and in 1962 his PRAWN was exhibited in another of their shows. In 1961/62, his AIR MERMAID was exhibited in the Jefferson Place Gallery (associated with American University), also in Washington D.C.
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Throughout the 1960's, he had a number of solo shows at the Obelisk Gallery in Georgetown (Washington D.C.). He was also exhibited at the Twentieth Century Gallery in Willamsburg Va.
During the 1960's and 1970's he often exhibited in the Smithsonian/National Gallery of Fine Art Rotunda Shows for local artists of the D.C. area, and in summer shows sponsored by Georgetown Day School in Washington D.C.
In 1962, two sculptures (SUMO WRESTLER, and CAVALIER) were accepted into the Art and Home Show at Georgetown Day School, and, in a later show at GDS, his GRASSHOPPER sculpture was shown and purchased by the school--its image became the school mascot. On commission from the school, he later created a large GRASSHOPPER WEATHERVANE, which they mounted on top of their new library building. Altogether, 3 GRASSHOPPER sculptures were made for and purchased by the school.
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In 1991, the Couturier Gallery in Los Angeles exhibited 4 of his works (THE CAT, SILHOUETTE BIRD 1, SEATED I-BEAM NUDE WITH FLAT PONY TAIL, and AQUARIUM).
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Max K also sold privately to collectors all over the country. Among other works, his HISSING GOOSE was purchased for the collection of Fiona Fields.
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In the early 2000's and after his death in 2015, (and through 2016), Max exhibited in the bi-annual Art and Design of the 20th and 21st Centuries shows in Boston Mass., and also at GDS alumni art shows in D.C., and in the Gettysburg Pa. area where he spent his final years.
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In 2017, Max was exhibited posthumously in "Making A Scene" a retrospective art show honoring the Jefferson Place Gallery, where he had originally been shown in the early 1960's. This show was in the Katzen Arts Center of the American University Museum in Washington D.C. His "Jonah in the Whale", one of 2 of his sculptures exhibited in this show, was later accepted into the the museum's permanent collection.
NEWS
PRESS
ARTICLES
PROGRAMS
MAKING A SCENE: JEFFERSON PLACE GALLERY
In 2017, a retrospective art show honoring the Jefferson Place Gallery, where Max K Elias had originally been exhibited in the early 1960's, was held in the Katzen Arts Center at the American Place Museum in Washington D.C. from Sept 4 through Oct. 22nd. Two pieces of Max K's sculpture were included in this show.
Giant Copper Grasshopper Weathervane sculpture
Max K's large copper Grasshoppper Weathervane commissioned by Georgetown Day School and installed on top of the GDS library building. One of 3 of his grasshopper sculptures owned by the school, this image became the school mascot logo. The weathervane was stolen as a student prank, but later returned, damaged, and was repaired by Max K and now exhibited under glass inside the school.
Photo taken from 1962 Washington Post review
Max K Elias exhibited his AIR MERMAID at the Jefferson Place Gallery in 1962. This gallery was created by a group of artists (teachers and students associated with American University) in Washington D.C. in 1957 and ran well into the 1970's, providing much needed exhibition space for D.C. area artists, as well as attracting artists from as far away as NYC and Europe.
Maxim M Elias (father) and Max K Elias (son) exhibit in the same art show in 1962
Oct. 21, 1962 newspaper review in the Washington Star of the 69th Annual Exhibition of Washington Artists at the Smithsonian in D.C. Both Max K and his father Maxim M Elias exhibited in this show to favorable reviews. Max K's "Prawn" ("funny and frightening"), and Maxim M's "The Bull" ("witty") are singled out for special mention.
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Memory Lane
 Max welds "Portrait of Susan"in MDMax K working in his studio on his farm near Frederick Maryland |  Max K in the 1970's |  Max K on his Md farm with sheepOn a photo shoot for a newspaper article. |  Max K bearded in1980's |  Max K 1960's |
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 Max K as a teen at Georgetown homeMax at 15 in graduation suit about to transition into high school in Georgetown |  Max as a teenager in Austria |  Max K in his mother's kitchen 1990'sHome for Thanksgiving! |  Max K 2010 in Md restaurant |  Max K in the woods with grass wreathMax communes with Nature! |
 Max K and Diana Phillips at GDS partyGDS Christmas party 1960's. Max painted murals are in background. |  Max age 10; swamp Outer Banks N.C.Max K in one of his favorite environments: a swamp. |  Max K, as a teen, fishing in GermanyCatching trout in a tributary of the Danube. |  Max & sisters Nicole, Alix, Natasha |  Max K in Germany on HS trip |
 Max K welding sculpture in Md studioMax on photo shoot, working on "Portrait of Susan". |  Max K and sister Alix in NYC 2011Max K visits his sister in Manhattan where she lives. |  Max K as a teenager in D.C. |  Max in his D.C. apartmentIn the background one of Max's chicken paintings. |  Max with Mom and baby sister Alix |
 Max holds some of his artwork 60'sMax's bas-relief carved painting, "Nude on Wood" and tempra on cardboard "Face of Jeannie" |  Max K self portrait in pencil 1961 |  Max and sister Alix; Outer Banks NCMax and Alix hold a dead shark on the beach in Kitty Hawk |  Max K teaching children GDS '80's |  Max with artwork and sister Natasha |