Washington – More than 70 plein-air paintings by Washington artist Andrei Kushnir are the focus of a new exhibition in the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) in Winchester, Va. “Painting the Valley: Works by Andrei Kushnir” is on view in the museum’s Shenandoah Valley Gallery through September 11.
The exhibition is the result of a decade-long project by Mr. Kushnir to explore the natural and cultural landscapes of the Shenandoah Valley. Since beginning the project in 2004, Mr. Kushnir has completed 263 Valley scenes and logged thousands of miles traveling and painting from Harpers Ferry, W.Va., to the town of Buchanan, Va.
Greg Staley
Andrei Kushnir, “Port Republic, South Branch,” by Andrei Kushnir (10 by 14 inches, oil on canvas).
According to MSV Executive Director Dana Hand Evans, “Painting the Valley” is the first in a new series of solo exhibitions at the MSV to feature the work of living contemporary artists.
Mr. Kushnir’s Shenandoah Valley paintings depict popular landmarks, as well as places treasured by local residents but little-known to the rest of the world. His first paintings of the region featured Skyline Drive and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. While painting these iconic vistas, he befriended valley residents who shared their favorite sights to see, places to eat and things to do. These interactions introduced Mr. Kushnir to new destinations and expanded the scope of his project. The resulting paintings depict a broad sampling of the Shenandoah Valley’s communities, roads, farmlands, forests, mountains and waterways.
Jim Zell
“Shenandoah Near Tumbling Run” by Andrei Kushnir (14 by 18 inches, oil on canvas).
In addition to the new exhibition, Mr. Kushnir’s plein-air paintings of the valley will be featured in a 400-page book, “Oh, Shenandoah: Paintings of the Historic Valley and River,” to be published by George F. Thompson Publishing this summer.
A regional cultural center, the MSV is located at 901 Amherst Street in Winchester, Va. The MSV complex includes exhibition galleries, the Glen Burnie House, and seven acres of gardens. Admission is $10 or $8 for seniors and youth ages 13 to 18. General admission is always free to youth ages 12 and under and to MSV Members. Additional information is available at www.theMSV.org or by calling 540-662-1473, ext. 235.