Ruthven Byrum Exhibition at AU’s Wilson Gallery Opening March 3
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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University will open its latest exhibition at the Wilson Gallery March 3 and will remain open through April 6. “The Paintings and Legacy of Ruthven Byrum” will showcase the works of Ruthven Byrum, a regionally renowned artist and formative figure to the cultural backbone of Anderson University. The gallery will celebrate opening night with a special event from 6 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
“This exhibition is unique, because we have the opportunity to bring together paintings from AU’s permanent collection with pieces from Anderson Museum of Art, where we are primarily displaying portraits,” said Holly Sims, assistant professor of visual communication design.
Ruthven Byrum, born in Grand Junction, Michigan in 1896, moved to Anderson when he was 10 years old and fostered his early love of art at Anderson High School. After attending Anderson College for a year, Byrum transferred to Indiana University, where he studied art under Robert E. Burke and T.C. Steele. Byrum furthered his study in painting at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Byrum continued to explore new ideas and traveled to Europe in 1929 to broaden his artistic knowledge. He studied under contemporary painters, including Andre L’Hoote and Hans Hofmann, a leader in the abstract expressionist movement.
Best known for his landscape paintings, Byrum traveled the United States, painting in Alaska, Indiana’s Brown County, the Lake Michigan countryside, and the Smoky Mountains.
He returned to Anderson in 1936 and used his love of art to bolster the local community by giving private lessons while developing and heading the art program at AC until his death in 1958.
Throughout his career, Byrum exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Corcoran Galleries in Washington, and in many venues throughout the Midwest. While clearly an important figure in the art world, it is his devotion to AU and the city of Anderson that has left a mark on this region. The rest of his family also poured into this community and are whom Byrum Hall is named for.
The exhibition is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.