Vision of Impressionism to highlight works by Oklahoma Society of Impressionists

Monday, June 6, 2016

The OSU Museum of Art is pleased to introduce Vision of Impressionism: Paintings from the Oklahoma Society of Impressionists, on view from June 20 – Aug. 6, 2016.

The Oklahoma Society of Impressionists (OSI) was formed in 1987 when a group of artists met in Taos, New Mexico, at a plein air workshop. The group was formed to represent and support Oklahoma artists painting in the Impressionist style, to raise public appreciation for plein air, and to promote excellence in representational art.

Plein air, a French term meaning “open air”, is used in this context to describe the act of painting outdoors. Many well-known French Impressionist painters, including Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro and Pierre-Auguste Renoir were strong advocates of plein air painting, and the technique remains strongly connected to the Impressionist style.

The membership of OSI, which has exhibited across the state of Oklahoma as well as in Texas, Colorado, Missouri, and Arkansas, is limited to artists who have Oklahoma roots and/or live in Oklahoma. Vision of Impressionism showcases recent works by 11 artists from the organization: Diane Ainsworth, Nick Berry, James (Jim) W. Bruce, Jr., Claudia Kates Doyle, Jody Ellison, Mary Anna Goetz, Joan LaRue, Jay O’Meilia, Bruce Peil, Derek Penix, and Carla Perry.

This exhibition is organized by the OSU Museum of Art and curated by James W. Bruce, Jr. and Linda Howell. The OSU Museum of Art is offering the following related programs in conjunction with the exhibition. All are free to the public.

Opening Reception
Thursday, June 30, 5 to 7 pm
Curator’s Talk begins at 6 pm

drawingLAB
Thursday, June 30, 5 to 7 pm
Held in conjunction with the opening reception

Family Day
Saturday, July 9, 11 am to 3 pm
Hands-on, creative activities allowing visitors of all ages and abilities to explore Impressionism techniques

drawingLAB
Thursday, July 28, 6 pm
Exploring outdoor drawing and painting at the OSU Botanic Garden