The Muskingum University Louis O. Palmer Gallery is hosting the “100 Years of Art and Colorful Life” exhibit. The art exhibit features over 35 works from artist Virginia Price.
Price, an Ohio native turned 100 years old earlier in the year and has continued her work as a successful watercolorist. Her interest in art started at a young age when she painted one of her first pieces at five years old. In a personal narrative and introduction in the exhibit, Price shared her life story and career as an artist.
“I paint several days a week and started painting oils in 1947. Nature, flowers, and seascapes are my favorite subjects. I then fell in love with watercolors and have been working in that medium for the past 50-plus years,” said Price.
All paintings in the exhibit feature a title and the year in which it was completed. Price still paints and completed “Old-fashioned Garden” earlier in the year.
A numerous amount of these works are on display for observers to see. The paintings are done using watercolors and displayed in frames and some even done on objects like lamps.
Muskingum University Professor of Art, Yan Sun, liked Price’s work after seeing it at the Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival. He decided he wanted to put on an exhibit at Muskingum’s campus to celebrate her accomplishments.
“When I met her and she told me she was 98, I knew I could design a very special exhibition for her 100 years. She was very happy, so I wanted to make a big celebration for people around the community who love her work,” said Sun.
The exhibit is featured throughout Sept. 25. Price was at the exhibit on Sept. 2 to discuss her career and as an opportunity for those attending to meet the artist.
Price’s career had featured many one-woman exhibits and numerous awards on regional, state, and even nationally. Her work appeared in private and commercial collections, including the Governor’s mansion in Ohio, and multiple universities and businesses.
“This lamp [in the featured photo in this article] was collected by former President Richard Nixon. It is her work right now that is also in the White House, and other watercolor work collected by the [former] governor [Arch Moore] in West Virginia,” said Sun.
Price’s career as an accomplished watercolorist began in her early years and it is able to be displayed through some of her works at the exhibit. “100 Years of Art and Colorful Life” is open to visitors until Sept. 25.
Gallery hours for Monday and Wednesday are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Additional hours available by appointment. Only 10 guests are permitted in the gallery at a time and must wear face coverings.
