Age of Optimism: Ohio Builds A Statehouse

August 15 through October 26, 1996

The Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery presents Age of Optimism: Ohio Builds A Statehouse. Age of Optimism, organized by Jeff Darbee and Nancy Recchie, historic preservation consultants based in Columbus, strives to place the Statehouse in context. The exhibition examines our nation from the late 1830s to the eve of the Civil War. It explores the trends in art, architecture, fashion and the decorative arts that shaped the Statehouse's design. The exhibition includes representative objects and images from the period between 1838 and 1861. Click here for more information on Age of Optimism: Ohio Builds A Statehouse

How about a quick tour of some of the works that were on display?!?

There are 7 images contained within this archive which are intended for personal/educational use only. These images bear a 1996 photographic copyright which belongs to the Ohio Arts Council. Therefore, they are not in the public domain. Photo credits for the images: Chas Krider.

Thomas Dow Jones, from left to right: Bust of Thomas Ewing, plaster, 31" x 22 " x 17", 1859; Bust of Governor Salmon Chase, plaster, 26" x 15" x 12", 1859, both courtesy Theodore A. Gantz, Bust of President Abraham Lincoln, patenated plaster, 32 1/4" x 23" x 15", 1861-1862, courtesy Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board	Robert Brandt, Architectural Model Joseph Swift House, Vermilion, Ohio, 1840-41, basswood, 39" x 105" x 82" 1991, courtesy University of Notre Dame School of Architecture	Catherine Custer Spacht, Plume Quilt, cotton, 73" x 72", c. 1840 - 1850, courtesy Lois M. Rodabaugh

Artist unknown--both pieces, Decorated Writing Armchair Rocker, wood, paint, 41" x 15" x 33 1/2" c. 1840 courtesy Mr. and Mrs. Tom Porter; Octagonal Swivel-Top Work Table, mahogany, walnut, curly maple, cherry, 29 1/2" x 24 1/2" x 24 1/2" c. 1850, courtesy James T. and Ann K. Lowder	Valentine Yoder, Decorated Three-Drawer Blanket Chest, poplar, paint, 28 1/2" x 47" x 21" c. 1860 courtesy James T. and Ann K. Lowder; Timothy Sturgeon, Cherry Tall Case Clock, wood, 8' high, c. 1820, courtesy Jean Stuck-Monger	Jacob Ware, Sideboard, wood, 54" x 75" x 26" c. 1820-1840, courtesy Fayette County Historical Museum

Artist unknown, Woman's Evening Dress, silk, c. 1840-49, courtesy Kent State University Museum, The Silverman/Rodgers Collection 1983

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