Museum of Art looks at American impressionism in its collection

Exhibit interpreting pieces in the museum’s collection runs through Sept. 14

The Gazette

Jun. 13, 2025 1:18 pm

An image of Grant Wood's Amber (Indian Creek – Fall) completed in 1927. This piece is an oil on board painting that measures 13 x 15 inches. The piece was gifted to the museum by John Reid Cooper and Lee Cooper van de Velde in honor of their grandparents John C. and Sophie S. Reid and their parents James L. and Catherine Reid Cooper. (Cedar Rapids Museum of Art) — An image of Grant Wood's Amber (Indian Creek — Fall) completed in 1927. This piece is an oil on board painting that measures 13 x 15 inches. The piece was gifted to the museum by John Reid Cooper and Lee Cooper Van De Velde in honor of their grandparents John C. and Sophie S. Reid and their parents James L. and Catherine Reid Cooper. (Cedar Rapids Museum of Art)

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The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has opened an exhibit looking at how some of the American artists in its collection were reinterpreting impressionism which was heavily influencing artists in the early 20th century.

The exhibit, Strokes of Genius: American Impressionism and its Legacy, runs through Sept. 14.

“This exhibition focuses on the work of American Impressionists in the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art collection, exploring the movement at the height of its popularity but also considering its long-ranging impact on artists into the present day” said Julia Jessen, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Curator of Collections and Exhibitions. “Despite many of these works being created over a century ago, they maintain a captivating presence that is as striking today as it was in the early 20th century.”

Characterized by a focus on the effects of light and atmospheric conditions, loose brushstrokes, and often bright colors, Impressionism was the prevalent artistic style in the United States when the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art originated in 1895. This exhibition explores the unique American reinterpretation of the style that originated in France through works from the collection. The legacy of these American Impressionists continues to inspire painterly artists today.

“In Strokes of Genius, curator Julia Jessen presents not only examples of American Impressionism by both well- and lesser-known artists, she broadens the discussion to include artists working today whose style is reminiscent of Impressionism. In this way, the Museum reaches into new territory, considering the lasting legacy of Impressionism. Juxtaposing works from the early 20th century with some from the early 21st century creates new dialogues between works, expanding the visitor’s experience and interpretation of the works, the artists who created them, and the worlds in which they, and us, live,” says Executive Director Sean Ulmer.

This exhibition and accompanying educational programming have been made possible in part by members of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and contributors to the Museum's Annual Fund. Annual educational programming has been supported in part by Transamerica.