North Wing Gallery to feature Nelson Reinhart paintings in Destination

Release Date: 5/11/2007. Expired: 6/30/2007

The North Wing Gallery of The Renaissance Center in Dickson will feature paintings by Nelson Reinhart in Destination, on display May 15-June 30.

The American landscape, whether rural or urban, has been addressed throughout the history of art through the painted surface.

In America, one of the most prolific times in painting occurs during the 1950s with a movement known as “American Regionalism.” It was a time when U.S. artists flourished and began developing styles uniquely their own. Most importantly they all dealt with subjects directly connected to the culture and topography of America, the most well known of these probably being Edward Hopper and Grant Wood.

In his paintings, Cincinnati artist Reinhart reinvigorates that movement as he surveys the urban landscape that surrounds him. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, this is no new environment for Reinhart, what has changed is his ability to view that space. Now using his 30-plus years of artistic training to tap into something highly charged and personal in our oftentimes-public sphere.

“I constantly search for eye-catching subjects to make unique and interesting paintings,” Reinhart said. “My work always reflects urban scenes and landscapes. Small towns or large cities, I can find various items that interest me.”

In these paintings he is able to capture a feeling of these spaces and the connection he has to them. Influenced by Hopper, Reinhart speaks on the experience of painting and a search for a path that leads to the images’ completion. There is a kindred spirit to be found between the painting and painter, and that is what is communicated to the viewer.

“I admire many of the American artists, but Edward Hopper and Isabelle Bishop are two of my favorites,” said Reinhart. “From Edward Hopper I learned that simplicity is the key to painting. He took many non-descriptive subjects and turned them into unforgettable works of art.”

Ultimately what is created is an area for connection and understanding, making the work function outside of the artist and speak to the viewer in a way only possible through the painted surface. There is a journey to be had with each image, brushstroke and scene. Reinhart seeks to take us all along that path with him.

After serving three years in the U.S. Army, Reinhart enrolled at Cooper School of Art in Cleveland, graduating in 1970. He also has studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Cincinnati Art Academy. He has worked in the graphic arts industry for more than 25 years.

Destination, featuring paintings by Nelson Reinhart, will be on display ion the North Wing Gallery of The Renaissance Center May 15-June 30. An opening reception will be 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 18.

The galleries of The Renaissance Center are open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and admission is always free.

The Renaissance Center is a fine arts education and performing arts center at 855 Highway 46 South in Dickson, just 35 miles west of Nashville on Interstate 40 at exit 172.

Visit the Visual Arts Gallery page for more about the gallery.

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