"George Morrison (1820-1893): New Albany’s Portrait Painter"

July 14-August 26, 2006

EXHIBIT GUIDE

ADDITIONAL EXHIBIT PAINTINGS

The Carnegie Center for Art and History in New Albany, Indiana, is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit, "George Morrison (1820-1893): New Albany’s Portrait Painter," which will present portraits and landscape paintings by the 19^th century artist. The exhibit provides an introduction to characteristics of the portrait-painting genre, popular during the mid 1800s, as presented through Morrison’s work. Throughout history, portraiture has served as a status symbol among the elite, becoming an especially prosperous business for artists during the 19^th century. This exhibit was curated by Brenna White, a Master’s candidate in the Critical and Curatorial Studies Program at the Hite Art Institute of the University of Louisville.

Ashbel Parsons Willard. Governor of Indiana January 12, 1857-October 4, 1860 36" x 29" Indiana Historical Bureau, State of Indiana, Governors' Portraits Collection. For more information on Ashbel P. Willard, visit http://www.statelib.lib.in.us/www/ihb/govportraits/willard.html

John Owen Greene 1869 42" x 38" From the collection of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library

Morrison moved to New Albany in 1840 and established himself as the region’s primary portrait painter during this time when portraiture was becoming popular among the upper middle class. Many of New Albany’s leading citizens commissioned his paintings, including the Scribner, Meekin, and Shrader families whose paintings will be on display. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a portrait of Governor Ashbel P. Willard, which is normally on display at the Indiana State House along with other paintings of Indiana governors. Morrison’s paintings not only demonstrate the skill of an accomplished local artist but also document the lives of New Albany’s leading citizens and their families during the mid 19^th century. The exhibit also includes landscapes of the Ohio Valley, including a "portrait" of New Albany that Morrison completed in 1849. The exhibit will be on display July 14 - August 26, 2006.

There will be an opening reception for this exhibit on Friday, July 14, from 6 to 8 pm. Visitors can enjoy light refreshments as they explore the life and work of this notable New Albany artist. This event is free and open to the public.

View of New Albany
1849 48" x 65"
From the collection of the New Albany-Floyd County Public Library

2006 is the Year of the Museum, and institutions across the country are celebrating 100 years of museums in American life. The Year of the Museum (YOM) is dedicated to celebrating the rich variety of museums in America, their contributions to civic and cultural life and the unique, personal experiences museums offer visitors each and every day. The Year of the Museum (YOM) is a national effort to bring together the collective voice of the museum field to capture the public’s attention and imagination. It is a celebration of the wondrous, amazing, and exciting things that museums do to enrich our lives and our communities. To learn more about YOM and view a list of other participating museums, visit the American Association of Museums’ website at http://www.aam-us.org/sp/yom/.