An opening reception in honor of Piedmont Arts new watercolor exhibits American Watercolor Society, Jane Iten Memorial and Water Ladies will be held on Friday, March 12, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the museum.
American Watercolor Society 153rd Annual Exhibition includes 40 paintings, with styles ranging from hyperrealistic to abstract, by artists from around the globe. Founded in 1866 to promote the art of watercolor painting, the American Watercolor Society is one of the oldest and most prestigious art societies in the world. As such, election into the Society as a Signature Member is one of the most sought-after honors in the painting world. Society membership comprises many of the greatest names in painting and includes realist painter Andrew Wyeth, American impressionist Childe Hassam, regionalists Edward Hopper and Charles Burchfield, and virtually every member of the important “California School” of watercolorists, among others. This year, 143 paintings were selected for the annual exhibition and 40 paintings were selected to travel on a cross-country tour of six museums and galleries, which culminates at Piedmont Arts.
Jane Iten Memorial Exhibition was curated by Piedmont Arts in memory of Jane Iten, a local artist and longtime friend of the museum. An accomplished artist and teacher, Iten was a member of the Virginia Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society, which have rigorous invitation and acceptance requirements, and a member of Martinsville-Henry County’s artist guild, Lynwood Artists. Iten’s paintings have been included in local and national exhibits, including those sponsored by the National Watercolor Society. Her work has received many awards, including the Virginia Watercolor Society Shenandoah Watercolor Award. Featuring work on loan from the collections of Carolyn Beale, Betty Blessin, Amy and Joel Bunn, Susan Critz, Richard and Sarah Leeper Franks, Marty Gardner, Dr. and Mrs. Donald Grayson, Gale and Will Gravely, Paulina Joyce, Ruth and Dan Leeper, Barbara and Andy Parker, Shar and Greg Peitz, Holly and Walt Rhea, Susan and William Sapp, Annelle and Doug Williams, Becki Williams Vasquez, and Julie Work.
Water Ladies, featuring work by members of a weekly watercolor class at Piedmont Arts that was founded and led by the late Jane Iten, will be on display in the Lynwood Artists Gallery. Members include Doris Falls, Rebecca Kolinski, Susan Moore, Susan Sapp, Jessie Ward, and Annelle Williams.
The Opening Reception is free and open to the public. Complimentary wine and light refreshments will be served. Social distancing and masks are required. Limited Capacity. RSVP required by March 9, 2021 to (276) 632-3221 or online at PiedmontArts.org.
Exhibits will be on display March 13 – May 1, 2021, and exhibit admission is always free.
Exhibits and reception sponsored by Cece Johnson and Bob Davis, Richard and Sarah Leeper Franks, Marty Gardner, Paulina Joyce, Ruth and Dan Leeper, Stephanie and Caleb Moore, Susan and David Morris, Holly and Walt Rhea, Bunco Babes, Water Ladies and Lynwood Artists.
Yellow Awning by John Salminen, AWS, D.F., will be on display in the American Watercolor Society 153rd Annual Exhibition at Piedmont Arts March 13 – May 1, 2021. Salminen’s piece is the winner of the AWS Silver Medal of Honor.
Still Life with French Easel by Jane Iten will be on display in the Jane Iten Memorial Exhibition at Piedmont Arts March 13 – May 1, 2021. (On loan from Paulina Joyce.)
