Show Preview | American Impressionist Society

Gallery 1516, Omaha, NE
September 10-December 12

Liang Weizhen, Bright Dream, oil, 18 x 24.

For collectors who love the light-filled, loose paintings of traditional impressionism, the American Impressionist Society’s 22nd annual National Juried Exhibition is a must-see. It showcases 175 juried paintings from more than 150 contemporary impressionists covering a wide range of subjects: landscapes, still lifes, interiors and exteriors, portraits, florals, and more. The participating artists hail from around the country and work in a range of media as well, including oil, pastel, acrylic, and watercolor. A curated selection of 25 additional paintings from AIS Master members, officers, and AIS co-founder Charlotte Dickinson are also on display and for sale.

: Carolyn Anderson, Coachman, oil, 12 x 9.

: C.W. Mundy, Near Williams Creek, oil, 36 x 24.

: Dan Beck, Almost Spring, oil, 28 x 22.

The show opens to the public with a reception on Friday, September 10. Among the festivities that evening is a presentation on collecting fine art from longtime collector Tim Newton at 6 p.m. The Wet Wall Exhibition, a special sale of plein-air paintings fresh off the easels after a local paint-out, takes place on Saturday, September 11, at 6 p.m. Many of the exhibiting artists are in attendance throughout the opening weekend—a great opportunity for collectors to connect with the creators of these paintings.

: Anne Blair Brown, Welcome In, oil, 24 x 24.

: Doreen St. John, Bright Hope for Tomorrow, pastel, 18 x 24.

: Cheryl St. John, Rose Garden, oil, 12 x 12.

This is the first year the American Impressionist Society is partnering with Gallery 1516 in Omaha, NE, to present its national exhibition. The spacious, rustic warehouse has a long and colorful history as a livery stable, a farm-equipment shop and repair space, and, most recently, a rental-car lot. Six years ago it was remodeled to create Gallery 1516, and the nonprofit venue now hosts a variety of art, music, literary, and architecture events.

“We’re thrilled to be exhibiting this exceptional collection of AIS paintings at Gallery 1516 this year,” says Liz Ahrens, the group’s executive director. “Located in Omaha’s vibrant downtown Old Market area, it’s an ideal space for large installations, with portable hanging trusses that allow for showing paintings in a range of sizes.” The show is on view for three months, which means there’s plenty of time for local attendees to see it and for out-of-town art-lovers to plan a trip. “It also gives us a chance to organize additional special events in the gallery while the show is on display,” adds Ahrens.