Jeffrey Reed, Havre de Grace, 2006

The Susquehanna: River and Inspiration

September 6 - November 10

This exhibition takes its inspiration from the Susquehanna River, which winds 444 miles from its origins in Cooperstown, New York to its entrance into the Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Maryland.  The majority of the river winds through Pennsylvania where contemporary painters and photographers find inspiration in various points along its path. This exhibit re-examines some aspects of The Visions of the Susquehanna exhibit that was mounted in 2006 and sponsored by the Richard C. von Hess Foundation.  This time, rather than examine only painters, we will take another look at the Susquehanna River as a source of inspiration for contemporary artists exclusively and examine the interplay between photographers and contemporary painters and the river. 

The Susquehanna River is not a linear flow of water that traverses Pennsylvania; rather it is a complicated and inclusive body of water that incorporates many tributaries, tidal fields, rock quarries, dams and larger flowing areas. These flowing areas that were once utilized as transportation, today serve as recreational areas or the backdrop to modern day leisure activities as well as fulfilling some of today’s industrial needs.  The river has undergone many changes which humans have wrought and its surrounding shores are constantly fascinating to photographers and painters alike.  These artists are able to address the various changes that humanity has affected all the while evincing the beauty in the river.

We would like to thank all the lenders to the exhibit:  Fred R. Albright, Joseph R. Deerin, Dorothy Frey, Eric Golias, William Kocher, Lancaster Galleries, Lancaster Newspapers, Inc., George and Bambi Long, Dave and Cheryl Meck, Toby Richards, Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area, James M. Wehler, Christine Welch, J.D. Wissler, Scott Wright, Frances and Tom Wolf, and all the collectors who wished to remain private.

The exhibition is guest curated by Anne M. Lampe, Executive Director of The Demuth Museum, Lancaster, Pa.

Sponsored by:

THE RICHARD C. VON HESS FOUNDATION