Fifty-three gifts to the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art are unveiled in GREAT GIFTS, an exhibition of painting, sculpture, drawings, and photographs opening March 1.
A preview is scheduled for Saturday, February 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Donors will be recognized during a special program beginning at 7:30 p.m.
GREAT GIFTS showcases a series of eleven paintings by noted Kentucky artist, Jim Cantrell, and include large oils on canvas representing the distinctive qualities of his representational style complemented by a selection of watercolors.
A prolific artist, Cantrell has lived in Bardstown, Ky., for the past four decades and is recognized for his paintings, drawings, and ceramics.
A gift of 15 neocolor drawings and ceramics created by Kentucky’s widely recognized artist/educator, Bob Lockhart of Louisville, feature his trademark satirical commentary on people and animals. Lockhart established the Fine Art program at Bellarmine University, Louisville, in the late 70’s after completing his Fine Arts education at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Twenty-one paintings in a variety of media by Kentucky and regional artists are recent gifts to the museum selected as Purchase Awards from competitions hosted by the OMFA. This collection constitutes a survey of contemporary landscape painting with an emphasis on the visual documentation of Owensboro and the region. In addition, it represents the architecture of civic, corporate, educational structures and churches and private residences that have become iconic landmarks. Sponsoring these gifts were Swedish Match, Atmos Energy, Dr. R. Wathen Medley, Jr., Ann Murphy Kincheloe, and Gail Reisz Branch.
A special collection of photographs includes gifts from local photographers Wendell Thompson, Bill Hughes and Fr. Larry Hostetter.
Three unique portraits represent the works of the late Lex Shipley (1924-1993) an Outsider Artist known for his expressionistic paintings and a painting in the Folk Art genre of Bluegrass icon, Bill Monroe. Also featured is a realistic work by the late Cynthia Lightner.
GREAT GIFTS will remain on display through April 24, 2020, and may be viewed during regular museum hours: Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Admission to the museum is free although voluntary donations are suggested of $3 for adults and $2 for children under 12.
Access for physically challenged individuals is provided at the Atrium entrance in the 9th Street parking lot. For more information, phone (270) 685-3181, or visit the museum’s website, www.omfa.us or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.