POLK MUSEUM OF ART
American Impressionism to Transform the Polk Museum of Art’s Galleries Special to T&T Magazine
hills, snowy streets, and fantastic fall land-
a fine art collection that exceeded 200 works.
worthy subjects of their work.
exemplifies how the support of patrons like the
scapes, and turned regular individuals into Lakeland, FL – The Polk Museum of Art is
excited to announce its headlining Summer
This extraordinary and beautiful exhibition
“American Impressionism may find its ori-
Daytons helped American Impressionists claim
and Fall exhibition, “American Impressionism:
gins on the European continent, but it takes
view through October 24, 2021.
arrives in the United States,” explains Dr. Alex
19th through early 20th centuries, represent
Polk Museum of Art. “Moreover, as this exhi-
American Impressionist movement, they will
art. Influenced by the rise of Impressionism in
tive art movement, with its notably American
entertaining programming in conjunction with
own repertoires by using non-academic tech-
American Impressionism flourishes as a genre
ing less traditional subject matter than that
surrounding the turn of the 20th century.”
centuries. Instead, American artists of this new
paintings, the works were originally from the
scenes from daily life — landscapes or urban
Woods Dayton (whose surnames combine
the Daywood Collection” was organized by the
loose brush strokes and vivid colors. Painting
“Day-Wood”). Celebrated as patrons of the
International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.
and townscapes, depicted scenes of rolling
lectors of American art, the Daytons developed
Treasures from the Daywood Collection,” on The works in the exhibition, from the late
on a considerable life of its own once the style
Rich, executive director and chief curator of the
a transitional time in the world of American
bition makes clear, rather than just an imita-
France, American artists began to expand their
subject matter and a uniquely American flair,
niques, employing less rigid styles and select-
— and ‘school’ — of art unto itself in the years
typically found in painting in the preceding
Featuring 41 rarely-seen Impressionist
Impressionist bent shifted toward painting
private collection of Arthur Dayton and Ruth
scenes or portraits of everyday people — with
to create the collection’s portmanteau name:
frequently en plein air, they turned to nature
arts in West Virginia and as consequential col-
20 AUGUST 2021
their niche in the art world, allowing them to hone their crafts, survive as artists, and find
national acclaim at the turn of the 20th century. While viewers immerse themselves in the
also be able to participate in educational and
the exhibition, including Museum After Hours, Curator Tours, Gallery Talks, a Members
Reception, and special events throughout
the duration of the show. You can find more
information about exhibition programming at PolkMuseumofArt.org/Impressionism.
“American Impressionism: Treasures from
Huntington Museum of Art and is toured by The collection will be available for viewing
July 31 to October 24, 2021 in the Museum’s
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