"American Originals: Works on Paper from the Permanent Collection," Curated by Dr. Klare Scarborough and La Salle University Associate Professor of Art History Dr. Catherine Holochwost, December 16, 2015 through March 4, 2016.
American Originals showcases the leadership and excellence of American artists against a backdrop of social change. The exhibition draws upon the strengths of La Salle University Art Museum’s collection, with holdings that illuminate the rich art history of the Philadelphia region and the role of prominent art schools such as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum School of Art (now the University of the Arts). The exhibition highlights the historical importance of life drawing in the 19th century, the evolving opportunities for women and minority artists, and the role of American art within transatlantic artistic currents of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Also addressed are issues of identity and difference across time, the importance of artistic imagination, and the interest in defining American qualities of American art.
In preparation for this exhibition, many of these artworks were conserved with funding support from the Stockman Family Foundation. Independent conservator Susan Duhl was enlisted to remove adhesive tapes and residues. She reinforced the edges of paper which had been become brittle with age. Finally, with assistance by local framing specialist Bill Severson, the artworks were professionally mounted within archival mats for display and for long-term storage.
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