The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is set to showcase a new exhibition, “In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting,” from Sept. 13 to Jan. 4.
The exhibition features nearly 90 paintings that explore the evolution of American landscape painting, according to a community announcement. It includes works from the Hudson River School, Impressionism, Tonalism and modern trends.
“This is a gorgeous exhibition that will have broad appeal, and we are excited to use it as a kick-off of our celebration of America’s 250th birthday,” Sarah Hall, executive director of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, said in the announcement. “Whether you are interested in American history, art history, environmentalism, or simply love soaking in the beauty of landscape painting, In Nature’s Studio checks all the boxes.”
Exhibition highlights
The exhibition is a collaboration with the Reading Public Museum and features works from both institutions’ collections. Highlights include Frederic Church’s “Cotopaxi” (1862), George Bellows’ “The Launching” (1913), Childe Hassam’s “Beach at East Hampton” (1905) and Thomas Cole’s study for “The Voyage of Life: Childhood.”
Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ new exhibition, “In Nature’s Studio: Two Centuries of American Landscape Painting,” is a collaboration with the Reading Public Museum and features works from both institutions’ collections. Frederic Church’s “Cotopaxi,” pictured.
The exhibition is organized thematically, with works grouped to emphasize particular approaches to the landscape, both stylistically and philosophically. It explores the spiritual nature of landscapes, the impact of man on the landscape and the influence of American artists traveling abroad.
Associated programs
To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, the museum will host a variety of programs throughout the fall. The opening celebration, “All American Night at the Museum,” is set for 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 12 and will feature live music, guided tours and festive treats.
Other programs include “Transcendentalists and Tea” on Sept. 18, where guests can share passages from transcendentalist authors, and a gentle yoga series inspired by the Hudson River School, running Thursdays from Sept. 25 to Nov. 13.
About the museum
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, located in Hagerstown City Park, was established in 1931 and has a permanent collection of more than 8,000 works. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and offers tours, classes, educational programs and community events. Admission and parking are free.
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and is closed Mondays and major holidays.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Landscape art exhibit opens in Hagerstown