Press Release

Oglethorpe University Museum of Art to Display European Artist Colony Paintings
"MASTERPIECES FROM EUROPEAN ARTIST COLONIES, 1830-1930 From Public and Private European Art Collections" Opens Feb. 2005

ATLANTA – The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art announces that it will host a one-time only exhibit Feb. 6 – May 22, 2005, displaying masterpieces from the famous European artist colonies of the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. The 70 artist colony paintings from six European countries have never before been exhibited in the United States.

Artist colonies are credited with changing the tradition of western painting by moving artists out of the studio and into nature, as they worked in the open air. This shift led to the development of other significant art movements such as impressionism, realism, symbolism, surrealism and expressionism.

Artist colonies emerged when artists fleeing the pressures of city life left their urban studios and sought out small, rural locations where they allowed themselves to be inspired by the natural environment. The colonies provided artists with a new way of seeing and a release from the rigid rules of the art academy. Social relationships were established among the colony artists, who exchanged ideas with one another and the poets, writers, musicians, intellectuals and tourists who were attracted to the movement.

The 70 artist colony paintings are gathered from 30 private and public collections in six European countries. OUMA visitors will see significant works of art from 19 artist colonies in seven European countries, including works by Camille Corot, Anne Ancher, Camille Pisarro, Paul Klee, Paul Sérusier, Marianne Werefkin, Herman Hesse, Alexej von Jawlensky, Charles-François Daubigny, Émile Bernard and Otto Modersohn. In addition, OUMA will host a supporting cultural program consisting of lectures and concerts. The exhibition has the support of the Parliament of the European Union and the Atlanta consular offices of Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands and Switzerland as well as European governmental and private institutions. This is an important exhibit in these times of changing transatlantic relationships. "Masterpieces from European Artists Colonies, 1830-1930, from Public and Private European Art Collections" is part of VANA and Art05 scheduled events.

About the Museum

Comprising two spacious galleries and occupying some 7,000 square feet on the third floor of Lowry Hall and Philip Weltner Library of Oglethorpe University, OUMA offers an attractive and pleasant environment for the viewing of elegantly curated exhibits. Oglethorpe University Museum of Art is easily accessible, offers ample free parking and admits visitors for a suggested donation of $5. The museum’s gift shop features a wide selection of museum-inspired and multicultural gifts, books and crafts.

Museum Hours:

Tuesdays through Sundays: Noon to 5 p.m.

Closed Mondays and university holidays

(Picture Above: Das rote Haus in Althagen [The Red House at Althagen] (1911) by Dara Koch Stetter, Oil on canvas 40.3 cm x 40.4 cm Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock, Germany)

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