NATURE REIMAGINED: THE JOYFUL ART OF CHARLEY HARPER OPENING

Story and photos by Mary Casey-Sturk

On November 1^st, dozens of art lovers gathered at 8 North Center for the Arts to celebrate the opening of the exhibition, Nature Reimagined: The Joyful Art of Charley Harper.

Charley Harper (1922-2007), a Cincinnati-based American Modernist artist remains beloved by fans locally and around the world.  He was known for his stylized wildlife prints, posters and book illustrations. A prolific commercial artist, Harper contributed to over 100 issues of the Ford Times magazine (produced by the Ford Motor Company) from 1948 through 1982. Several pieces of art created for the Ford Times were on display and are now owned locally.  His other clients included the National Park Service, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the Cincinnati Nature Center, the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. 

Born in Frenchton, West Virginia, Harper studied and later taught at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and married fellow artist Edie McKee Harper (1922-2010) in 1947. Edie was an excellent artist in her own right, known for working in multiple mediums. Together, they raised their son, Brett, also an artist, who continues to pay tribute to their artistic legacy. 

Opening Night

Excitement was in the air during the opening, which also served as a fundraiser for 8 North Center for the Arts. Brett Harper gave a presentation in the Judith M. Sarakatsannis Art Gallery and refreshments were served.  The opening night reception was sponsored by Larry Weber. Ticket buyers for opening night also received one roadshow-style appraisal on November 15^th (part of a series of events during the exhibition’s run).

Displayed in chronological order, the exhibit featured a colorful array of images, including man animal themes. As Brett Harper explained, his father was very connected to nature and in his early years drew upon his rural surroundings for inspiration. His love for nature never faded.

During his talk, Brett Harper reflected on his father’s career and shared photos of Harper in an early studio and in his final studio, images included his work through the years including local public murals, paintings, posters and work for the Ford Motor Company. 

This exceptional exhibit (which ran through November 15^th), featured 40 pieces of work including both prints and rarely seen originals. Lithographs and merchandise were available for sale, also benefiting the 8 North Center for the Arts.