Childe Hassam: Paintings & Prints

A Bowl of Goldfish, 1912 Childe Hassam Oil painting Gift of Frank C. Ball

To Ball State University Museum of Art patrons, Childe Hassam’s Bowl of Goldfish (1912) is quite familiar. It has remained a favorite painting long after the 1985 exhibition Childe Hassam in Indiana. As Alain Joyaux noted in the book of the same name, the exhibition was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of what was then known as the Art Gallery, so it is fitting that at the conclusion of its 75th anniversary celebration, the museum has chosen to once again feature the artist in the exhibition Childe Hassam: Paintings and Prints.

Frederick Childe Hassam first found success as an illustrator for books and magazines in the late 1800s. He returned to graphic media after the turn of the century, first to etching and drypoint in 1915, then to lithography in 1917. However Hassam best known for his accomplishment as a painter within the American Impressionist movement.

Hassam’s work has long been important to the Muncie art community. In 1907, the newly organized Muncie Art Association set its eyes on acquiring Entrance to the Sirens’ Grotto, Isles of Shoals (1902). Local historian Ned Griner writes that while Hassam discounted the cost of the painting to a mere $400, it was still $300 over the group’s budget. Thanks to a subscription drive undertaken by Frank C. Ball and George McCulloch, the money was raised, and the group made what became a significant purchase.

Entrance to the Siren’s Grotto, as well as Bowl of Goldfish, will be on view during the exhibition, as will The Old Lyme Bridge (1903) and Reflection (1917). In addition to the oils, a selection of Hassam’s prints will be included in the exhibition.

Exhibition Date: May 20, 2011 - August 28, 2011