Show Preview | American Women Artists

Fredericksburg, TX
RS Hanna Gallery, October 21-December 7

This story was featured in the October 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art October 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

THE AMERICAN Women Artists organization was founded nearly 30 years ago with a mission to inspire, celebrate, and encourage women in the visual fine arts. Today, the organization continues to fulfill this mission through annual shows and juried competitions for its 900 members in prestigious galleries and museums around the country. This month, for the first time in its history, the group is proud to present an invitational show featuring works exclusively by its Signature, Master Signature, and Heritage Circle (lifetime) members.

The show, titled A Tradition of Excellence, runs from October 21 through December 7 at RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX. An artists’ reception takes place on Friday, November 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by a second reception to help close out the show on Friday, December 6. Artists’ demonstrations are also planned during both receptions.

“This inaugural show for some of our most elite members is another exciting opportunity—in addition to our coveted annual juried exhibitions—to display the tremendous female artists producing works today,” says board member, participating artist, and show chair Christine Drewyer. “For so long, women have struggled to get equal recognition for their artwork in a playing field that we feel is out of balance, so we’re thrilled to work with the wonderful RS Hanna Gallery to provide yet another avenue for talented women artists to show and sell their work.”

The show features approximately 100 artists—nearly all of the group’s Signature, Master Signature, and Heritage Circle members—including Jenny Buckner, Nancy Carroll, Katherine Galbraith, Paula Holtzclaw, Kim Kori, Ann Larsen, Denise LaRue Mahlke, Krystii Melaine, Kay Northup, Pokey Park, Elizabeth Pollie, Diana Reuter-Twining, Rosetta, Sarah Webber, and Romona Youngquist.

Each artist brings one piece, measuring up to 20 by 24 inches, to the show. “I’m so delightfully surprised with the exquisiteness, caliber, and quality of works already coming in for this show, but I guess that’s what happens when you pull from the best,” Drewyer says. “From stunning bronzes to figurative, landscape, and abstract works in oil, watercolor, colored pencil, pastel, and more—it’s truly a cross section of who we are and all that we do.”

One of Drewyer’s favorite pieces submitted so far is a bronze horse by Diana Reuter-Twining titled MAESTRO. “The first time I saw this stunning sculpture, it blew me away,” she says. “It demonstrates perfect proportion and accuracy, balanced with beautiful geometric composition, and a glorious green patina.”

Aptly titled GOLDEN GLIMMER, Drewyer’s own piece in the show is a subdued and shimmering landscape featuring a dramatic sky with sunlight peeking out from trees and reflecting on a small body of water. “I know I’ve succeeded when people look at my work and go ‘ahh,’” she says.
Indeed, with so many beautiful works on display, many “ahhs” are sure to be heard at the gallery over the course of this show. —Lindsay Mitchell

contact information
www.americanwomenartists.org

This story was featured in the October 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art October 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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