In the Flats, 1937, Russell Eisenhut

Nearly 70 works illustrating the development of one of the finest schools of watercolor painting in America are on display at the Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery through July 10.Organized by the Cleveland Artists Foundation, A Brush With Light: Watercolor Painters of Northeast Ohio features work by 25 artists including Henry Keller, Charles Burchfield, William Sommer, Clarence Carter and Hughie Lee-Smith.

A Brush with Light is the first exhibition to examine the historical origins and development of the watercolor movement in Northeast Ohio. According to the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, Cleveland surpassed Boston in the 1920s as the country's leading center of watercolor painting, and that attention helped bring about the identification of a Cleveland school of artists. A Brush with Light provides a survey of work by the region's first influential watercolorists and demonstrates why Northeast Ohio became nationally recognized for significant achievement in the medium.

During the early 1900s watercolor became an identifiably American medium. Heralded for its innovative, spontaneous, egalitarian, even virile character, watercolor became synonymous with the country's vision of itself in the early 20th century.

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OAC Sponsors Heritage Gathering

Whether your special interest is community history, the arts, environment, outdoor recreation, sustainable economic development, tourism or the expansion and promotion of cultural resources, you will benefit from attending the first Heritage Gathering June 4-5, sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council's Appalachian programs.

At the Gathering, local residents, business people, educators and public officials will find new ways to identify, conserve and develop the natural, cultural, recreational and economic resources of Appalachian Ohio. They will discuss strategies to enhance the quality of life in the region and encourage visitors to experience the area's rich heritage, natural beauty and traditions.

Deadline to register is May 14. Registration fee of $35 includes lunch on Friday, presentations, exhibit admissions, reception, program materials, storytelling workshop and admission to the Hockhocking Folk Festival Saturday. For more information or a registration form contact Pat Henahan at the Ohio Arts Council, 614/466-2613.