Personae

People Frame New Ashby-Hodge Exhibition, Artwork from the Permanent Collection on Display

FAYETTE, Mo. – People going about their daily lives is the theme of the newest exhibition at The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of Slave Born Sarah Humphries Died Empress Free American Art on the campus of Central Methodist University in Fayette—people plying their wares or watching the world; people gathering and conversing; people dancing and observing.

The exhibition, titled “Personae in Art as Seen in the Permanent Collection” opens Aug. 15 and features myriad people in a variety of activities.

“Once each year we try to build a show from our permanent collection,” says Dr. Joe Geist, curator of the gallery. “This one shows people in art.”

Charles Banks Wilson Self Portrait Sixty pieces of art comprise the exhibition and showcase a wide array of media and subject matter. Many capture specific events, such as “The Man . . . Dancer No. Two,” a photograph by Chuck MacFall; and “The Visitors,” an oil-on-board by David Nordahl, depicting the arrival of several Native Americans at a camp during the 19th Century. Other pieces capture slices of life, including “Today and Tomorrow,” an acrylic painting by Robert MacDonald Graham, and “Self-Portrait with Dog,” a pastel by Fred Irvin. Engaging portraits, such as Graham’s “Slave Born Sarah Humphries Died Empress Free” and Randall Davery’s “Fish Market Man,” are also part of this exhibition that encompasses sculptures, wood cuts, oils, acrylics, pastels, lithographs, and photographs.

The exhibition runs through Oct. 14. The gallery is open Sun., Tues., Wed. and Thurs., 1:30-4:30 p.m., is accessible to all and free to the public. Tour groups can be arranged by calling 660-248-6324.

(right) “Slave Born Sarah Humphries Died Empress Free,” Robert MacDonald Graham (1919-2000), acrylic. (left) "Charles Banks Wilson Self-Portrait,” oil on canvas