Vanderhill to exhibit art in Omaha

Anderson O’Brien Fine Art in Omaha will present an exhibition by Northwestern College art professor Rein Vanderhill, “Illumination,” April 1–24. An opening reception will take place on Friday, April 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1108 Jackson St.

Exhibition hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. The gallery is also open by appointment.

The exhibit features Vanderhill’s large floral and fruit paintings, which include high contrasts and intense colors as well as subtle gradations and shadow. Vanderhill is noted for focusing on the unusual shapes of the shadows on the leaves and petals and often making the deep and dark negative shapes between the leaves and petals the most interesting parts of the paintings. The paintings look almost photographic from a distance but when near show liquid and flowing paint strokes.

Vanderhill will be retiring in May after serving on Northwestern’s faculty since 1974. He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions throughout the Midwest, and his art is part of permanent collections in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Anderson O’Brien Fine Art, located in Omaha’s historic Old Market district, has featured renowned regional artists for over 30 years. Anderson O’Brien provides project design, appraisal, estate services, installation and consultation.