Oil Painters of America’s 2025 Western Regional Exhibition is set for July 11 to August 11 at Illume Gallery West in Philipsburg, Montana, for a month-long showcase of traditional, representational oil painting. The nearly 115 works that will be on display have all gone through a meticulous round of judging, with this year’s juror of awards, Master Signature Artist Edward Kucera, leading the selection process.
Michael Situ, OPAM, Laguna Light, oil on canvas panel, 12 x 16"The exhibition opens on Friday, July 11, with an awards ceremony from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The following morning, Kucera will conduct a painting demonstration and, that evening, he will conduct an informal tour of the exhibition. “This is a new and popular event that is now featured at all OPA exhibitions,” says the organization's executive director Kurt Anderson. “It is geared specifically to collectors. They can hear the judge’s observations about the paintings, the reasoning behind the awards and talk together about their shared love of art.”
James Tennison, OPAM, Spanish Horse and Rider, oil on linen, 30 x 30"
Anderson adds that, “because the OPA is inclusive of all the styles and subjects within this tradition, viewers will see a wide variety of paintings, from broadly impressionistic landscapes to highly finished academic portraits. One of the standout artists in the show will be James Tennison (OPAM). His carefully executed and detailed paintings, such as his painting in the exhibition called Spanish Horse and Rider, demonstrate his love for the subtle effects of light and shadow, and the rich colors that can be found when carefully observed.”
William Schneider, OPAM, Cold As Ice, oil, 24 x 18"
He also notes the work of renowned OPA Master Signature artist Albert Handel. “His painting of trees titled A Summer Breeze is rendered in an impressionist style, and his expressive brushwork and broken color pushes the forms close to abstraction.”
Other prominent works in the upcoming show include Michael Situ’s nocturne Laguna Light, a dreamy beach scene with palm trees and glowing city lights; as well as Kathy Anderson’s still life Yellow and Blue Spring, a colorful medley of flowers in baby blue vases.
Kathy Anderson, OPAM, Yellow and Blue Spring, oil, 16 x 20"
An artist demonstration at a previous show.
Illume Gallery operates Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. “The OPA has had a long and fruitful relationship with Illume Gallery,” says Anderson, “and we are looking forward to returning to the charming town of Philipsburg, Montana, for what we know will be another exciting and successful event.” —
Western Regional Exhibition
July 11-August 11, 2025
Illume Gallery West
130 E. Broadway Street,Philipsburg, MT 59858
www.oilpaintersofamerica.com
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