New York, N.Y.—Jennifer C. Krieger, Managing Partner of Hawthorne Fine Art in Manhattan (www.hawthornefineart.com) and recognized scholar of American art, has joined the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to co-curate “Remember the Ladies: Women Artists of the Hudson River School”, the first known exhibition ever to focus solely on women artists associated with the 19th century landscape painting movement. The exhibition, which opens on May 8, 2010 at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, New York will bring these deserving artists to the public’s attention in the home of the founder of the Hudson River School. The Thomas Cole Historic Site is located at 218 Spring Street in Catskill, New York. For information regarding the exhibition and directions, call 518-943-7465 or visit www.thomascole.org.

“Remember the Ladies: Women Artists of the Hudson River School” will feature approximately 25 works including paintings, embroidered landscapes, photography, and drawing manuals by artists, such as Julia Hart Beers (sister to William and James Hart), Evelina Mount (niece to William Sidney Mount), Susie Barstow, Eliza Greatorex, Harriet Cany Peale, and Josephine Walters among others. The paintings of Thomas Cole’s sister, Sara Cole, and her daughter Emily Cole will also be on view.

Jennifer Krieger comments, “This remarkable group of female artists was able to overcome all obstacles they faced. Their physical and lifestyle accomplishments (in pioneering an exploration of the outdoors and acquiring their subject matter directly from the landscape) was just as remarkable as their aesthetic and artistic achievements, particularly considering the social constraints imposed on their gender. We are proud to feature works of such high quality that speak to the outstanding and undaunted talents of their makers and which put them on par with their male counterparts.”

“With all the attention that has been given to the 19th century landscape movement, it is certainly time that the names of these women become better known. The fact that there were women who were inspired by the landscape during the same years as Asher Durand and Frederic Church is a story that needs to be told, and we are so pleased to bring these women’s fascinating stories to the public,” said Betsy Jacks, Executive Director of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site.

By the turn of the 19th century, schools, seminaries, and private instructors were already providing artistic education for young women, particularly in the art of landscape painting.  Women traveled in increasing numbers to experience the American landscape and wrote of their adventures poetically. “Remember the Ladies” seeks to increase awareness of a previously little-celebrated but highly-talented and accomplished group of women artists associated with the well-known Hudson River School.

“Remember the Ladies” is co-curated by Nancy Siegel, Associate Professor of Art History at Towson University, Towson, MD. Following its stay at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site the exhibition will travel to Hawthorne Fine Art in the fall of 2010. Plans are underway by Siegel and Krieger to develop a more extensive version of the exhibition to travel nationally. “The concept for this exhibition is to expand the discussion of Hudson River School painting beyond the celebrated male artists toward a more inclusive conversation that addresses the vast number of women who ventured in the American landscape with artistic ambition,” explains Dr. Siegel. 

The exhibition will be accompanied by a printed catalogue with full-color illustrations co-written by Krieger and Dr. Siegel. The title of the exhibition is taken from a letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams in 1776: “I desire you would Remember the Ladies… if particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion.”

About Jennifer C. Krieger

Jennifer is widely recognized as a dealer and academic scholar in the field of American art. She graduated from Vassar College with degrees in American Art, Economics and French Literature and is regularly published by notable publications, including the American Art Review and the Antiques and Fine Art. Before opening her own gallery, Jennifer worked for a number of prestigious galleries and auction houses. She credits gallery owners such as Vance Jordan and Richard York, who inspired her to open Hawthorne Fine Art with the intent not only to sell beautiful works of art, but also to foster education. Her exhibitions are often a balance of highly­ sought after pieces as well as lesser-known works that are worthy of recognition. “I feel incredibly grateful that I have this opportunity to share my knowledge of and passion for American artists,” Jennifer concludes. “What can be more satisfying than rediscovering a painting that hasn’t been seen for a century and then being able to share it with others?”

Hawthorne Fine Art is located at 74 East 79th Street in Manhattan. For information call 212- 731-0550 or visit www.hawthornefineart.com.