150 Years of Impressionism Exhibition
Tracing the Evolution of Impressionism from France to America Through Historic and Contemporary Art
Celebrating 150 Years of Impressionism
The 150 Years of Impressionism Exhibition commemorated one of the most influential artistic movements in history while exploring its lasting impact on American art. Presented by Jose L. Rizo and Matt Bickey, the exhibition marked 150 years since the first Impressionist exhibition in Paris in 1874, where artists such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas forever changed the direction of Western painting.
Hosted at The Grant Building in Beckley, the exhibition brought together fifty Impressionist-inspired works from The Rizo Collection alongside contemporary artwork by thirteen West Virginia artists. By pairing historic American Impressionism with today's regional artists, the exhibition celebrated both the movement's enduring influence and the creative talent flourishing throughout West Virginia.
The Story of Impressionism
Impressionism emerged in France during the late nineteenth century as artists began rejecting rigid academic traditions in favor of capturing light, atmosphere, and everyday life through expressive brushwork and vibrant color. What began as a revolutionary movement in Paris quickly spread throughout Europe before inspiring generations of American painters.
The exhibition invited visitors to trace this artistic journey from its French origins to its influence on early twentieth-century American artists. Through landscapes, seascapes, portraits, and rural scenes, guests experienced how Impressionism evolved while continuing to shape artists across generations and continents.
Impressionist Works from The Rizo Collection
At the heart of the exhibition were fifty paintings from The Rizo Collection representing the widespread influence of Impressionism throughout America during the early twentieth century.
The collection featured landscapes, coastal scenes, portraits, and everyday moments created by American painters who embraced the movement's emphasis on light, atmosphere, and natural beauty. Together, these works illustrated how Impressionist ideas evolved beyond France while maintaining the movement's defining appreciation for color, movement, and the changing qualities of light.
By sharing these works publicly, Jose continued The Rizo Collection's mission of preserving significant American art while making it accessible through educational exhibitions.
Featuring Contemporary West Virginia Artists
Complementing the historic collection was a curated exhibition showcasing thirteen contemporary artists from across West Virginia.
Featured artists included:
- Fred Hays
- Tom Acosta
- Robert Walker
- Gary Vaughan
- Suzie Wiseman
- Beni Holley
- Shelby Lynn Oreolt
- Judy Foxx
- Kasey Short
- Sandy Adams Shaw
- Tonyae Smith
- Nicole Suptic
- Ryan Persinger
Representing both painting and photography, these artists demonstrated that the spirit of Impressionism continues to inspire contemporary creative expression. Their work celebrated the landscapes, people, and character of West Virginia while providing visitors with an opportunity to experience today's artistic voices alongside historically significant works.
Art, Education, and Community
Like previous Rizo/Bickey exhibitions, 150 Years of Impressionism was designed to be more than a traditional gallery experience.
Across four evenings, visitors enjoyed live music, local food, community partnerships, and educational opportunities while exploring the exhibition. The final weekend also partnered with the BEX UNfair Art Fair, further connecting the exhibition with Beckley's growing arts community.
Through these collaborations, the exhibition reflected Jose Rizo's belief that art should be welcoming, educational, and accessible—creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience historic works alongside contemporary artists in a relaxed and engaging environment.
Continuing the Mission of The Rizo Collection
The 150 Years of Impressionism Exhibition reflects The Rizo Collection's commitment to preserving American art while connecting audiences with the movements that shaped its history.
By pairing historic Impressionist works with contemporary West Virginia artists, Jose L. Rizo created an exhibition that celebrated artistic tradition while encouraging visitors to discover new perspectives on familiar landscapes and ideas. The exhibition stands as another example of The Rizo Collection's ongoing mission to educate, inspire, and strengthen communities through thoughtfully curated art experiences.