February 12, 2015

'The Artist's Garden' explores Impressionism, the garden movement

New PAFA exhibit hints at Philly's role in national gardening trends

By Aubrey Nagle
PhillyVoice Contributor

Maria Oakey Dewing/Crystal Bridges Museum

Maria Oakey Dewing's "Rose Garden"

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Museum presents a new exhibit awash with flowers and romantic landscapes. "The Artist's Garden: American Impressionism and the Garden Movement, 1887–1920" opens Friday to the public.

During the Progressive era, a period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, middle-class Americans became interested in gardening as a hobby. Philadelphia, always known for its interests in horticulture including our landmark Flower Show, had a big part in making this trend popular. In fact, the Garden Club of America was founded in Philly in 1913.

The exhibit includes paintings, stained glass, sculpture and more courtesy of various private collections, libraries, botanical gardens and museums. Artists like Hugh Henry Breckinridge, Frederick Carl Frieseke and Violet Oakley will be represented, among others.

"The Artist's Garden" will take a national tour after its run at PAFA, heading to Virginia, North Carolina, California and Connecticut through summer 2016.