LOOKING WEST: An Exhibition Highlighting Works by American Women Artists
American Women Artists hosts its fourth juried museum exhibitions as part of its 25 in 25 campaign.
In 2017, American Women Artists launched its 25 in 25 initiative with the goal of hosting 25 museum exhibitions over the course of the next 25 years. On May 24 the organization will open its fourth juried show at Steamboat Art Museum in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Looking West: An Exhibition Highlighting Works by American Women Artists will feature 150 paintings and sculptures by members of the organization.
“We are so excited to host the American Women Artists’ national show this year,” says Shirley Stocks, AWA show chair, who is the retired curator of the museum and owner of Wild Horse Gallery. “This is one of the shows I scheduled a few years ago before I retired as curator of the Steamboat Art Museum and I am honored to be the show chairperson. AWA is a wonderful organization I have belonged to for several years and I admire the quality of work and dedication of its members to promote women artists.”
Among the artists with work juried in the exhibition are sculptors Paige Bradley and Deanne McKeown, while painters include Anne Harkness, Carla O’Connor and Kimberly Reed-Deemer. Master members with work on view are Ginger Bowen, Kirsten Kokkin, Ann Larsen, Elizabeth Robbins and Carol Swinney.
The artwork in the show includes figures, still lifes, landscapes and cityscapes among other subjects. Harkness’ painting A Cappella is an interior scene depicting two blue chairs. In describing the work, she says, “Nearing this duet from the back of the first chair is an unexpected and almost rude approach, but I like it. Two seats communicate harmoniously and perform well together, each equally strong, equally intriguing. While the tempo is slow moving, restful and at ease, the mood is inviting and dynamic, welcoming us to come and sit together.”
Along with the show, there will be a number of events taking place throughout its run. On June 28, 6 to 8 p.m., Steamboat Art Museum will host a public reception for the show, while the next day from 9 a.m. to noon is a free symposium at the Chief Theater in downtown Steamboat Springs. During the Symposium on Women in the Arts artists Heidi Presse and Carol Carter will speak, as will author Jann Gilmore who will discuss her book Olive Rush: Finding Her Place in the Santa Fe Art Colony.
Looking West will remain on view through September 2.