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| Hobart Nichols, The Kentish Hills, oil on canvas, 29 ½ x 39 ½, Collection of Robert P. Stout |
September 8 – October 24, 2010
The OSilas Gallery at Concordia College, Bronxville, NY
Reception and Gallery Talk: September 16, 7PM
Free and open to the Public
Free and open to the Public
Hobart and Spencer Nichols are important early 20th century Bronxville artists that have significance well beyond the village borders. This exhibition shows an exceptional representation of the work of Hobart and Spencer Nichols together for the first time and explores the visual dialogue between these artists and brothers.
It is not unusual for siblings to pursue the same passion, particularly when they follow in a family tradition. Such was the case for Henry Hobart and Spencer Baird Nichols, sons of an eminent wood engraver in Washington, DC.
Hobart (1869-1962) studied at the Art Students’ League in Washington, DC, and the Academie Julian in Paris. He became known early for his skill as a leader of artists and administrator of key arts organizations (which ultimately included the National Academy of Design, the Tiffany Foundation, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art) in addition to being recognized as an accomplished landscape painter. He resided in Bronxville for nearly 50 years, and was a key member of the Lawrence Park artists’ colony here as well as the New York City art world.
Spencer (1875-1950) studied at the Corcoran School of Art and the Washington Art Students League, where he also taught illustration at the age of 17. He served as chief designer for the Tiffany Studios and executed ethereal book illustrations for works by Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde, among others. Spencer lived in Bronxville for a decade or so prior to 1922, at which time he moved his family and studio to Kent, where he focused on easel painting and became a central figure in the Kent art colony. Hobart regularly visited Spencer there, and rendered many scenes of the village and surrounding hills.
This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for us to consider the quite different paths the brothers chose artistically and professionally while they maintained close family ties. Not only can we study how the brothers treated favorite themes throughout their respective artistic journeys, but we can also examine the ways in which Hobart and Spencer Nichols brought their own sensibilities to the consideration of similar subjects.
The exhibition is curated by Sarah Underhill, freelance writer and editor in art and architecture and former Director of Programs and Community Relations for the OSilas Gallery, and Barbara Sussman, professional artist and fine arts appraiser and granddaughter of Spencer Nichols.
Gallery Events:
MUSIC IN THE GALLERY
Sunday, September 19, 4PMImpressionism in America
A trio of Concordia Conservatory faculty members joins forces to present a program exploring the powerful union of music and art in the Impressionist era.
Sarah Hoover, soprano; Jee Sun Lee, violin; Annette Espada, cello.
Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children and seniors. Tickets available at door.
CHILDREN IN THE GALLERY
ARTyFACTS
Saturday, October 2, 3:30-5PM
Join us in the Gallery to explore the Exhibition, followed by a hands-on art project in the Art Studio inspired by the exhibit. Free! Children ages 5-10, accompanied by an adult.
The OSilas Gallery Welcomes Groups! Contact us to create a program tailored for your needs. We offer private tours, workshops or professional development programs for groups, including both educators and their students. Contact Director Patricia Miranda for more info at 914-337-9300, x2173 or email patricia.miranda@concordia-ny.edu
Lectures, receptions, and films are free and open to public and no reservations are required unless otherwise noted. Ample, free parking is available on the Concordia College campus. The OSilas Gallery is located in the Donald A. Krenz Academic Center on the second level of Scheele Memorial Library on Concordia College's Bronxville campus.
Gallery hours:
Tuesday – Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 10:00am - 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday 2:00pm - 5:00pm
OSilas Gallery at Concordia College
http://www.osilasgallery.org/
171 White Plains Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
Contact: Patricia Miranda, Director, OSilas Gallery
914-337-9300 x2173, patricia.miranda@concordia.edu
