April 28 - July 16, 2018

"First Class Glass," two centuries of art rendered in glass, showcases this museum’s collection of works in this medium dating from the mid 1800’s to the present.

The exhibition features glass whimsies, an important collection of 267 glass objects created by master glassblowers of the mid-19th century. Made in Lockport and Lancaster, New York, between 1840 and 1880, the collection was amassed by a New York family in the 1950’s and ultimately purchased by Dr. and Mrs. R. Wathen Medley, Jr. for this museum.

Glass whimsies which often include ceremonial staffs, canes, vessels, bottles and novelties were produced in glass factories at the end of the work day by master glassmakers using left over glass for their personal pleasure.

While the names of these early master glassblowers are unknown, they were the creative ancestors of the international art world phenomena known as the 20th Century Studio Art Glass Movement.

More than two dozen vessels and sculptural objects contained in the museum’s Don and Carol Wiiken Collection of 20th century studio art glass by internationally recognized glassmakers are also featured. Included are contemporary works by prominent American and European artists such as Stanislav Libensky, Jack Ink and William Carlson.

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Sponsored by

The Michael E. Horn Family Foundation

ARTLAND, an exciting new dimension in education, is an interactive art studio created especially for children ages 4 to 10. It is a special place designed to challenge and stimulate the imagination while allowing children to create works of art at their own pace.

ARTLAND features an art laboratory fully equipped with supplies and materials for making works of art and is complemented by child-sized easels and tables. Instruction for seasonally-themed projects is provided by art students from area colleges and ARTLAND is FREE and open to all.

BLUEGRASS ART CAMP & FESTIVAL:

Art that Makes Music

JUNE 5 -15

Click here for a Video Tour

The dramatic growth and development of the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art in its first 40 years has enhanced Owensboro’s quality of life by its contributions to education, economic development and cultural tourism.

In just four decades, it has become recognized as a regional center for the visual arts, and its programming offers excellence in arts and culture of a quality not usually found outside major urban centers. 

The generosity of Owensboro’s corporate, private and public sectors has enabled it to become the second largest art museum in Kentucky and a premiere educational resource for Western Kentucky.

With the continued support of local corporations, philanthropic families and elected officials, the museum will continue building a legacy for future generations.

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