Sheldon Museum of Art
Date of this Version
1999
Citation
Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden, The Twelfth Annual Sheldon Statewide Exhibition 1998-99.
Abstract
Robert Henri: a Nebraska Legend, the twelfth in a series of Sheldon Statewide exhibitions, is a result of the uniquely successful partnership between the staff of the Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden and our principal funding support group, the Nebraska Art Association, a nonprofit volunteer membership organization dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts in Nebraska, and twenty-two Nebraska communities that have served as exhibition venues since the inception of the program in 1987. Local sponsors who support the exhibition in their communities, and volunteer docents who disseminate important information to the school children and adults of Nebraska have been equally invaluable to the success of Sheldon Statewide. Robert Henri: a Nebraska Legend serves as a primary example of the University of Nebraska's outreach mission in sharing the renowned Sheldon Gallery collection of American art with the citizens of Nebraska. Following are excerpts from an essay for a Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery exhibition catalogue, "Robert Henri and the Eight," 1971, by noted Henri scholar William Innes Homer:
"Robert Henri (born Robert Henry Cozad) was one of the great personalities in the history of American art. He was a talented painter, a dedicated teacher, and an influential writer. Most important historically is the role that he played in bringing about profound changes in American art around the tum of the century. Because he believed in the freedom of the individual and progress in art, he fought vigorously against blind obedience to established artistic standards and championed a more liberal attitude which gave free rein to the artist's creative instincts."
"Since a great part of Henri's influence resulted from the strength of his personality, an understanding of the man and his background is essential. Until recently, the facts of his early life were unknown to the public. However, since 1955, this knowledge has come to light and it can now be seen that his formative years played a crucial role in shaping the character of the man who became a central motivating force for artistic progress in this country."
Comments
All images are copyright by the original artists. Publication copyright 1999 The Regents of the University of Nebraska