Archer Gallery Ruth Patterson Hart Retrospective Curated by Trisha and Craig Kauffman

Exhibition dates: September 30 ï¿½ October 25, 2008
Reception: Sunday, October 5, 1 ï¿½ 3 pm
Background on Ruth Patterson Hart.

Ruth Patterson Hart charcoal, The Apple Pickers, of workers in an orchard

The Apple Pickers, charcoal on paper, 7' x 10.5', Proposal for Mural, 1939
Photo credit: Loren Nelson

Archer Gallery is pleased to present a retrospective viewing of work by Ruth Patterson Hart curated by Trisha and Craig Kauffman. Although Hartï¿½s productive studio period was brief (1928 ï¿½ into the 1940ï¿½s), she was an active participant in the art community of the time and a friend of significant individuals of the region ï¿½ curator Rachael Griffin; artists William Givler, Louis Bunce and Jack McLarty; architects Pietro Belluschi and John Yeon.

Although a few individuals were aware of her early academic training and exhibitions, Hart quietly set her work aside in the family attic for 50 years and devoted her life to family and friends. Discovered by her children after her recent death, Hartï¿½s paintings, drawings, and mural studies illuminate a keen and well-developed talent. Ruth Patterson Hart ï¿½ Retrospective continues the rediscovery, initiated with a 2007 exhibition at ArtSpace Gallery in Bay City, OR, of a heretofore unknown artist and expands our understanding of an exciting period of artmaking in the region.

This exhibition is held in conjunction with ï¿½Ruth Patterson Hart ï¿½ Works on Paper,ï¿½ September 20 ï¿½ November 8, 2008, at the Hallie Ford Museum, Salem, OR

All events are free and open to the public.

For further information or visuals, please contact Marjorie Hirsch, Gallery Director, at (360) 992-2701 or mhirsch@clark.edu

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution