DOYLESTOWN, PA.- The Michener Art Museum is presenting Fern Coppedge: New Discoveries, on view from September 12, 2020-April 18, 2021. This exhibition highlights the Michener’s recent acquisition of four winter landscapes by Pennsylvania Impressionist Fern Coppedge (1883-1951). Additionally, the public will get an in-depth look at the private life of the artist with the recent digitization of Coppedge’s scrapbooks from the Museum’s Library and Archives. To see this exhibition, visitors must purchase timed tickets in advance and follow all Museum guidelines for a safe visit.
“We’re thrilled to add these vibrant paintings by Coppedge to our permanent collection and excited to share the new information we’ve uncovered about these works with visitors,” remarks Laura Turner Igoe, Ph.D., Curator of American Art at the Michener Art Museum.
Coppedge has long been heralded for her unique ability to depict landscapes using bold shapes and vibrant colors. At the age of thirteen, Coppedge knew she wanted to pursue a career in the arts after visiting her older sister’s watercolor class.
She went on to study art at the Art Institute of Chicago, eventually relocating to New York to study at the Art Students League. In 1920, Coppedge moved to Lumberville, Bucks County, and was quickly immersed in the local art scene. She was heavily influenced by other Bucks County artists, including Daniel Garber, Elizabeth Price, and Faye Swengel Badura. From 1922 to 1935, Coppedge showed with the Philadelphia Ten, a group of women artists who exhibited together while the art world was primarily male-dominated. Coppedge resided in New Hope until her death in 1951.
Fern Coppedge: New Discoveries is generously supported by Carol and Louis Della Penna. Additional support is provided by Judy and Seth Blau.
The exhibition program in the Bette and Nelson Pfundt Gallery is presented by Vivian Banta and Robert Field.
