PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Warner Foundation Collection: History in the Painting Now on View at the Figge Art Museum

Davenport, Iowa (July 6, 2022) — The Figge Art Museum has joined forces with the Warner Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting an understanding of American History through American Art, to present History in the Painting.

Now on view in the Figge’s second-floor gallery 206, History in the Painting gives insight into our country’s past through the work of revered American artists including Thomas Cole, Severin Roesen, Albert Bierstadt, and John Frederick Kensett.

Drawn from the renowned collection of the Warner Foundation, which continues the legacy of Jonathan “Jack” Warner in using American Art as an important vehicle for teaching American History, the paintings range from bountiful still-lifes to awe-inspiring landscapes and reflect 19th-century society and culture. Ideas surrounding national pride, agricultural growth, the rise of the middle class, and westward expansion are explored through these paintings and show how understanding our past is integral to moving forward.

“We’re so honored to partner with Susan Warner and the Warner Foundation to bring these iconic works to the Quad Cities. These paintings complement works in the Figge’s own collection and provide an opportunity to further our visitors’ understanding of American art and our country’s history,” stated Michelle Hargrave, Figge’s Executive Director and CEO.

“The opportunity to reach new audiences, particularly in the Midwest, which is where my husband Jack Warner was born (Indiana) made this partnership with the Figge exciting,” said Susan Warner of the Warner Foundation.

Educational programming, including a keynote lecture with Dr. Graham Boettcher from the Birmingham Museum of Art, will take place on Thursday, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to come at 5 p.m. for a reception with light appetizers and complimentary wine and beer with Susan Warner prior to the talk. Dr. Boettcher will explore the historical context and meaning of the American paintings currently on loan to the Figge from the Warner Foundation, Anecdotes about the legendary collector Jonathan “Jack” Westervelt Warner, who created one of the world's foremost collections of American art, will also be shared. Register for your free admission to this event at www.figgeartmuseum.org. Visitors can also experience a mobile audio tour featuring more in-depth information about the works on view.

History in the Painting is organized with the assistance of graduate students in the Museum Studies Program at Western Illinois University and is sponsored by the Warner Foundation. The exhibition will be on view through spring 2023 and features several audio tour spots, including unique and personal perspectives on the works by the graduate students, insights into collecting of American art and legendary collector Jack Warner, and a family tour.

Opening Program: History in the Painting
Thursday, July 7
5 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. Scholar Talk with Dr. Graham Boettcher
Celebrate History in the Painting from The Warner Foundation Collection with a reception that includes light appetizers and complementary wine and beer followed by a Scholar Talk with Dr. Graham Boettcher (The R. Hugh Daniel Director at the Birmingham Museum of Art). The talk will explore American Art and the newly installed works on loan from the Warner Foundation. Register at www.figgeartmuseum.org.  

About the Warner Foundation:
The Warner Foundation continues the legacy of Jonathan “Jack” Warner in utilizing American Art as an important vehicle for teaching American History. The mission of the Warner Foundation is to promote an understanding of American History and its relevance to controversial issues through art exhibitions and programs that promote meaningful dialogue and rekindle a spirit of tolerance and hope in our society. The Warner Foundation believes that Americans will make better, more informed decisions about their future if they have a solid understanding of their past.  The Foundation sponsors art exhibitions and related programming that engage audiences and stimulate dialogue on important topics that often divide our nation today.

About the Figge Art Museum:
The Figge Art Museum is dedicated to bringing art and people together. Located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its landmark glass building, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections and presents world-class exhibitions, art classes, lectures, and special events that attract visitors of all ages. Museum hours are 10 a.m.­­-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays; and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are not required, but can be made at www.figgeartmuseum.org or by calling 563-345-6632. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students with ID and $4 children ages 4-12. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and to all on Thursday evenings. You can become a member for as little as $50 by visiting the Figge website. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org. 

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