Woodmere Museum's Schofield Exhibit: 6abc Loves the Arts

Sept. 21, 2014 (WPVI) -- Since its beginnings at the turn of the 19th century, the mission of the Woodmere Museum in Chestnut Hill has been to feature artists with local ties. The newest exhibition celebrates a Chestnut Hill native.

Impressionist Walter Elmer Schofield spent half his life in the US and the other half in England. Woodmere Director & CEO Bill Valerio says museum staff traveled the globe to gather close to 70 of his works for a special exhibition.

"We have paintings from museums like the Metropolitan Museum, The Carnegie, The Chrysler, Indianapolis, as well as private collections of great prestige," says Valerio who adds that the works curated for the exhibition compliment 6 of Schofield's paintings already in the museum's collection.

"We wanted to do this exhibition so that we could see our own paintings in the context of his broader work."

Schofield is known for his sprawling landscapes and the exhibition depicts scenic views from California and the Cornish Coast as well as local attractions like Cresheim Valley and the Schuylkill River.

"He paints winter landscapes, summer landscapes, fall landscapes, marine paintings, harbors, French countryside," says Valerio, "I particularly love the two pictures of the Norristown Bridge because he painted it one year and went back a year later when it was painted red."

And it is that hint of local flair that Valerio hopes will attract people to the exhibit.

"The paint is sensuous and juicy. He has an amazing ability with light...sometimes it's very moody and dark and sometimes it's a celebration of energy and life."

The exhibition runs through January 25th. For tickets and museum hours go to www.TheArtsinPhilly.org.

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