“The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio’s Painters, Makers & Their Mentors” is the latest exhibition on view at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio (DAC) in Lancaster.
The exhibition showcases the work of dozens of painters and sculptors who have created their work in Ohio. Some were taught by or mentored other artists in the show.
Going into the exhibition is a panel with the artists’ photos and an interactive audio guide with more information. Look closely at the photo of Elizabeth Nourse — her painting included in the exhibition is in the background.
Familiar to central Ohio arts patrons are works by Emerson Burkhart, Elijah Pierce, Alice Schille and William Hawkins. Other featured artists include Lilly Martin Spencer, Frank Duveneck, Howard Chandler Christy, Donald Baker, Popeye Reed and William Zorach.
This exhibition is made possible with support from The Fox Foundation, Inc. and Patrick and Brenda Smith.
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I was given a sneak peek at the exhibition by DAC’s executive director Jason Crabill. He is clearly a great supporter of Ohio art and artists. He told me the story of Lilly Martin Spencer (1822-1902) who painted domestic scenes.
Spencer and her husband had a rather unconventional arrangement for their day: Lilly supported the family with painting and her husband took care of the house and childcare.
Columbus artist Schille (1869-1955) studied painting in New York and Paris, traveled extensively and came back to Ohio to teach at the Columbus Art School. One of her students was Lucius Kutchen (1901-1936), whose work is also in the exhibition.
These types of mentor-student connections are woven throughout the gallery spaces. The exhibition is divided into geographic regions associated with the artists. Featured artist Victor Griswold (1819-1872) was born in Worthington, lived in Tiffin for a time and was based in Lancaster while he was actively painting.
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According to Crabill, although larger cities and states are typically associated with art, Ohio “has been a cultural hub and this exhibition puts a lens on it.”
Crabill explained that unlike many other art museums, the DAC is not a collecting institution and does not house a permanent collection. Every piece shown in its exhibitions is on loan from collectors and galleries. The exhibition is free to attend but DAC greatly appreciates donations.
In addition to the exhibition, the DAC is hosting Sketching in the Salon classes in which a painting will be highlighted and participants may try their hand at sketching the work.
The classes for ages 12 through adults will be held on the first and third Thursdays of February, March and April, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Children’s classes for ages 6-11 will be held every other Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m., starting on the first Saturday in February and going through April 26. The cost for adult and children’s classes is $12 per individual class or $10 for members. Attendance for all six classes is $70 or $60 for members.
DAC is housed in the glorious Reese-Peters House, constructed on “Main Hill” in 1835 for William James Reese and his wife Elizabeth Sherman, the eldest sister of General William Tecumseh Sherman and Senator John Sherman.
In its day, “it was known as the finest house in Lancaster” according to the DAC website. The house changed ownership several times over the next hundred years. The last private owner was Philip Rising Peters whose grandparents purchased the house in 1872.
Peters passed away in 1954, leaving the house in trust to be used for “a civic purpose.” The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio was founded in 1998, occupying the former residence. The nonexhibition spaces have been maintained with 19th century period décor.
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Touring the home is a treat for history buffs. If you are visiting from out of town, you may make a day of it by also touring the Sherman Museum, 137 E. Main St, Lancaster, just a couple of doors away. And there are restaurants nearby on East Main Street.
“The Nearest Faraway Place: Ohio’s Painters, Makers & Their Mentors,” curated by David and Constance Terry, is open to the public through April 27.
The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is located at 145 E. Main St. in Lancaster. Exhibitions are free to view. Groups may schedule a tour at a charge of $5 per person. Hours are Wednesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
For more information, please visit decartsohio.org or call 740-681-1423.
Amy Drake, M.A., M.S. MCM, is a Telly Award-winning filmmaker, playwright and actor. She can be reached at [email protected].