For 26 years, the American Impressionist Society has offered its artist members opportunities to reach a wider audience and advance their art practice through engaging exhibitions and events. Opening on April 25, AIS presents another edition of its Impressions: Small Works Showcase—featuring 150 impressionist works in varying painting mediums, hosted at a new location.
Eric Jacobsen, Still Life with Teapot, oil on board, 24 x 28"
“AIS works diligently with gallery owners to provide them with high caliber exhibitions,” explains Liz Ahrens, AIS executive director. “Rarely do we exhibit at a gallery more than once, so we are excited to be partnering with Anderson Fine Art Gallery. The stunning natural beauty of the Golden Isles on the shore of Georgia will provide our artists with remarkable scenery and settings to paint as our opening week includes a Paint Out for any AIS members who want to participate. We are delighted to provide visitors with a very unique experience. Imagine a room full of 1,500 paintings whittled down to 150 outstanding works—it’s impressive!”
The opening week, open to the public from April 25 to 27, includes a Paint on Location event for attendees to witness artists in action, along with a number of other special programming like workshops, painting demos, panel discussions, receptions and awards. “[Also,] our critique sessions are really valuable experiences both for artists and collectors,” Ahrens shares. “Our members bring one painting for our Signature and Master members to provide constructive suggestions and feedback to the artists.”
Janine Dunn Wade, Embracing the Rhythm, oil on paper, 8½ x 8½"
On Friday, April 26, the Small Works Opening Reception will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. The awards judge, Dan Beck, AIS Master Member, will “make brief remarks, and together with AIS Chair Debra Joy Groesser, will present awards,” says Ahrens. Following on Saturday, April 27, is the final event—the Wet Wall Exhibit and Awards, where patrons can experience and purchase the artworks completed during the week.
“Honestly, we really want viewers to experience an exhibition of impressionist artwork created by artists at various stages of their career,” Ahrens says of the organizations overall hopes for the event. “From award-winning, well-established artists to the artist who was accepted into their first AIS exhibition, the passion and dedication by our members is evident in their work.”
Prominent subject matter at this year’s event will be floral displays, seen in Janine Dunn Wade’s Embracing Rhythms and Doreen St. John’s rose bouquet titled Bruised.“I’m inspired by the way light and color influence what we see and feel—not only in the landscape but also in the human form,” says St. John of her inspiration. “My work is really about relationships in the deepest sense of the word. Relationships between shapes, light/shadow, and between the viewer and the artist, scene or subject.”
Doreen St. John, Bruised, oil, 12 x 12"
Dunn Wade adds, “Considering the breakneck pace of society, it’s important to slow down and sense all the beauty surrounding us. I am painting to capture those fleeting moments of quiet joy amid life’s chaos.”
Remaining works of art will hang through May 28. Please visit the AIS or the Anderson Fine Art Gallery website for additional details, to register for events and receptions, and to see available small works in advance. —
The AIS 8th Annual Impressions: Small Works Showcase
April 25-May 28, 2024
Anderson Fine Art Gallery
3309 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
www.andersonfineartgallery.com
www.americanimpressionistsociety.org
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