Circus-themed artwork by the artist Belfontaine will be displayed in the Craine Gallery through September. Belfontaine has been studying and creating in paint and sculpture his favorite subject, circus life, for over 39 years. In 2003, John was invited by The Big Apple Circus to travel and document the circus behind the scenes. It was “A dream come true.” Belfontaine documented his experience through his artwork, including some of the pieces in his September show.

Action, excitement, joy, and laughter: These are the elements of the circus ring. Dedicated hours of practice, intense focus, and risk are the elements of circus life behind the curtain. A close community with strong bonds of caring is what surrounds the circus performers. The Big Apple Circus was one of the few remaining traditional one-ring tent circuses fashioned in the European Equestrian Circus style. This circus featured award-winning acts from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Many of the performers consist of third, fourth, and fifth generations of circus families. With his immersion into the circus and the life behind the scenes, Belfontaine has been able to imbue his art with a sense of these elements to bring the circus into the gallery.