For more than two decades, artist John Petrey has created dynamic sculptures from everyday (but unlikely) materials and found objects. Bottle caps and playing cards are used to build one garment; asphalt shingles and copper sheeting to build another. His sculptures are an artistic take on the iconic 1960s shirtwaist dress. “I do them purposely in a vintage look because when people look at them, young and old, it reminds them of better times.”

The present exhibition, which has brought together generous loans from museums, galleries, and private collections, includes both life-size and tabletop sculptures selected from Petrey’s renowned Dress Series, in which he has transformed rigid materials into fluid, garment-inspired pieces—reimagining mid-century style by blending 1950s and 1960s fashion with contemporary craftsmanship and fervid imagination.

Petrey says, in an artist statement, “Since 1981, I’ve been creating art that stirs the emotions of the viewer. As I’ve grown as an artist, my work has become more of an expression of my soul.” Images in nature, art, and new technology all influence him. He is especially intrigued by moments in life that catch his eye, random ideas that come to mind, and words people say that just hang in the air. He will observe something that strikes a chord within him and tuck it away, only to find later that it has become an inspiration to him. His art can be both lighthearted and whimsical, or symbolic. 

For many years, Petrey created sculptures at his studio in Chattanooga’s Main Street Arts District, an important area of the city’s downtown that he had helped to revive. He currently works in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Petrey’s sculptures are held in prominent private, public, and corporate collections around the world.

John Petrey is this year’s Morris Museum of Art Gala artist. All tickets for the 2026 Morris Museum of Art Gala have been sold!