Only the Strong Persist

The Indiana State Museum will host a major retrospective exhibition of 40 paintings and drawings, a sculpture and several pieces of hand-painted china by Hoosier artist William J. Forsyth (1854-1935), from November 8, 2014, through March 29, 2015. The works selected for the show capture the essence of Forsyth, an award-winning artist known for his volatile personality and artistic versatility.

The exhibition William J. Forsyth: Only the Strong Persist is drawn from the Indiana State Museum's permanent fine art collection and several private collectors, including Susan Forsyth Selby Sklar of San Marcos, Calif., granddaughter of Forsyth and noted art collector. This exhibit will accompany William J. Forsyth: The Life and Work of an Indiana Artist (Indiana University Press, 2014), a comprehensive book about Forsyth that will be available for purchase in the museum's Indiana Store.

"The attention to Forsyth, an important artist and teacher in Indiana who was an Indianapolis eastside Irvington resident, is long overdue. He was part of the original Hoosier Group artists, one of five Indiana painters who garnered nation acclaim for their work." said Mark Ruschman, curator of fine art. "Many of the works in the exhibition borrowed from private collections will be seen by the public for the first time. Exhibition co-curator Rachel Berenson Perry has assembled an impressive selection of works highlighting the artist's tremendous talents and impressive career."

The opening reception will take place from 6:30 to 8 p0.m. November 6. Reception ticket prices are $25 (members) and $35 (general) each and will be available through Eventbrite and the museum's ticket office.

The exhibition is included with museum admission.

(Image from Fosyth painting courtesy of Indiana State Museum)